2023 was full of conspicuous issues that netizens couldn’t stop talking about. From showbiz issues to viral topics online, pinoytrend.net has successfully brought the latest topics to our subscribers for the past 12 months. Here are some of the issues that our followers mostly read this year.

1. Alfamart Girl’s hidden beauty

A convenience store cashier, whom netizens called ‘Alfamart Girl’ went viral on social media after a customer posted a photo during her shift last March.

Her photos quickly received thousands of shares from several netizens who admired her beauty even if she was wearing a facemask in the said pictures.

Some even tried to trace the branch of the Alfamart where she was working so they could personally witness her beauty.

The cashier was later identified as Ervita Parazika, who works at Alfamart Indonesia.

Some Filipino fans expressed regret after realizing that Ervita was not a Filipina.

2. Lea Salonga’s dressing room issue

Lea Salonga went viral on social media after a fan, Christopher Retokelly Carpilla, uploaded a video of the international singer lecturing them about privacy.

The incident happened last July after Lea’s performance on the Broadway musical ‘Here Lies Love.’

The video showed the visibly surprised Lea, who asked Carpilla’s group how they were allowed to enter her dressing room.

“Para akong ipis na inapakan or kutong tiniris, ‘yun po kasi talaga ang naramdaman ko Sir Julius,” said Christopher while narrating the incident. “Lahat po kami natulala,” 

Lea said she only wanted to set boundaries between her and her fans.

“We’re human beings, first of all. We need to rest. We need to take time for ourselves when we say goodbye when we make our curtain call, we head back to the room, that’s it,” she said.

3. Francis Magalona’s alleged other woman, Abegail Rait

An episode of Pinoy Pawnstars last November gained more than 20 million views on the internet after one of their customers, former flight attendant Abegail Rait, claimed that she had a relationship with the legendary rapper Francis Magalona in his final years.

What surprised the netizens more was when she revealed that their relationship produced a child, Francheska Gail Rait.

Abegail then sold the jersey she received from Francis for P500,000.

The issue gained mixed reactions on social media, and some netizens criticized Abegail for having a relationship with a married man.

Francis’s wife, Pia Magalona, refused to speak about the issue.

4. The Dabarkads left Eat Bulaga and GMA Network

No one expected that an internal issue on Eat Bulaga management would escalate quickly in just a short period and didn’t end well.

Rumors about Eat Bulaga’s internal issue have been circulating since March, as one of its founders, Tony Tuviera, was allegedly being forced to retire by the noontime show’s production company, Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc.

The Jalosjos family, who owned TAPE Inc., denied the issues several times, but last May, all hosts of Eat Bulaga, including Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, announced that they were leaving the longest-running noontime show and also GMA Network due to the issues surrounding the production company.

TVJ then filed several charges against TAPE Inc. for using Eat Bulaga branding, saying that Joey was the one who created the said title.

TAPE Inc. lost its trademark franchise on December 5 after the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) favored TVJ’s complaint.

5. Rendon Labador’s criticism against several celebrities and popular figures.

‘Motivational Speaker’ Rendon Labador gained the attention of the netizens due to his comments against celebrities including Joey de Leon, Michael V, Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, and Paolo Contis.

His belief that social media influencers were more powerful than traditional celebrities also gained mixed reactions from the netizens.

Rendon’s former restaurant, Episode Bar + Grill, also gained popularity among the netizens due to his aggressive promotion of his previous business.

6. Vice Ganda, Ion Perez vs. MTRCB

An episode of It’s Showtime gained controversy after Vice Ganda and Ion Perez were seen eating a cake in a different manner in front of several children.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) then ordered an investigation against It’s Showtime, which ended in the suspension of the noontime show.

MTRCB’s chair, Lala Sotto, gained a tremendous amount of criticism from It’s Showtime fans, who accused her of trying to remove the competitors of her father’s noontime show, E.A.T.

7. Alex Gonzaga’s cake issue

Alex Gonzaga raised the eyebrows of the netizens after a video taken during her birthday celebration showed how she smudged a cake to one of their waiters.

Thousands of netizens expressed their sympathy to the poor waiter for allegedly being treated badly by Alex.

The issue ended after the waiter signed a letter and insisted that Alex’s actions were fine to him.

8. Andrea Brillantes’ and Ricci Rivero’s relationship

Andrea Brillantes and Ricci Rivero’s well-publicized relationship ended this year after several months of speculations from the netizens.

The actress then took a swipe several times against Ricci and even insinuated that the latter had not washed his clothes for a year.

Ricci denied the accusations from the actress, and even his family was forced to speak about the issue to defend the basketball player.

9. Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati’s rumored breakup

There were rumors that Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati decided to call it quits due to reasons that were not yet clear.

The issue was fueled by the statements made by Richard’s mother, Annabelle Rama, during an interview, where she said that Sarah was spending too much money despite being unemployed.

However, veteran columnist Cristy Fermin hinted that Richard allegedly treated Sarah badly during their relationship.

Sarah’s mother, Esther Lahbati, also revealed that Richard didn’t allow Sarah to go outside without any bodyguards.

A possible legal battle was also reportedly brewing between the two camps.

10. Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s breakup

One of the biggest breakups this year happened just before 2023 ended.

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla have confirmed the rumors that they decided to end their 11-year relationship.

Kathryn and Daniel didn’t reveal the reason for their breakup, but some netizens speculated that a third party was involved in the issue.

Some netizens linked Andrea Brillantes, who admitted that she had had a long-time crush on Daniel.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OUR THIS YEAR’S JOURNEY! WE WISH YOU ALL A PROSPEROUS 2024.

Netizens were still talking about Rob Gomez after his private conversation with several women, including Herlene Budol and Bianca Manalo, was uploaded on the internet.

Until today, the individual who uploaded the said photos using Rob’s was still not yet identified, but there were speculations that only the actor’s partner, Shaila Rebortera, was capable of doing such an act.

If it was proven, Shaila might be held liable if she was the one who posted the said conversation on social media.

According to the statement posted by the National Privacy Commission, posting private conversations without any permission from all the persons involved in the exchange of messages might face charges for not following the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012.

People who were found guilty of not following DPA might face three years behind bars and pay fines worth P500,000 to P1,000,000.

If the information were too sensitive, the penalty would be higher.

Anyone can file a complaint before the National Privacy Commission and bring the case to court.

However, Shaila might be holding a better card against Rob, as there were reports that she was treated badly by the actor.

If it was proven, Rob may face VAWC charges.

It can be recalled that Shaila visited a law firm amid the spread of Rob’s conversation.

Daisy Cabantog, popularly known as ‘Madam Inutz,’ couldn’t stop her disappointment towards Herlene Budol and publicly criticized her.

The issue started when Inutz swiped against Herlene, who’s now facing controversy due to her alleged affair with co-actor Rob Gomez.

She then criticized people who were tolerating the wrongdoings of their friends.

“Nagutom ako bigla pakain naman” Inutz wrote.

“Kaya dumadami ang nag kakasala kasi nanjan si kunsintidor na kaibigan. Nag sasabing ok lang yan tao ka lang wag nyo kong ibilang,” she added.

Some netizens quickly guessed the individual being criticized by Inutz.

It can be recalled that Inutz and Herlene were handled before by talent manager Wilbert Tolentino.

However, she clarified that her friendship with Herlene was already long over.

“FYI hindi po kami magkaibigan. S***. She’s just a piece of s***,” she said.

“Matagal na po kaming hindi friendship. Naku, ayoko lang magsalita. Hindi ako ‘yung taong makikipagplastikan. Sinabi ko na ‘yun noon pa,” she added.

Inutz then told the netizens that the truth about Herlene’s personality would come out sooner.

“Bago n’yo idolohin ang isang tao, tignan n’yo muna kung perpekto. Tsaka kapag umidolo kayo, siguraduhin n’yong maganda ang ugali…Real talk ito a. Hindi lahat ng maganda, mabait.” she stated.

After Sharon Cuneta posted another cryptic message on her Instagram page, several netizens expressed concern again.

In the said post, Sharon shared a quote about someone who would stay with only one person.

She then added a text, which many netizens believed to be a swipe against someone.

“BOOM! And only YOU! No sidekicks. Yuck.” said Sharon.

It can be recalled that netizens were speculating about the possible separation between Sharon and her current partner, Kiko Pangilinan.

Last Christmas, Sharon posted a family photo where Kiko was cropped out, but she deleted the said post later on.

In another interview, Sharon then talked about her regrets.

“I’m loyal. I’ll never leave you for someone else. I’ll only leave you for myself. For my peace, my sanity, my respect, my dignity,” she stated.

Sharon started to post cryptic messages after her reunion concert with her former husband, Gabby Concepcion.

Sharon was among the celebrities facing separation rumors.

Aside from her, many celebrities like Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Sarah Lahbati, and Richard Gutierrez also faced the same rumors.

Vivamax star Ava Mendez revealed the personality of Kapuso actor Jak Roberto when he was drinking.

In an interview, Ava talked about the rumors that she had an affair with Jak, who is currently in a relationship with Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza.

Ava said that the photos were taken during their friend’s birthday celebration.

“Kaming dalawa lang ni Jak ang kaibigan niyang artista during that time, kasama ko ‘yung mga kapatid ko, yung secretary ko, yung driver ko. So Gathering, nasa five star hotel kami, doon kami kumain at uminom kasama ‘yung malalapit na kaibigan ng may birthday,”

“So ayun, nagkakatuwaan… Si Jak nakainom narin, so nung una may mga lumalapit sa kanya, syempre siya naman hindi siya isnabero, so nakikipag usap siya. Although wala naman akong nakikitang mali doon,” she added.

Because they were the only celebrity guests during the event, they granted the request of every table for a photo opportunity, and Jak accompanied her.

She then disclosed that Jak was becoming ‘touchy’ when he drank too much.

“Nagiging touchy na siya, [pero] hindi lang sakin,” said Ava. “Yung mga nakakita kasi ginawan na nila ng malisya. Pero kapag kilala mo ‘yung tao, normal lang, makulit lang, syempre nakainom, naiintindihan ko ‘yon,” 

“Noong mauubos na namin ‘yung isang box ng malt na nainom namin, doon na siya parang naging aggressive, ‘kumakausap na siya ng mga babae, tapos parang umalis na ‘yung mga babae, and then dapat pauwi narin kami, hindi na kami nakauwi kasi lahat kami lasing. Ayaw na kaming pauwiin noong may birthday.

“Kaya kinuhanan kami ng room doon, so para mag stay at magpahinga para after noon pauwi na. So papunta na kami ng elevator, may ibang fan na nakakita may ginagawa si Jak sa akin, na parang hug lang ng kaibigan. Kasi lasing talaga siya, as in bangag,”

However, she saw nothing wrong with Jak’s gestures.

@madamlq

Ava Mendez nagsalita na sa isyu kay Jak Roberto! Alamin ang buong kwento sa kumakalat na sweet photos at videos online #avamendez #jakroberto #avamendezoffical

♬ original sound – Madam LQ 👑 – Madam LQ 👑

As of writing, Jak or Barbie have yet to give any statement after Ava’s revelation.

Senator Win Gatchalian dedicated a sweet message to his partner Bianca Manalo, who was facing controversy due to the leaked conversation between her and co-star Rob Gomez.

In an Instagram post, Gatchalian vowed to Manalo that he would always support his partner despite the alleged cheating she committed.

“To @biancamanalo, my 2023 Christmas gift to you – I will always be by your side,” the lawmaker said.

Gatchalian was not convinced that his partner was unfaithful to him and called the rumors as ‘fake news’

It can be recalled that Manalo received criticism from the netizens after Gomez’s social media page uploaded their conversation.

“Kaya mo pumunta that early? 7am? Brought my dogs here sa Makati. Let me know para I can go back to bgc early to see you before I leave at 10am. He’s not here. He’s in Valenzuela,” Manalo allegedly told Gomez.

“You didn’t reply on telegram. Meron ka nanaman na pick up na ibang girl noh,” she added.

The other part of the conversation was visibly deleted.

Meanwhile, Manalo insisted that she only invited Gomez to visit her after being informed that the actor prepared gifts for her.

“Rob Gomez and I are friends and co-workers. He was going to bring Christmas gifts and I wanted to receive them early before I leave for the airport,” said Manalo.

“It is upsetting that our conversations were exposed without my consent, which is a breach of privacy and the cause of so much online bashing. It is obvious that parts of our conversation were deleted to create malicious insinuations,” she added.

The leader of Kapa Community Ministry International, Inc. (KAPA), Joel Apolinario, was sentenced to life after leading one of the biggest financial frauds in Philippine history.

In a statement, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed that the Butuan City RTC Branch 33 found Apolinario guilty of eight counts of charges he related to his illegal activities.

It can be recalled that Apolinario offered a 30% ‘monthly blessing’ for the people who would ‘donate’ to their ministry.

However, the authorities found that KAPA had committed a Ponzi scheme.

KAPA gained national attention after former president Rodrigo Duterte ordered the authorities to investigate the group.

“Imagine, your P100,000 earns P30,000 a month? Even our Bangko Sentral can only give 3%, and that’s annually. I have been telling the Filipino people that if what is being promised to you is something like heaven [it’s a scam],” the former President said.

Apolinario tried to hide his location but was eventually found by the authorities, guarded by several men in Surigao del Sur.

SEC said that the sentence against Apolinario should set a lesson for anyone planning to attempt to do the same scheme in the future.

Sarah Lahbati couldn’t hide her happiness after spending her Christmas with her children  Zion and Kai.

In her Instagram post last December 25, Sarah shared her sweet moments with her children with actor Richard Gutierrez.

Sarah’s parents, Esther and Abel Lahbati, were also present during the Christmas celebration.

Netizens were happy to see that Sarah was having happy times with her children.

“Buti na lang sau nagpasko mga bata. Akala ko isasama sa Japan nung biyenan mong palengkera,” netizen Hermielj said.

“Naguguluhan ang mga bata. Lalo si Kai si zion mejo nakakaintindi na pero si kai di nya alam ang nangyayari.. Hay Pray nlang wala tayo magagawa.. Merry Christmas Sarah and to the whole Family,” netizen Juvy commented.

 

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A post shared by SLG (@sarahlahbati)

It can be recalled that Sarah’s mother-in-law, Annabelle Rama, previously claimed that they would spend their Christmas in Japan with Zion and Kai.

She even hinted that Sarah was not included in the trip.

 “Lahat kami pupunta ng Japan. Christmas hanggang Jan. 3. Sama-sama buong pamilya ko, minus one lang. Hindi ko siya nakakausap. Wala akong time makipag-usap sa kanila,” said Annabelle.

“Nakikita mo naman, hindi mo na kailangang magsalita pa. Nakikita mo na ‘yan. Si Richard trabaho nang trabaho, ‘yung isa nagwawaldas ng pera. ‘Yun lang ang masasabi ko diyan,” she added.

There were also rumors that there was a brewing custody battle between Sarah and Richard amid the speculations that the two were separated already.

Rob Gomez shared several photos taken during the Christening of his daughter Amelia amid the controversy he was facing.

The said event, which was held last December 17, showed Rob and his partner, Dr. Shaila Rebortera, holding their baby.

“I love you 3000. TYG for this day,” said Rob in his caption.

The event happened several days before Rob’s social media page uploaded photos of the conversation between the actor and his co-stars, Herlene Budol and Bianca Manalo.

 

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A post shared by Robert Michael Jason Jorge Ejercito (@robgomez.23)

Some netizens questioned why Rob had only uploaded the photo amid the possible charges he might face.

It can be recalled that Shaira already met with her lawyers

“Meet Dr. Shaila Rebortera, the woman caught in the middle of this viral infidelity issue. Welcome to GAA Law! May the truth prevail,” Atty. Alex Avisado Jr. of Gana Atienza Avisado Law Offices wrote.

The meeting between Shaila and her lawyers fueled the speculations that she was preparing to file charges, not only against Rob but also against other people involved in the controversy, including Herlene and Bianca.

Meanwhile, Rob has yet to give any statement on the issue, aside from declaring that his photo was taken by someone else without his permission.