20. Miracle in Cell No. 7 gets a Philippine adaptation
Another highly anticipated film for the year that shows great promise is the local adaptation of yet another Korean Drama titled Miracle in Cell No. 7. This film stars Aga Muhlach as a mentally disabled father and Xia Vigor as his young daughter. The original Korean actor of Aga’s character, Ryu Seung-Ryong, even expressed his excitement and gratitude over the local adaptation! The film will be shown during the Metro Manila Film Fest 2019.
19. The premiere of Filipino romance movies
We were also treated with a number of local romance movies this year, including Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil’s Alone/Together, Nadine Lustre and Carlo Aquino’s Ulan, Julia Barretto and Gerald Anderson’s Between Maybes, Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo’s Hello, Love Goodbye, and Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino’s Isa Pa With Feelings—all of which were well-received by fans and the public.
18. James Reid pairs up with Nancy of MOMOLAND for a TV project
Now here’s news you don’t hear everyday: James Reid has been partnered with Nancy McDonie of Kpop girl group MOMOLAND for an upcoming television project by Dreamscape Entertainment! Titled Soulmate, the series will be directed by Antoinette Jadaone.
17. Liza Soberano leaves Darna project and is replaced by Jane De Leon
Despite coming from the high of her successful romantic drama with Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano also dropped some bad news for everyone. In an official statement, Liza had to withdraw from the much-awaited Darna film due to a finger fracture that would hinder her from performing stunts required for the role. Months later, however, the search for a new Darna ended with young actress Jane De Leon taking the helm.
16. John Lloyd Cruz slowly makes a comeback
John Lloyd Cruz has long taken a hiatus from showbiz to focus on his family life with Ellen Adarna and son Elias. Lately, however, he has been slowly making a comeback after becoming involved in a few projects this year, namely: an endorsement deal for a local shawarma chain, a cameo in upcoming film Culion, and a modeling gig for an international clothing brand.
15. The Search for the Next Xander Ford
On April 22, the talent management of Marlou Arizala (aka Xander Ford) came out with an announcement that they are stripping the former Hasht5 member of his stage name and are on a search for the “next Xander Ford” after he allegedly violated numerous terms in his contract. Star Image Artist Management also imposed a suspension on Marlou that would prevent him from participating in any event without his management’s consent and approval. Star Image lifted the suspension a few days later.
14. Alden Richards is named Asia’s Multimedia Star
Alden Richards is well on his way to becoming an internationally renowned celebrity after he garnered numerous awards and distinctions for his movies, his most recent one being the Asian Star Prize from the 2019 Seoul International Drama Awards in South Korea. Because of it, he has been given the title “Asia’s Multimedia Star.”
(ALSO READ: Alden Richards on his growing fanbase: ‘I won’t let you down’)
13. Nadine Lustre bags four best actress awards
Nadine Lustre also had a golden year this 2019 after she bagged a whopping total of three Best Actress awards from the 67th FAMAS Awards, 42nd Gawad Urian, and the 2019 Asian Academy Creative Awards, as well as one award for Best Performance from the Young Critics Circle.
12. Vice Ganda confirms relationship with Ion Perez
Vice Ganda and Ion Perez have long been rumored to be in a relationship but Vice officially confirmed the news after winning Magpasikat 2019 on October 26 for It’s Showtime’s 10th Anniversary show. In an emotional speech, Vice admitted that he was used to being alone all his life but is now thankful that he doesn’t have to be anymore.
“Ang suwerte ko kasi hindi na ako nag-iisa. Meron na akong katuwang sa buhay (I’m so lucky because I am no longer alone. I now have someone to support me in my life),” he said before he introduced Ion as his boyfriend.
11. Derek Ramsay confirms relationship with Andrea Torres
After much speculation, The Better Woman costars Derek Ramsay and Andrea Torres have officially confirmed that they are dating. In an interview with Pep, Derek said: “We are more than friends. We’re at that stage that we both have feelings for each other. It’s not just both physically attracted; it’s deeper than that in the sense that she has met my parents, I’ve met her parents, our parents have met.”
Prior to Andrea, Derek’s most recent relationship was with Joanne Villablanca. They split after 6 years of dating.
