We look at New Year’s Day as a symbol of fresh beginnings. But as we move forward to all things brand new including improved versions of ourselves, we also need to reflect back on yesteryear and note which parts are worth taking and leaving behind. Your favorite Kapamilya stars reminisce on their 2021, summed up in three words.
Coco Martin’s 2021 was “malungkot”, “mahirap,” and pag-asa.” He said the first quarter was a time of devastating lows due to ABS-CBN’s non-franchise renewal, feeling sorry for the retrenched employees and those who lost their jobs to the pandemic. At the latter part, however, he feels like hope is renewed. “Ngayong patapos na ang 2021, nararamdaman ko na dahan nang bumabalik ‘yung sigla ng buong mundo, ng Pilipinas, ng show business, ng trabaho natin, ng ABS-CBN,” mused the actor-director.
For Julia Montes, the past year allowed us to rekindle our relationship with God. It’s been full of “faith, hope, and love.” She related, “Kasi sa lahat ng nangyari noong 2021, ‘yung ABS-CBN, pandemic, problem din sa safety ng family mo, doon mo mare-realize na hindi dapat mawawala ‘yung hope, faith mo kay God at yung love mo sa bawat isa na nakakasama mo.”
CocoJul uplifted fans this 2021 with their onscreen reunion via FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
The previous year wasn’t all zest for Alyssa Muhlach, especially the early days she described as “boring.” Her afternoon series Pamilya Ko got cancelled. She was stuck at home, although it was also her choice to minimize her trips to the mall and grocery to protect herself from the seemingly uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.
After boredom came the eagerness to work again. She would understand that not everyone is getting the same opportunity due to the pandemic and ABS-CB franchise denial. Nonetheless, she waited for her turn. Now Alyssa is part of “Hello, Heart” and KathNiel’s forthcoming teleserye, making 2021 “fulfilling.”
“I’m grateful to ABS-CBN for that and I felt fulfilled when I was on the set and I was able to work into something that I love,” said Alyssa. She also went for the word “interesting” because her workmates are mostly new faces. She said it was easy to make friends with everybody, thanks to the lock-in setup.
Esnyr Ranollo picked “unexpected, blessed, positivity.” Esnyr is one of those TikTok content creators who helped make quarantine a little light and fun. And he’s grateful to have spread positivity by making other people laugh. From TikTok, Esnyr displayed his talent in DonBelle’s romantic film “Love Is Color Blind,” hence the adjectives unexpected and blessed.
Janine Berdin had a year that’s “full of risks, fulfillment, music.” Cool Cat Ash focused on self-love – “surprises, self-improvement, motivation.”
Rise Artists Studios’ Anthony Jennings and Daniela Stranner agreed that both their 2021 were “unstoppable and exciting.” The love team is starring in their romantic movie “Love at First Stream” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.
Lovi Poe’s journey was full of “growth, learning, and realizations” – a lot of them. The showbiz royalty became a bonafide Kapamilya this year. She’s set to star in the Filipino adaptation of hit Korean drama Flower of Evil opposite Piolo Pascual.
AC Bonifacio summed up her year with “blessed, joy, hope.” Her biggest achievements in 2021 include an appearance in the hit US teen drama “Riverdale” and the release of her single “Fool No Mo.”
For Vivoree Esclito, it was a “dream come true.” She showcased impressive performances in Your Face Sounds Familiar wherein she channelled her inner Sarah Geronimo, and Ariana Grande in the final showdown. She also starred in He’s Into Her topbilled by Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano.
Francine Diaz summarized her 2021 as “challenging, exciting, and fulfilling.” Andrea Brillantes went for “stressful, grateful, strong;” Seth Fedelin, “blessed, happy, sad;” Kyle Echarri,“ up, down, and around.” The Gold Squad had a meaningful 2021 with the success of their inspirational drama series Huwag Kang Mangamba.