Jaehwa Bernardo

(From left) Chef Josh Boutwood of the two-Michelin-star restaurant Helm, Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, and 'Furparent' Carlos Orit. Photos courtesy of Anna Cerezo (Boutwood), Jonathan Cellona (Manalo) and Daniel Dean Jacob (Orit), ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Pageants, food, inspiring stories: Top lifestyle stories of 2025

Paul Xavier Jaehwa Bernardo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17660373027103-Composite (1) 5.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">(From left) Chef Josh Boutwood of the two-Michelin-star restaurant Helm, Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, and &#x27;Furparent&#x27; Carlos Orit. <em>Photos from Anna Cerezo (Boutwood), Jonathan Cellona (Manalo) and Daniel Dean Jacob (Orit), ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>From glittering global pageants to inspiring local stories, this year’s lifestyle coverage offered a wide range of narratives that captivated our readers. These ranged from Filipino beauties making waves on the world stage and international tastemakers shaping how and where we eat, to pop culture moments that entertained and sparked conversation.</p><p>Beyond stories of well-known personalities and acclaim, however, the year’s most touching moments were also found in ordinary lives: devoted furparents, standout board examinees, and even a “neighbor” of the iconic Pinoy Big Brother house.</p><p>As we close the year, this rundown revisits our readers’ favorite lifestyle stories which, taken together, highlight both major cultural moments and the seemingly mundane narratives that remind us who we are and how we live as Filipinos.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MISS UNIVERSE</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176670398606120251202-ahtisa-manalo-homecoming-manila-JC1490.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Miss Universe third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo waves to adoring fans during her homecoming parade in Manila and Pasay on December 2, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News </span></span></span></div><p>The Philippines has long been regarded as a pageant nation, with beauty contests embraced as both a national pastime and a source of pride. Among the major international competitions, Miss Universe remains one of the most closely followed, drawing wide public interest year after year.</p><p>This year, pageant veteran Ahtisa Manalo <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/11/21/mexico-wins-miss-universe-2025-crown-ph-s-ahtisa-manalo-is-3rd-runner-up-1208"><strong>finished as third runner-up</strong></a> at the international competition, while Mexico’s Fatima Bosch emerged as the new Miss Universe.</p><p>But the headlines neither began nor ended with the coronation. The latest edition of Miss Universe was marked by a series of controversies, including <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/11/4/walkouts-and-tears-as-power-struggle-in-miss-universe-looms-1926"><strong>Bosch’s clash</strong></a> with an official from host country Thailand and allegations of rigging. In the aftermath of the pageant, the organization&#x27;s owners were also <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/11/27/miss-universe-owners-in-mexico-thailand-hit-with-fraud-trafficking-claims-0925"><strong>embroiled in legal issues</strong></a>.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>GEORGE AND AMAL CLOONEY VISIT PH</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17667035683841766703570630.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">George and Amal Clooney at Taupe. Images courtesy of Taupe</span></span></span></div><p>In November, Hollywood star George Clooney and his wife, international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, visited Manila to headline Rappler’s Social Good Summit 2025, a gathering of thought leaders tackling challenges in technology, community and human resilience.</p><p>Their high-profile visit also included a <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/11/17/george-and-amal-clooney-just-dined-at-this-michelin-selected-restaurant-in-bgc-1615"><strong>stop at Taupe</strong></a>, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, where they were spotted dining with Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and other Rappler founders.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MICHELIN GUIDE LAUNCHED IN PH</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17667035978011766703600839.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">The Philippines now has 9 Michelin-starred restaurants led by Chef Josh Boutwood of Helm (center), who was awarded two stars. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </span></span></span></div><p>Shining a spotlight on the local culinary scene, the Michelin Guide in late October <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/10/31/michelin-guide-launches-first-ever-ph-selection-108-restaurants-make-the-cut-0705"><strong>released</strong></a> its selection of restaurants in the Philippines, featuring a total of 108 establishments in the prestigious listing.</p><p>The move was expected to boost tourism by drawing attention to Philippine gastronomy, with some local governments — <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/11/5/quezon-city-launches-michelin-guide-food-crawl-challenge-1350"><strong>such as Quezon City</strong></a> — leveraging the recognition by incorporating Michelin-cited restaurants into local projects. Even though it has only been a short time since the guide’s unveiling, several of the included establishments have already <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/12/6/morning-sun-other-restos-report-highest-sales-after-michelin-guide-citation-1358"><strong>reported increases</strong></a> in both customers and sales.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>SOMEBODY FEED PHIL</strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17667036223201766703626233.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>Once again putting the spotlight on Filipino cuisine, Netflix’s food and travel docu-series “Somebody Feed Phil” visited Manila this year, taking viewers on a flavorful “food trip.”</p><p>The episode <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/6/24/revisit-filipino-cuisine-by-going-on-a-somebody-feed-phil-food-trip-1827"><strong>featured stops</strong></a> at iconic and beloved establishments, including the fast-food giant Jollibee, Chicks ni Otit in Tagaytay run by actress Wilma Doesnt, and the late award-winning chef Margarita Fores’ Grace Park, among others.</p><p>The country’s tourism department <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/6/26/dot-hails-somebody-feed-phil-as-major-boost-to-food-film-tourism-1900"><strong>welcomed the feature</strong></a>, calling it a significant boost to the Philippines’ growing culinary tourism portfolio.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>TWO-TIME BOARD EXAM TOPNOTCHER</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17667036371631766703640762.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">University of Santo Tomas graduate Kharam Molbog clinched first place in two medical licensure exams. Photos courtesy of Molbog </span></span></span></strong>Another story that captured readers’ attention was that of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2025/10/21/for-two-time-board-exam-topnotcher-rest-is-productive-1206"><strong>Kharam Molbog</strong></a>, who topped the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination. Remarkably, this was not his first notable achievement: he had previously placed first in the August 2022 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination, highlighting his exceptional academic performance.</div><p>Perhaps one of the most refreshing pieces of advice Molbog shared was that “rest is productive, that rest is not wasted time,” adding that “sometimes, rest is what prepares you for the next step.” The University of Santo Tomas graduate made the remark as he revealed that a medical condition had delayed him from taking his first licensure exam as originally planned.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MISS GRAND INTERNATIONAL</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17667036617161766703665818.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">CJ Opiaza (right) crowns fellow Filipina Emma Tiglao as Miss Grand International 2025. Screenshot from GrandTV/YouTube </span></span></span></strong>The Philippines celebrated another pageant triumph this year as Emma Tiglao was <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/10/18/emma-tiglao-scores-back-to-back-win-for-ph-in-miss-grand-international-2307"><strong>crowned </strong></a>Miss Grand International 2025, securing a historic back-to-back win for the country.</div><p>Tiglao, who emerged victorious among more than 70 contestants, succeeded fellow Filipino Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, continuing the nation’s impressive streak on the international stage.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>DIWATA’S STRUGGLING BUSINESS</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766703920882DIWATA.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Online personality Diwata. Screenshot from Julius Babao Unplugged on YouTube </span></span></span></div><p>Online sensation Diwata, known for his pares food business, once again captured public attention this year, particularly after opening up in an interview with broadcaster Julius Babao about the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/9/12/viral-star-diwata-opens-up-on-struggling-pares-business-1149"><strong>challenges he faced in his business</strong></a>.</p><p>The internet personality — whose struggles followed a rapid rise to online fame — revealed how an attempt to expand his food business left him in debt. He recalled being enticed to grow his venture with the promise of P300,000 per branch plus a royalty fee, only to reportedly end up shouldering all of the costs himself.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FURPARENT TATAY CARLOS</strong></div><div><strong></strong><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17667037184001766703721954.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Carlos Orit, 67, tends to his six rescue dogs inside a pedicab that also serves as his home along Taft Avenue in Manila. Daniel Dean Jacob, ABS-CBN News </span></span></span></strong></div><p>Heartwarming stories of devoted furparents always touch readers, like that of 67-year-old <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/5/31/furparent-tatay-carlos-gets-new-mobile-home-for-him-and-his-6-dogs-1239"><strong>Carlos Orit</strong></a>, who treats six rescue dogs as his family. </p><p>Once living with them in a simple pedicab along Taft Avenue in Manila, Orit recently received a customized, more comfortable pedicab, complete with space for a stove and a cabinet for their food and belongings.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>DENTAL VENEER CRAZE</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17667036970611766703701103.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Unsplash </span></span></span></div><p>Dental veneers have become a popular trend, often promoted by influencers as a way to achieve perfectly white and straight teeth. However, dentists caution against getting veneers just because they’re fashionable.</p><p>One of them — AweSam Smile Dental Clinic founder Sam Bernardo — <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/8/1/pinay-dentist-raises-concerns-over-veneer-craze-fueled-by-social-media-1430"><strong>emphasized </strong></a>that veneers should be considered based on the patient’s specific situation, noting factors like proper fitting and potential side effects such as gingivitis.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>‘KAPITBAHAY NI KUYA’</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n6e5qtCBulE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>“Pinoy Big Brother” had a big 2025 with its “Celebrity Collab Edition,” uniting talents from former rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA. </p><p>One standout online personality is TikTok creator Jake Rines, whose content centers on living near the iconic Quezon City house. Dubbed the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/5/25/kapitbahay-ni-kuya-content-creator-goes-viral-for-living-next-to-pbb-house-1723"><strong>“Kapitbahay ni Kuya,”</strong></a> his close proximity lets him share exclusive “PBB” updates, including weekly challenges.</p>

<p>From glittering global pageants to inspiring local stories, this year’s lifestyle coverage offered a wide range of narratives that captivated our readers.</p>

From glittering global pageants to inspiring local stories, this year’s lifestyle coverage offered a wide range of narratives that captivated our readers.

Crowns, cuisine and kindness: The most-read lifestyle stories of 2025

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Crowns, cuisine and kindness: The most-read lifestyle stories of 2025

Paul Xavier Jaehwa Bernardo,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 26, 2025 10:00 AM PHT

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