Amidst continued relief operations for victims of super typhoon Odette; another round of rising COVID numbers, possibly brought about by the new Omicron variant; and a generally unremarkable run of the annual Metro Manila Filmfest, 2021 ended in a lackluster note even if it afforded Filipinos some chance to go out and party under the government’s short-lived Alert Level 2 order.
While experiencing some semblance of normalcy, after almost two years of restricted movement, proved to be temporary, it gave a taste of what could be awaiting us once the world finally re-opens for good.
The same trend of hits and misses was seen in the Philippine entertainment scene in the year 2021. Alongside the triumphant and happy events that marked the world’s second pandemic year, many negatives also dampened the spirits of those in the industry as well as those following it closely. For this reason, Thrillmaker has put together this list of the most notable personalities and events that somehow managed to earn the tag “notable” in a generally, “forgettable” year.
FILM ACTOR OF 2021. The movie haul of 2021 was understandably limited and choices are few. However, it is still undeniable that the Filipinos’ performing talents are bountiful, overflowing. For this category, Thrillmaker gives its thumbs up to Christian Bables for his convincing portrayal as the friendly beautician Dharna in "Big Night." His performance is one of the few reasons why 2021’s MMFF can still be considered a victory, despite bombing at the tills.
FILM ACTRESS OF 2021. This recognition should be given hands down to Charo Santos-Concio whose sensitive and gut-wrenching portrayal of Norma in “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” was enough to remind us that she is, more than a production executive, first and foremost an actress.
BREAKTHROUGH ACTOR AND ACTRESS OF 2021. Daniel Padilla and Rans Rifol, both of "Kun Maupay Man It Panahon." Both young performers made a clear statement through this latest venture. They both can act...well.
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MOST NOTABLE WEDDINGS OF 2021. While Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez also decided to tie the knot this year, along with other showbiz personalities like former kiddie star Hopia, there were three weddings that can be considered truly notable this year. The winners are: Angel Locsin and Neil Arce; Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo; and the quite surprising I dos exchanged between Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay.
MOST NOTABLE BREAK UPS OF 2021. Two beauty queens and several social media influencers made it to the Thrillmakers’ most notable break-ups list, which includes: Paolo Contis and Lj Reyes; Janine Gutierrez and Rayver Cruz; Aljur Abrenica and Kylie Padilla; Alodia Gosiengfiao and Will Dasovich; Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo and PBB Housemate Neil Salvacion; and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez and DJ Kate Jagdon.
MOST NOTABLE DEATHS OF 2021. On a sad note, here are the ones who will surely be missed around the showbiz circles and whose deaths we mourn: Ricky Lo; Orestes Ojeda; Shalala; Claire dela Fuente; Mahal; Victor Wood; Heber Bartolome; Manoling Morato; National Artists Bien Lumbera and Arturo Luz; and my very good friend, Direk Arlyn dela Cruz.
MOST NOTABLE PEOPLE OF 2021. The Thrillmaker agrees with the choice made recently by Noel Ferrer’s Level Up Program, which awarded first Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz; Nobel Peace Prize Winner Maria Ressa; and Vice President Leni Robredo who were even the inspirations behind the literary piece penned by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario entitled “Tatlong Bituin,” which actually refers to the three stars in the country’s flag. However, putting political colors on the side, President Rodrigo Duterte and even former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque likewise share in the same tag for bravely facing the people every single day to reassure them of things being done to get us through this pandemic. The honor as the Most Notable Faces on TV also belongs to the duo.
Coming up... Philippine Pageantry’s Most Notable List For 2021