MEGA gives you a breakdown of all things entertainment this 2023, and we’re doing it in alphabet style—from A to Z
Each year has its own twists and turns, especially when it comes to entertainment. In an industry that doesn’t sleep, anything can happen at any time. 2023 indeed proved to us this fact more than ever. As the year closes with shocking revelations, unforeseen turn of events, and a hope for next year’s media offerings, MEGA Entertainment is here to give you a wrap up of all things celebrity, from A to Z.
RELATED: MEGA Entertainment’s Showbiz Rundown For 2022
A is for Atasha Muhlach
The rising star is a living proof that childhood dreams are truly worth pursuing. From her early theater days, Atasha, now 22, has officially entered showbiz this year. Staying true to her promise to parents Charlene and Aga, the Viva artist prioritized her studies before exploring her path in the industry. As she ticked off hosting and singing in her artist bucket list, we can’t wait for our MEGA September 2023 cover girl to showcase her acting chops next year.
B is for breakups
What were you doing last November 30? For a number of Filipinos, time stood still as we all took a moment to take it in—Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla officially ended their 11-year relationship. Now going their separate ways, KathNiel promised to remain supportive of each other until the end as they are now embarking on different paths in their careers and personal lives.
Meanwhile, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim also showed signs of calling their 12-year relationship quits. “Ang love life ko ay naka-hang ngayon,” the actress opened up to Maricel Soriano in a vlog. Last on the breakup list is Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez, who have both remained mum on their official status as of date. One thing is for sure about the still-married couple—they are doing their best for their children, Zion and Kai. While Richard made a teleserye comeback with Iron Heart, Sarah will be making a comeback of her own in action-suspense drama Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa, coming this 2024.
C is for Catriona Gray
Our Miss Universe 2018 is celebrating her old and new wins. Back in February, she and her partner, actor-singer Sam Milby, announced their engagement with a post of their engagement shoot. Meanwhile, marking the fifth year since her coronation, Catriona continued to embody the true essence of a queen by paying homage to her pageant beginnings. And alongside fellow contenders Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2014 MJ Lastimosa, they gave an all-women power hosting at this year’s Binibining Pilipinas.
D is for DonBelle
As this generation’s phenomenal love team, Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan exhibit without a doubt the power that comes in sharing the spotlight with a partner. Starting the year strong, they received a double recognition at the 35th PMPC Star Awards for Television last January. Their first project together, He’s Into Her, received the Best Drama Mini Series accolade. Meanwhile, DonBelle was also awarded as the German Moreno Power Tandem. This 2023, they finally starred in their first official teleserye, Can’t Buy Me Love.
As a pairing, DonBelle is not losing sight that they are two individuals at the end of the day. Growing together and on their own, the two embarked on separate projects as well. Donny released a first look at his solo game-centric film called GG. He also released a new single, “Biglaan.” Meanwhile, Belle wowed us with her multi-talent status this year. Months after releasing her mini album Somber, she had her first solo concert, Beloved, in October.
E is for E.A.T.
After parting ways with Eat Bulaga! producer TAPE Inc., Vic Sotto, Tito Sotto, and Joey De Leon started anew with E.A.T., currently airing on TV5. Joining them are their co-hosts from the previous show: Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Miles Ocampo, Ryan Agoncillo, and Maine Mendoza. The newest addition to their family, Atasha Muhlach, made her way to E.A.T. in September.
F is for FranSeth
For the fans of Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, the pairing was worth the wait. Coming from their quiet chemistry since their Kadenang Ginto and Gold Squad days, the two finally gave their supporters a longer glimpse of their genuine connection with Dirty Linen and Fractured. Away from their shows, the two would also express their appreciation and admiration towards one another in their appearances and vlogs. This 2024, will they finally make their way into the primetime scene or on the big screen? One thing’s for sure—we can’t wait.
G is for the greatness of Dolly De Leon
When and how do we even begin? There is no denying that this 2023, she is the face of Filipino talent in acting for her multiple nominations in Filipino and international award-giving bodies. A good actress knows no big or small roles, and this is what De Leon stands by. This year alone, she received 17 nominations, including the Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a motion picture. Bagging three accolades in Guldbagge Awards, North Dakota Film Society, and Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, Dolly has more in store for her Filipino and international fans. Finally, she “mothered” her way into mainstream cinema as well last September with Petersen Vargas’ A Very Good Girl.
H is for Heart Evangelista
From her public comeback with husband Chiz Escudero to her new chapter at Fashion Week, the country’s fashion maven embraced new beginnings this 2023 with an open heart. She further established her trendsetter status as the first guest of MEGA’s newest podcast, MEGA: The Next Move. What’s next for her? According to the artist, “Make it big. Make it MEGA.”
I is for It’s Showtime
Since its conception, It’s Showtime continues to showcase the variety of personalities that have always made them stand out from the rest. This year was yet another time that the bond of the cast and crew were tried and tested, but it was also a year of forgiveness, friendship, and fun for the family. From Billy and Coleen’s tear-jerking guest appearance during their yearly Magpasikat challenge to the show breaking the rivalry of the Kapamilya and the Kapuso networks, It’s Showtime is indeed a space where true and solid bonds are formed.
J is for juan karlos
This year, the singer-songwriter channeled his heartbreak into an album that fans resonated with. Among the tracks in Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1, “ERE” won the hearts of listeners and made the song a top hit in several platforms, including Billboard and TikTok. After resting his acting skills for six years, JK finally made his on screen comeback in the teen-centric series, Senior High.
K is for Kathryn Bernardo
The actress went all-out solo this 2023, both in her career and personal life. Going back to female-centric role roots, she top billed the blockbuster A Very Good Girl with Dolly De Leon. Kathryn further established her impact in Asia by bagging two international recognitions this year. In September, she flew to South Korea to personally receive her Outstanding Asian Star award at the Seoul International Drama Awards. This month, she graced the Asia Artist Awards to receive her Fabulous Award win.
L is for love stories in real life
Even if hearts broke this year, there were still hopeful moments that made us believe in love. Case in point, the wedding proposal that Bea Alonzo did not see coming from Dominic Roque. 2023 was also a year of celebrity weddings, with Maja Salvador and Rambo Nuñez, as well as Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde, both tying the knot in July.
M is for Michelle Marquez Dee, Filipinas!
Michelle makes history in the Miss Universe competition as the most awarded contender of all time. Finishing strong at the Top 10, she won Spirit of the Carnival, Best National Costume, and the Fan Vote awards, as well as Gold Winner of the Voice of Change. After her pageant stint, she is going back to another passion of hers—acting.
N is for Nadine Lustre
President Nadine proved that she is unstoppable in all ways, always. Apart from bagging her second FAMAS Best Actress Award for Deleter, she also shot her mini series Roadkillers and thriller Nokturno. Going back to her singer roots, she released her track “Overgrown.” As an entrepreneur, she collaborated with her partner, Chris Bariou, in launching Maison Bukana Wines. Lustre also graced Paris Fashion Week alongside Anne Curtis, Pia Wurtzbach, and Heart Evangelista. Despite her booked and busy schedule as a full-fledged multi-hyphenate, Nadine still makes sure to devote her time in advocating for causes that she believes in, with veganism topping the list.
O is for owning names
From TVJ’s Eat Bulaga trademark to SB19 reclaiming their name, 2023 was a crucial time for owning one’s identity. If there is anything that this teaches us, the name is as crucial as those who give meaning to it.
P is for P-Pop power
The impact of music in our lives as Filipinos continues to live on through the rise of P-Pop. With groups such as ALAMAT, G22, VXON, and Kaia, the genre that once reached a peak in the past with SexBomb Girls is never really going away—it’s just in its new era.
Q is for Queen Pia Wurtzbach
Marking 2023 as a time for new beginnings, Pia walked new paths as a wife, author, and a woman of fashion. Last May, the actress shared her intimate wedding with husband Jeremy Jauncey on Instagram. September also made a mark in her life as she launched her first novel, Queen of the Universe, and walked the streets of Milan and Paris for Fashion Week.
R is for reunions
There is a special bond that friends from the past share, and celebrities feel that connection, too. Last March, Johnny Manahan reunited with his past alagas in the industry, namely Heart Evangelista, Bea Alonzo, Maja Salvador, Jericho Rosales, Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, and John Lloyd Cruz for an intimate birthday celebration of the starmaker. At the ABS-CBN Ball, a The Hunks reunion also ensued between heartthrobs Jericho, Piolo, and Diether. Meanwhile, Heart and Bea have also built a newfound bond as friends, going out of their ways to celebrate each other’s success. But the reunion that ultimately made a mark this year was Heart and Marian finally interacting in the flesh after more than a decade since their last appearance together.
S is for SB19
The P-Pop royalty achieved great feats this 2023 with a number of accomplishments under their belt. After gracing the cover of MEGA Entertainment last May, Pablo, Josh, Stell, Justin, and Ken made history as the cover stars of Billboard Philippines’ maiden issue, alongside Regine Velasquez. After the release of their newest EP, PAGTATAG!, their track “Gento” became a viral hit in the country and in the international scene, with members of K-Pop groups such as 2NE1, Super Junior, ATEEZ, Enhypen, and Lapillus doing their dance challenge.
T is for TikTok King, Dennis Trillo
Celebrating 15 years in show business as the Primetime King, Dennis proves that there is more to his craft than a series of dramatic roles. This year, he went all out in showing his comedic side on TikTok, making his videos a hit to fans and supporters from different ages.
U is for Unbreak My Heart
The official partnership between ABS-CBN and GMA finally happened with the premiere of Unbreak My Heart this year. Starring Kapamilya’s finest Jodi Sta. Maria and Joshua Garcia, and Kapuso stars Richard Yap and Gabbi Garcia, the project is the first collaboration between the two networks. This was followed by another partnership between Julia Montes and Alden Richards for Five Breakups and A Romance. Meanwhile, reel-turned-real couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera collaborated with Star Cinema for their MMFF offering, Rewind. With these three projects proving that artists are stronger when together, who will be the next roster of talents crossing the gates of Kamuning and Mother Ignacia?
V is for Vice Ganda
Truly unkabogable this 2023, Vice Ganda remains as one of the country’s impactful entertainers. From composing and performing an original track called “Rampa” for Binibining Pilipinas to resisting homophobic attacks to her and husband Ion Perez, the comedienne-host remains to be an artist with a purpose with her jokes and statements. On the brighter side of things, she is also the subject of “TikTok cores,” with clips of her interactions with her co-hosts trending for their fun interactions.
W is for world class Filipino talents
From the art of acting to fashion, Filipino craftsmanship continues to dominate the world by storm. Enchong Dee, Romnick Sarmenta, and Kaladkaren graced the launch of Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles last November. On the other hand, Maris Racal and EJ Jallorina attended the Udine Film Festival in Italy for their film, Where Is The Lie? Finally, John Llloyd Cruz coveted another Best Actor Award at Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland for the Lav Diaz film, Essential Truths of The Lake.
X is for Xyriel Manabat
The on-screen return of Xyriel Manabat was definitely worth the wait. Her trending performances as Tonet and Roxy in Dirty Linen and Senior High, respectively, prove that we have so much more to look forward to from her. Truly a cut above the rest, we are excited from the relentless power that Xyriel holds when she plays her characters.
Y is for a year of evolution
2023, indeed, was a period of change for artists. Whether we are talking about the new hairstyles of Kathryn, Nadine, Maine, Francine, and Sarah or the new on-screen partnership of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, it is a refreshing season fit for a new slate this 2024.
Z is for Zack Tabudlo
Although he is a talented artist in his own right, Zack made 2023 his year of collaborating with a number of his fellow singers. He worked with rapper Al James for the track “Gusto” and Thai-Belgian artist Violette Wautier for the song “Turn Back Time.” He also collaborated with fellow artists such as Nasty C, Mae Stephens, joan, Diego Gonzalez, Aby, and Johnny Orlando this year alone.
2023 was a year that definitely entertained us with stories that we shall remember long after this year ends. And as MEGA Entertainment wraps up its coverage of all things celebrity this season, we aim to give our readers more elevated content in the next years to come.
