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MANILA -- From headline-grabbing controversies to long-awaited victories, Philippine entertainment in 2025 was anything but quiet. Audiences closely followed stories that unfolded both on- and off-screen, proving once again that showbiz remains a powerful mirror of public sentiment—where fame, family, conflict, and triumph intersect in very human ways.
This year, readers were drawn to deeply personal revelations and public reckonings alike. Celebrity disputes spilled into the open, long-rumored breakups were finally confirmed, and health updates from beloved figures prompted an outpouring of concern and support. At the same time, moments of celebration — historic wins, surprise reunions, and unexpected comebacks — offered welcome bright spots in an otherwise emotionally charged news cycle.
As the year draws to a close, we look back at the entertainment stories that resonated most with readers in 2025. Here are the Top 10 most-read entertainment stories of the year — moments that dominated headlines, trended online, and stayed with audiences long after they broke.
Kim Chiu files complaint against sister Lakam
Just weeks before Christmas, actress-host Kim Chiu made headlines after she filed a complaint against her sister Lakambini Chiu after discovering financial discrepancies in their business. Chiu with her legal counsels filed the complaint and submitted her sworn statement together with all the documents and evidence before the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor in Quezon City.
Rumors about this rift between the Chiu siblings have surfaced months back and fans have been mentioning that the entrepreneurial venture is the actress's bag business. In a statement, Chiu said the decision was made in the interest of transparency, accountability, and protecting her company.
Jeraldine, Josh of Blackman Family split up
One of the most popular families online, the Blackman family made headlines early 2025 after Jeraldine and Josh Blackman separated. In a social media post last February, Jeraldine was seen crying inside her car and admitted that she and Josh have parted ways.
Despite what happened, Jeraldine stressed that she and Josh are on good terms. She also said that she and Josh are co-parenting for their kids Jette and Nimo.
Jessica Sanchez wins 'America's Got Talent'
Last September, Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez made history as she was named the grand winner of "America's Got Talent" Season 20. Sanchez, who stunned audiences and show's judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, Mel B, and Howie Mandel during her final performance, concluded her journey in the popular talent competition as the grand winner after receiving the highest number of votes. She won against improv rapper Chris Turner.
Sanchez took home the title and a $1-million prize. Sanchez, who capped her finals performance with heartfelt gratitude, told her fans that she gave them her “very last breath on stage.” She was part of the hit show's first season, where she made it to the semi-finals.
Manny Pacquiao leads Team PH in 'Physical: Asia'
"Physical: Asia," which serves as the third season of Netflix's Korean reality competition series "Physical: 100," also piqued the interest of the netizens. It was last February when the streamer announced that Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is joining "Physical Asia," and lead Team Philippines. The show debuted on Netflix last October with 48 contestants from 8 different Asian countries.
But in episode 5, Pacquaio exited the series citing obligations that he needed to attend to. Pacquiao led team Philippines, which included mixed martial arts champion Mark "Mugen" Striegl, rugby player Justin Coveney, strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin, Olympic athlete Robyn Lauren Brown, and CrossFit champion Lara Liwanag. After his exit, Pacquiao was replaced by Justin Hernandez, a Filipino CrossFit athlete. The series concluded last November with Team Korea as the winner.
Marjorie Barretto vs Dennis Padilla
The issue between former couple Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla also made it to the list of most read articles on ABS-CBN after he aired his frustrations about being excluded from the wedding entourage of their daughter Claudia. Barretto, however, insisted that Padilla is merely seeking attention. “Ang gusto ni Dennis, hindi relasyon sa mga anak. Ang gusto niya [ay] atensyon,” she said.
According to Barretto, she will not apologize for that because she single-handedly raised her children to begin with. “I deserved that seat in the front,” she said.
Kris Aquino's health updates
Kris Aquino’s influence on Filipinos remains evident, with updates on her health continuing to draw public attention. She has said her sons, Josh and Bimby, are the reason she continues to fight for her life. “If i wasn’t their mama, matagal na po akong sumuko. It’s very difficult to be as brave as my dad & my mom because I know this is just the beginning of more aggressive treatment to keep me alive and get me to a point of remission,” she said.
Aquino earlier shared that she was going into isolation for six months in her continuous fight for her life. The country's Queen of All Media was diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases, the reason she stayed in US for treatment and came back to the Philippines in 2024.
Sam Milby and Catriona Gray finally admit breakup
Nearly a year since rumors about their split started, actor Sam Milby confirmed in February 2025 that he Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray have broken up. The confirmation happened years after they got engaged in 2023.
The actor also cleared up some issues regarding his breakup with Gray, including allegations that there was a third party. "There is no truth to it at all," said Milby. In February 2024, Milby and Gray's agency clarified that while the two "are currently facing some challenges in their relationship, they are actively working on resolving these issues together.”
AJ Raval confirms children with Aljur Abrenica
After months of speculations, actress AJ Raval finally confirmed having children with actor Aljur Abrenica. Raval revealed she has five children -- three of whom she shares with Abrenica. Raval did not disclose who the father of her two other children are but revealed that her eldest is already seven years old. Raval said she decided to finally confirm and reveal her children to the public to free them from speculations. “Gusto ko ng magkaroon ng freedom 'yung mga kids,” Raval said.
IV of Spades reunite
In July, Filipino pop-rock band IV of Spades made a surprise comeback with the single "Aura," ending their hiatus that began in 2020 and marking the return of Unique Salonga. Aside from the song, the band also released its music video. Before their surprise comeback, supporters were already demanding for their return, particularly when IV of Spades member Blaster Silonga's father, Allan Mitchell Silonga, became ill and required financial assistance.
Last month, the IV of Spades released its sophomore album "Andalucia" -- their first album as a full quartet. IV of Spades was only a trio when they dropped their debut album "CLAPCLAPCLAP!" in 2019, after Unique Salonga left in 2018 to pursue a solo career.
Marco Adobas disqualified from TNT Grand Resbak grand finals
ABS-CBN's "It's Showtime" disqualified TNT (Tawag ng Tanghalan) All-Star Grand Resbak contestant Marco Adobas from the competition. Last March, It's Showtime's hosts, led by Vice Ganda and Vhong Navarro, confirmed that Adobas of Team Alon violated his signed contract, which led to his immediate disqualification from the competition.
It was also announced that because of Adobas' serious allegations he posted on social media regarding the competition, a legal case may be filed against him.