2019 Lookback: Top 10 Newsmakers in the Philippines
Another year has come to an end and as we bid goodbye to 2019, it’s time to look back on some of the news worthy events of the year as we list down the top 10 newsmakers of 2019!
Manny Pacquiao wins vs Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman
The nation’s one and only Pacman once again proved that he still reigns in the boxing ring as he defeated boxers Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman in WBA welterweight matches this year.
Manny Pacquiao won over Broner via unanimous decision in January retaining his WBA Regular welterweight title. He also won by split decision versus Thurman in July at the age of 40.
Pia Wurtzbach: First Filipino Wax Figure
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach has been forever immortalized to represent the Philippines as Madame Tussauds unveiled the Filipina beauty queen’s wax twin last March.
It is also the first Filipino wax figure created by the infamous wax museum featuring the one and only Pia Wurtzbach!
Also read: Pia Wurtzbach is Madame Tussauds’ First Filipino Wax Figure
Discovery of Homo luzonensis
Filipino archaeologists Armand Mijares and Philip J. Piper discovered one of the most important finds in history as they identified a species of ancient human dubbed as Homo luzonensis.
IMAGE National Geographic
In April, the newly discovered species was found in Callao Cave, Cagayan after years of intensive research and is believed to have lived in the island of Luzon at least 50,000 to 67,000 years ago.
2019 Midterm National Elections
After months of nationwide electoral campaigns, the world once again witnessed how Filipinos casted their votes as they choose their senatorial bets and local government leaders in the 2019 Midterm National Elections in May 13.
COMELEC chair Abas declares the winning senators in the 2019 polls:
1. Cynthia Villar
2. Grace Poe
3. Christopher Lawrence Go
4. Pia Cayetano
5. Bato dela Rosa
6. Sonny Angara
7. Lito Lapid
8. Imee Marcos
9. Francis Tolentino
10. Koko Pimentel
11. Bong Revilla
12. Nancy Binay pic.twitter.com/qFbLJILzU4— Phil News Agency (@pnagovph) May 22, 2019
In May 22, the Commission on Elections released the final and official results of the election, which includes the new set of senators to form the 18th Congress of the Philippines, district representatives, and provincial and local government officials.
Also read: LOOK: PH Midterm Election Results Announced
Boracay and Siagrao received international travel recognition
2019 is also a year for travels as various international travel organizations recognized the serene beauty of the Philippine beaches.
IMAGE Coach RM Lobaton
After six months of rehabilitation in 2018, Boracay reclaimed its glory as Condé Nast Traveler named it as the Best Island in Asia for 2019.
Meanwhile, the famed island of Siargao was recently recognized by Hostelworld as One of the Best Backpacking Destinations for 2020.
Cloud 9 in Siargao
Also read:
Boracay Tops Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Islands in Asia 2019
Siargao Recognized as One of the Best Backpacking Destinations for 2020
Filipino tycoon Gokongwei’s passing
This year is not all highs as the business world were shocked with the sudden passing of highly-reputed businessman John Gokongwei Jr. at age 93 in November.
The late Gokongwei is the founder of one of the largest and most diversified Filipino conglomerate—JG Summit Holdings, and the country’s third wealthiest person with a net worth of USD 5.8 billion.
He is survived by his children Lance, Robina, Lisa, Marcia, Faith, and Hope.
Also read: Highly-Reputed Businessman John Gokongwei Jr. Leaves an Inspirational Trail After His Passing
Pixar’s Float
For the past years, many Filipino animators have been recognized for their contribution to Disney and Pixar movies including Monsters University, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It-Ralph, The Incredibles, and Tangled among others.
This year, Filipinos takes the spotlight as Pixar released a short animated film written and directed by Bobby Rubio titled Float, which features the first CGI Filipino characters or Pixnoys.
Float is available for streaming in Disney+.
Also read: Pixar Features First Filipino Characters in Short Animated Film Float
Shake Shack, Popeye’s, and Panda Express opens in PH
A few of international fast food outlets also came to the country this year to serve Filipinos their world-renowned menu.
Everybody has gone crazy over Shake Shack’s honest-to-goodness burgers, hotdogs, fries, and frozen treats as they opened their first branch in BGC in May. In the same month, Popeye’s also made a grand comeback after a decade as they opened their first branch in Pasig.
Further, Panda Express finally graced the Filipino palate with their famous Orange Chicken when they recently opened their SM Megamall branch!
Also read: Restaurants that Opened in the First Half of 2019
SEA Games 2019
Hosted by the Philippines, the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian Games was an overall blast with unforgettable feats, record-breaking performances, and genuine sportsmanship.
Over 8,500 delegates from 11 participating countries competed in 530 games from November 30 to December 11 that was held in various areas in Central, Southern, and Metro Manila.
The Philippine team managed to bag 387 medals composed of 149 golds, 117 silver, and 121 bronzes. This is the most gold medals the country has won in the SEA Games to date since it first joined in 1977.
Also read: PH Wins as One at the 30th Southeast Asian Games
Maguindanao Massacre verdict
Perhaps one of the biggest news breakers of the decade is the announcement of the verdict of Maguindanao Massacre, which was considered as the single deadliest event for journalists in history.
After an agonizing 10 years of trial, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court found former Maguindanao mayor Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr., his siblings, and several others guilty for 57 counts of murder sentenced to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years imprisonment without parole.
New 20-piso coin
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently released the new 20-Piso under the New Generation Currency Coin Series of BSP. The 20-Piso coin is now the highest denomination in the NGC series that was launched last 2018.
The coin retains the major features of the 20-Piso banknote including the image of Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth. The reverse side, on the other hand, shows the BSP logo and the Malacañan Palace.
Also read: New 20-Piso and Enhanced 5-Piso Coins Released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Which of these 2019 events struck you the most? Share it with us on the comments below!
