Proving the resilience and perseverance of the Filipino spirit, the Philippines showed how fast it could recover a year after the destruction left by Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” Local and international organizations continue their relief operations; the road to recovery–while long and winding–is paved with good intentions.
Signed on March 27, 2014 after 17 years of on-and-off negotiations, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro will create a new entity to replace the ARMM, in time for the 2016 elections.
Taking off from the pop culture songs of Aegis in the 90s, the jukebox musical was staged at the Peta Theater from February to March amid rave reviews and packed crowds. It was back on stage from June to September, and again in December, because of unprecedented high demand.
The story of Ashley Nepomuceno and her incurable skin disease caused an outpouring of support from netizens. Donations reached half a million pesos less than a week after the story ran; the total to date is over P1.4 million.
It was a whirlwind year for OFW Xyza Cruz Bacani, who gained fame after the New York Times featured her street photography of Hong Kong residents in June. She continues to work as a domestic helper, despite the recognition her photographs have received.
Love was in the air throughout 2014 as couples got engaged or tied the knot. Sen. Chiz Escudero proposed to Heart Evangelista; Marian and Dingdong announced their engagement on live TV; hosts Iya Villania and Drew Arellano exchanged vows, and basketball player JC Intal and Bianca Gonzales became man and wife.
The 90s came back officially in 2014, with the news that Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin will once again team up for an ABS-CBN teleserye next year, and with a remake of the hit soap opera “Pangako Sa ’Yo” to be headlined by teen heartthrobs Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. On March 7, “Kathniel” wrapped up their own hit series “Got to Believe.”