2025 Showbiz Recap: Milestones, collaborations, and farewells in Philippine entertainment

Philippine showbiz marked 2025 with major milestones, landmark collaborations, and moments of remembrance.

In Aubrey Carampel’s 2025 Showbiz Recap, which aired on “24 Oras,” Friday, milestone celebrations were highlighted, led by GMA Network’s 75th anniversary.

The network marked its diamond anniversary with a special gathering of Kapuso artists and executives, highlighting years of programming and public service.

“We look forward to the next 75 years of being one with the Filipino,” GMA Network, Inc. President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. said.

Another milestone followed as “Bubble Gang,” the longest-running gag show in Philippine television, celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The year also saw a historic collaboration in reality television as “Pinoy Big Brother” marked its 20th year with “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition,” bringing together Sparkle and Star Magic artists in a joint project between GMA Network and ABS-CBN.

The season drew viewers across broadcast and digital platforms, leading to a second installment, “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0,” featuring Gen Z artists.

Fantasy television made its return with a new generation of heroes in “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre,” introducing new Sang’gres: Terra played by Bianca Umali, Flamarra by Faith Da Silva, Deia by Angel Guardian, and Adamus by Kelvin Miranda.

They were joined by new characters, including Mitena, portrayed by Rhian Ramos, and Gargan, the keeper of the black diamond, played by Tom Rodriguez.

While the industry welcomed new projects and collaborations, 2025 also became a year of remembrance as Philippine entertainment mourned the passing of veteran artists whose contributions shaped film, music, and television.

Among those remembered were Gloria Romero, Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Ricky Davao, and Emman Atienza.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News