11 Scene Stealers of 2023

This list is about those who stole the limelight and made us all look. Too many iconic moments  that happened in 12 months. Now that we are close to the end of that chapter, here are the legendary scene-stealers who deserved to be seen.

11. Liza Soberano in Lisa Frankenstein

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How frequently do we witness Filipino artists gracing Hollywood? Only a select few. Liza’s remarkable achievement stands as a testament to her talent, despite the controversy she encountered some time ago. While her outspoken stance garnered varied reactions, Liza Soberano’s role in Hollywood is a cherished gift for her supporters, eagerly awaiting her return to acting since 2020. With a door now opened for her in Hollywood, her face and talent are bound to leave a lasting impression on people, capturing their interest for the long haul.

10. Queens of OPM
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Three revered OPM Queens—Moira, Sarah Geronimo, and Regine Velasquez—took the stage once again this year in their respective concert shows. These queens have made monumental contributions to the OPM industry, and their concerts serve as a gesture of gratitude to their fans, showcasing their artistry through soulful singing and captivating performances.

Moira, recognized for her flawless releases resonating with today’s generation, poured her heart into her concert, delivering an emotionally poignant performance. Sarah Geronimo, hailed as the Popstar Royalty, is no stranger to grand-scale showcases. Her commanding stage presence and remarkable vocals, synchronized with the production, make her performances a visual and auditory spectacle.

Meanwhile, Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez, reaffirmed that true talent withstands the test of time. Her enduring prowess proves she’s still at the top of her game, consistently raising the bar and refusing to settle for anything less, catering to both old and new generations. Despite their differing genres and performance styles, their exceptional talent solidifies their status as OPM Queens in the industry.

9. Vice-Anne core moments
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The popular noontime show, It’s Showtime, continues to leave a lasting impact on today’s generation. The compilation videos on TikTok, featuring nostalgic skits and spontaneous interviews from the show, consistently strike a chord with viewers, evoking joyous laughter and leaving a lasting impression.

The duo, known as ‘sisteret’ when addressing each other, symbolizes a profound friendship that transcends backgrounds, showcasing that genuine love and camaraderie know no boundaries. Their enduring bond resonates deeply, having known each other for a long time and fostering a connection that mirrors joy and authenticity.

8. The magic of “BarDa”
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With the hit TV series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” GMA’s newly established loveteam of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco began creating endearing and heartwarming moments on screen. The show, which propelled the potential of this affectionately termed ‘BarDa’ loveteam, garnered widespread fondness among audiences. Recognizing the surge of admiration for this duo, the network responded to the public’s enthusiasm by creating a spinoff reminiscent of the action-packed series previously led by Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla. This new show not only highlighted the undeniable chemistry between Barbie and David but also showcased their remarkable versatility in the craft, cementing their position as enduring figures in the entertainment industry. It’s evident that they have made a compelling case for their permanence in show business.

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7. Marian Rivera
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Renowned for her iconic TV series like “Marimar,” “Dyesebel,” and “Amaya,” Marian Rivera has always exuded stardom. Her infectious smile and striking beauty have been among her most recognizable traits. However, as she embraced motherhood, she gracefully stepped out of the limelight to focus on parenting, a period that profoundly enriched her life, fostering a strong and nurturing family bond.

Now making a triumphant return to the mainstream, Marian Rivera’s TikTok videos have garnered hundreds of millions of views, her social media presence has surged with massive engagement, and her recent film in the Metro Manila Film Festival ‘Rewind’ became a box office hit. It’s evident she knows how to navigate the entertainment landscape with finesse. Perhaps it’s her profound understanding of love as a mother that endears her to so many—her genuine warmth and authenticity shine through, resonating deeply with her audience. She embodies love and authenticity, attributes that captivate the hearts of many people.

6. Melai Korean invasion at AAA
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The Asia Artist Awards (AAA), Korea’s prestigious ceremony honoring excellence in music, film, and television, made a landmark move this year by choosing the Philippines as its host country. Often dubbed as Asia’s equivalent of the Grammy and Oscar awards, the AAA recognizes outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. PULP, a live concert and event producer in the Philippines, mounted this momentous occasion on December 14, 2023.

This year’s 8th edition of the awards drew attention not only for celebrating the remarkable achievements in the industry but also for its global appeal, attracting talents from around the world. Of course, we have our very own Melai Cantiveros, who won the Best Actress award, and had her speech go viral on different platforms. Her humorous delivery reflects the essence of an average Filipino, but she’s undeniably unique. One might wonder about her thought process. Beyond that, her speech resonated, showcasing her authenticity. It highlighted that regardless of who watches, she remains true to herself and confidently does her thing.

The significance of hosting such a colossal event in the Philippines cannot be overstated. It marks a historic milestone—an unforgettable commemoration of talents and cultures destined to be etched in the annals of entertainment history, much like Melai’s hilarious acceptance speech will also find its place in the history books.

5. Drag Race Philippines S2 Queens

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When two frontrunners of Drag Race Philippines Season 2 battled it out in a lip sync, they didn’t just entertain—they showed an unforgettable performance that left viewers yearning to relive that electrifying moment anew. Captivating Katkat and Bernie, the seasoned Drag Queens, not only fiercely lip-synced but also showcased the caliber of performance that Filipino drag artists offer to a global audience.

The impact of their lip sync rippled across various platforms, captivating the attention and admiration of Drag Queens worldwide. Beyond these two seasoned queens, M1ss Jade So also made waves with her antics in popular tongue-pop, reviving a trend. Her eccentricity isn’t just about leaving a memorable impression every time she speaks; it’s her profound understanding of her art and brand that sets her apart, it can put her in the spotlight for years to come.

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Similar to Katkat and Bernie’s lipsync battle of ‘The Power,’ which has become synonymous with the duo as it evoked emotions that fans yearn to experience repeatedly. Now, it is more than just a song; it’s evolved into an anthem—one that embodies resilience, strength, and the unwavering spirit of womanhood.

4. Apo Whang Od
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In the recent edition of Miss Universe, Michelle Dee, the Philippines’ representative, her breathtaking performance in the evening gown segment stands as an undeniable highlight, showcasing the beauty of Apo Whang Od’s long rich history through her gown.

The gown, a creation by the talented designer Mark Bumgarner, curated the essence of preserving unique traditions. Drawing inspiration from the icon, renowned for her cultural heritage, the dress became a symbolic tribute to authenticity and beauty. It transcended mere fabric and stitches, embodying a profound homage to an artistry that has garnered global recognition. Tagged as the oldest and last mambabatok alive, the richness of tradition and evolution beyond stands as a testament to their time, transcending conventional norms. Apo Whang-Od embodies a cultural legacy that will transcend generations, rooted in the virtues of bravery, authenticity, and passion.

3. The P-Pop Kings
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SB19 indeed blazed a trail for P-Pop—an assertion that rings true. Paving the way isn’t merely about being the first to tread uncharted paths within the industry. It encompasses a myriad of accomplishments, anchoring the group’s name in a competitive field teeming with cutthroat competition. Their pioneering efforts extend beyond mere experiences; they’ve reached boundaries that enrich the entire landscape, showcasing their artistry and sparking a demand for their creations in the market. This, in turn, prompted agencies to invest and confer prestige upon P-Pop.

Undoubtedly, “Gento ” has been a hit, yet SB19’s inaugural international collaboration deserves recognition that it might not have received. Amidst the success of their recent releases, the global platform beckons for similar synergies. SB19, hailed as the P-Pop kings, embarked on their maiden international collaboration, infusing the essence of Filipino culture into American singer-songwriter JVKE’s hit, “Golden Hour.” Their rendition transcended a different falir of the song; it was a profound elevation that showcased Filipino nuances, asserted their remarkable songwriting prowess and breathed new life into “Golden Hour.

This wave of collaborations not only reshaped the local industry but also hinted at the immense potential for global collaborations, fostering a landscape where diverse talents converge, creating transcendent and culturally rich content. With SB19, there has been a rapid change in how the general public perceives P-Pop nowadays. They’ve paved a path that will make it easier for their peers to follow suit and celebrate art, just as they’ve always done.

2. Hello, Dollywood!
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Dolly stands as a testament to unwavering resilience, pure grit, and an abundance of talent. Her journey might have been long, but the culmination of her efforts has ignited a newfound confidence, granting her the power of choice—a luxury she once lacked. No longer settled to roles out of necessity, she now navigates her career with a sense of agency, a contrast to her past where roles were perceived as a means to support her family.

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Her role in ‘Triangle of Sadness’ became a pivotal moment, unlocking a treasure of opportunities and earning her numerous accolades in the realm of acting. Dolly, a stalwart in the industry, serves as an emblematic figure for every Filipino aspiring to see their talents recognized. Her journey exemplifies that with the right opportunities, achieving success knows no bounds.

Her standout presence in 2023 extends beyond borders. She is set to work with international productions like “Grand Death Lotto,” alongside international stars like John Cena and Awkwafina, and collaborating with the esteemed Nicole Kidman marks a remarkable milestone in her career. In the local scene, she effortlessly transitioned from roles confined to a specific demographic to mainstream cinema, as seen in Star Cinema’s groundbreaking “A Very Good Girl,” starring alongside Kathryn Bernardo. The film’s fresh and unconventional approach resonated deeply, making waves among audiences.

But her string of successes doesn’t end there. Dolly’s triumph continued as she clinched the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2023 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival for her role in “Iti Mapukpukaw,” a groundbreaking full-length animated film. The movie itself emerged victorious as the festival’s Best Film, solidifying Dolly’s exceptional talent and contribution to the industry.

Amidst her triumphs, Dolly remains a humble force, her awards merely a reflection of her unwavering dedication and the impact of her undeniable presence in the world of film. Her legacy speaks volumes, defining her as a true scene-stealer whose actions and achievements resonate louder than any accolade she might receive.

1.Kath without the Niel

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From a phenomenal loveteam to a breakup that resonated across the nation, the breakup of KathNiel was an event nobody anticipated. Their presence in the Philippines was so pervasive that imagining a corner where people didn’t recognize KathNiel seemed unfathomable. Their impact spanned filmography and television series, imprinting itself deeply in the hearts of audiences.

KathNiel’s journey started from their youth, a narrative witnessed by the public who watched them evolve and achieve unprecedented success in their intertwined careers. However, as they soared to greater heights, the inevitable divergence into solo projects turned—a pivotal moment prompting personal growth.

Amidst this juncture of a pivotal moment, Kathryn emerged as an icon in her own right, transcending the confines of her previous sweet-like persona. She grew into a more confident and self-assured woman revealing layers of depth and authenticity previously unseen. Unshackled from the confines of a predefined image, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, embodying a ‘girl-boss’ persona characterized by her unapologetic authenticity and unwavering talent.

Today, Kathryn stands as a scene-stealer, captivating the current generation not merely for her past associations but for the commanding presence she exudes—an embodiment of authenticity, values, and talent. Her journey involves a return to her core, embracing her true essence, and refusing to confine herself to predefined roles or relationships. She revels in loving every facet of herself, unapologetically expressing her desires, and pursuing endeavors that resonate with her true self.

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