Music
This duo’s "Closer" featuring Halsey stayed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks.
The Chainsmokers
Ryan Reynolds played this "Merc with a Mouth" in a R-rated superhero breakout.
Deadpool
This Filipina won the Miss Universe title in late 2015, but spent most of 2016 reigning "confidently beautiful with a heart."
Pia Wurtzbach
Millions took to the streets to play this augmented reality mobile game released in July of 2016.
Pokémon GO
This NBA star led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit.
LeBron James
This singer released her visual album Lemonade to critical acclaim.
Beyonce
This Disney film sequel was the highest-grossing film of the year.
Finding Dory
This "Kalyeserye" loveteam reached its peak popularity in 2016, starring in the film Imagine You and Me.
AlDub
This city hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Rio de Janeiro
At the Rio Olympics, this swimmer became the most decorated Olympian of all time.
Michael Phelps
This singer, who passed away in April 2016, was known for hits like "Purple Rain."
Prince
In Captain America: Civil War, this young actor made his debut in the MCU.
Tom Holland
This silver medalist in weightlifting at the Rio Olympics ended the Philippines' 20-year medal drought.
Hidilyn Diaz
In May, the world mourned this Western Lowland Gorilla after an incident at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Harambe
This legendary boxer and activist, known as "The Greatest," passed away in June.
Muhammad Ali
This 21-year-old artist became the first to have their first five singles reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Radio Songs chart.
Justin Beiber
This movie featured two iconic actors and actresses who danced through Los Angeles in this modern musical.
La La Land
This viral "Budots" dance craze originated from the streets of this Mindanao city.
Davao City
This viral trend required groups of people to remain frozen in elaborate poses while "Black Beatles" by Rae Sremmurd played.
Mannequin Challenge
This Jamaican sprinter completed the "Triple-Triple" by winning his 9th gold (later reduced to 8).
Usain Bolt
Announced in March 2016 that he would retire from touring and live performances after his 2016 show run to focus on his health and studio work.
Avicii (Tim Bergling)
After years of memes, this actor finally won his first Oscar for his role in The Revenant.
Leonardo DiCaprio
This former President and then-Pampanga Representative was released from hospital arrest at VMMC in July 2016 after the Supreme Court dismissed her plunder case.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
In March, this 50-kg microsatellite became the first satellite designed and built by Filipinos to be launched into space.
Diwata-1
After a seven-month "retirement" to focus on his new duties in the Philippine Senate, Manny Pacquiao returned to the ring in November 2016 to capture the WBO Welterweight title from this Mexican-American champion.
Jessie Vargas