January 19, 2026
MANILA – Many celebrities took a trip down memory lane as they joined the “2026 is the new 2016” social media trend, looking back at how their careers went or what life was like 10 years ago.
The social media trend started as a nostalgic trip on TikTok, where many netizens posted photos of themselves during that particular year, reminisced about how “simpler” life was, and looked back at some of the most popular trends at the time.
Gabbi Garcia
For Gabbi Garcia, it was the year when she, Kylie Padilla, Glaiza de Castro, and Sanya Lopez were chosen as the titular Sang’gres in the reboot of the hit fantasy drama “Encantadia.”
Some of the highlights of the actress’s post were photos of the four of them playing around in their costumes.
“Hello 2016, a decade ago! That was the time when we had no idea that a show would turn into a sisterhood for life,” she captioned her post.
Kylie Padilla
Padilla, on the other hand, remembered how 2016 changed her life forever, as it was the year she became a mother.
“2016 was also the year I became [a] mother,” she wrote, while sharing ultrasound photos of her son Alas and glimpses of her trips to the doctor.
The actress also jokingly said that she is still “moody” in a separate post.
“Moody as ever parin in 2016,” she said.
Janine Gutierrez
Janine Gutierrez shared that 2016 was a packed year since it was the time when she became a calendar girl for a liquor brand, landed her first Cinemalaya film, and dyed her hair red.
“I remember being sad for a big part of 2016, but wowie it’s true when they say just think ahead to whether or not it’ll matter in a few years!! So if you’re going through anything now, hang in there! 2016 was great, proud of this bbgirl,” she added.
Gutierrez also shared that due to her brief appearance on “Encantadia,” her red hair was spray painted into black.
“Also, my hair was red but had to be black for taping, so we would spray paint it black for work tapos pag mainit black narin yung tumutulo sa face ko — she was working hard!!!!” she said.
Awra Briguela
Awra Briguela said 2016 was her “prime” while looking back at her notable appearance in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”
“2016 ba kamo? ay dzai prime era nya yan (Oh, girl. That was my prime era),” she wrote.
In a separate post, the actress-comedienne shared a clip of herself sashaying down the runway of a mall fashion show at her most “extra” self.
“Throwback to this iconic runway in 2016 at Market Market! They thought I was just a normal kid who would walk like the other kids… but she was EXTRA and has always been a DIVA, ICON, and LEGEND,” she said.
Winwyn Marquez
Sharing a combination of photos as an actress and beauty queen, Winwyn Marquez said 2016 was a time when she “chose growth without pressure.” She also shared that it might’ve been the year where God was “already preparing” her dream life.
“I moved slower, felt deeper, and learned to be okay without having all the answers. I was hungry to learn, still training myself, gaining knowledge so I could bring more to the table… chasing a different dream and choosing growth without pressure,” she said.
“Looking back now, thanks to this trend, I see it so clearly. I’m living the life I once prayed for talaga. Kahit noon parang walang nangyayari, God was already preparing me. Trust Him always, while you keep working on yourself,” she continued.
Joshua Garcia
Based on the throwback photos that Joshua Garcia shared on his Instagram feed, it was the year when he led the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Vince, Kath, & James,” as well as the beginning of his breakthrough in the entertainment industry.
“2016,” he captioned his post.
Megan Young
Megan Young admitted that 2016 was a transformative year for her since it was the time she lived alone for the first time. It was also the year when she “worked a lot” and “traveled so much.”
She also recalled that it was the year when the mobile game Pokémon Go became a worldwide sensation, and many players would leave their homes to catch their desired Pokémon, including her.
“2016 was a vibe. Lived alone for the first time. Both Fofo and I were working a lot. We traveled so much even if it was just a day trip. Felt shy bare faced. Loved wearing makeup. [Went] to the beach sooooo much,” she said. “It was also the year we started playing Pokemon Go and the first Pokemon we caught was a Rattata.”
Andi Eigenmann
Andi Eigenmann was wistful looking back at how 2016 was, since it was the year when her late mother, screen veteran Jaclyn Jose, won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in the Brillante Mendoza-helmed “Ma’ Rosa.”
The actress-turned-internet personality also shared that she, too, bagged a Best Actress plum at the FAMAS awards for her work in “Angela Markado.”
At the same time, it was also the year when she “carried [silent] battles” after going through mental health problems.
“That year, my journey started to shift. I began exploring islands, going on little adventures with Ellie and my friends, chasing open quiet shores, and waves! And there, I was met with a life that felt unmistakably meant for me. For me and my little Ellie. All that was left was the courage to take the leap!” she said.
“I eventually stepped away from the limelight, guided by my mental health and a deeper need for peace. But I will always cherish these moments as some of the best days of my life too. 2016 wasn’t just about being successful. It was about becoming,” she further recalled.
Jake Ejercito
It seems like 2016 was an eventful year for Jake Ejercito, where he was notable for being the second lead in “Eat Bulaga’s” “Kalyeserye” segment, and focused on being a dad to Ellie.
The actor also caught the attention of netizens after posting a photo of himself posing with a standee of former president Rodrigo Duterte, although he clarified that he didn’t “campaign or vote for him” in the national elections.