Looking back, 2025 unfolded in feeds, chats, and comment sections. From memes and viral snacks to celebrity news, sports victories, and global pop culture, it was a year that showed how Filipinos connect, celebrate, and keep pace with a world that never stops trending.

 

Here are the Top 25 moments of 2025 that defined the year for Filipinos and the world.

 

1. AI-generated portraits became one of the most shared visuals, with Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) calling it “an insult to life itself.”2. “What haffen, Vella?” Filipino adulting memes and work burnout-themed memes were widely shared across platforms… sumakses istep by the istep. And that Coldplay concert cheating couple meme re by brands and businesses everywhere. 

 

3. Restaurants across the Philippines received Michelin Stars (check out Spot.Ph’s directory).

4. Artificial Intelligence changed how people worked making AI tools a standard in offices and creative fields with significant layoffs across tech, logistics, retail, and professional services, driven by AI integration, restructuring, and economic pressures, such as companies like UPS, Verizon, Amazon, Meta, PwC, Target , and Procter & Gamble.

5. Wicked 2: For Good… “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” (*TEARS*)

 

6. Netflix and local series such as Incognito, Lavender Fields, Saving Grace, dominated most-watched lists and social media chatter.

 

7. Celebrity breakups (Gerald Anderson & Julia Barretto, Catriona Gray & Sam Milby, Kyline Alcantara & Kobe Paras, Ellen Adarna & Derek Ramsay); cheating scandals fueled timelines; cryptic posts and unfollows became headline entertainment…

8. Meanwhile on a positive note: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement became one of the most interacted celebrity moments of the year.

 

9. The unexpectedly sold out The SexBomb Girls reunion concert got us all nostalgic with Get, Get, Aw!

 

10. SB19, BINI, and other P-Pop groups dominated discussions about streaming and awards.

11. Beauty pageant wins and even controversial placements sparked national pride and murmurings.

 

12. Filipino athletes like Alex Eala wins the women’s singles tennis gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games.

 

13. Internet “call out culture” became highly organized with long posts with screenshots and timelines replaced vague accusations.

14. Brand authenticity were constantly scrutinized by consumers, becoming more wary and critical of business’ content since the rise of AI.

15. Swiping fatigue became a universal online topic as more and more users ditch the dating app and just make connections through Instagram, if not organically.

 

16. Screen fatigue and therapy conversations gained traction worldwide.

17. Education conversations focused on AI and learning tools as students and teachers debated AI use in classrooms “not in rejecting tools but in using them wisely.”

18. Rising cost of living became impossible to Ignore as food prices and transport costs dominated national headlines.

19. Jeepney modernization remained a heated national debate while protests and policy discussions continued across the country.

 

20. Sports conversations expanded beyond basketball as weightlifting, boxing, and volleyball gained more visibility.

21. Food content creator, Abi Marquez (@abigailfmarquez) wins Most Innovative Content Creator of the Year award at International Business Awards 2025. Food vloggers like Erwan Heussaff and Ninong Ry also influenced eco-conscious menus.

22. Extreme heat disrupted schools and work schedules when heat index alerts led to class suspensions nationwide.

23. Notable and controversial deaths prompted public mourning and conversations.

 

 

24. Controversial flood control projects ignited national conversations, as more youths and celebrities took part in protests demanding that those responsible be held accountable: When are these criminals going to be held behind bars?

25. Filipino resilience defined the spirit of 2025 despite challenges, humor, creativity, togetherness, vigilance, and community endured.

 

 

 

Special Mentions:

• Local elections discussions became more personal, with more Filipinos emphasizing that even barangay-level votes matter.

• Marvel fans went wild when the studio released an announcement about Avengers: Doomsday, confirming the return of X-Men actors to the MCU, sparking nationwide excitement and social media buzz.

• LGBTQ+ visibility and rights stayed in the spotlight, as conversations around representation, acceptance, and equality continued across media and online spaces.

• More Filipinos traveled in 2025, with tourism data showing outbound and domestic travel nearing pre-pandemic levels as people embraced leisure and experiences again.

• Small business owners spoke openly about survival, shifting conversations from passion projects to sustainability and resilience.

• Filipino males talked more openly about vulnerability, normalizing emotional expression and mental health awareness.

• Singlehood became more accepted, with growing discussions about fulfillment outside traditional timelines.

• Parents questioned traditional discipline and generational trauma, reflecting a shift toward more conscious parenting.

• Moving out of Metro Manila became aspirational, as many explored quieter provinces and better quality of life.

• Pickleball and HYROX emerged as lifestyle sports trends, blending fitness, competition, and social events.

 

 

 

 

 

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that Filipinos know how to live online and offline at the same time. From viral food experiments and pop culture highs to serious moments that made us stop and think, this year captured the heart, humor, and hustle of a generation.

Cheers to new beginnings and justice for us Filipinos in 2026!