Several Filipino celebrities have been riding the wave of nostalgia as they join the viral online trend dubbed “2026 is the new 2016.”
The trend, which emerged at the start of the year, had social media users sharing throwback photos and videos from a decade ago—often paired with popular 2016-era filters, apps, and captions reflecting how quickly time has passed. Rooted in nostalgia, many netizens describe 2016 as a “simpler time,” prompting reflections on growth, milestones, and personal journeys.
Local celebrities were quick to join in, sharing glimpses of their younger selves and the memories that shaped them.
Donny Pangilinan
ROJA star Donny Pangilinan looked back on his student days, family moments, friendships, and his early stint as a MYX VJ, posting: “2016 is back?! π³.”
Donny, who interacted in the comment section, later noted with fans that the trend made him feel like he was back in his active fan-reply era.
BINI Stacey
BINI member Stacey shared relatable selfies featuring popular Snapchat filters like dog ears, flower crowns, and heart effects, along with clips from the now-defunct app musical.ly as she perfectly captured the social media vibe of the time
Alexa Ilacad
Your Face Sounds Familiar contestant Alexa Ilacad revisited her teenage “rockstar dreams,” posting photos of her side bangs and edgy outfits.
“16 year old me was living her rockstar dreams. π€π»π€ How has it been 10 years already!? P.S: Mom, I told you it wasn’t a phase π,” Alexa wrote in the caption.
Kylie Versoza
For Kylie Versoza, 2016 marked a historic milestone as she brought pride to the Philippines after winning the Miss International crown.
“2016?? Fight me,” she quipped, reflecting on the life-changing year.
Sarah Lahbati
Sarah Lahbati shared a sentimental moment from 2016 featuring her and son Zion during a powdered milk endorsement, playfully captioned, “check the label mami.”
WinWyn Marquez
Former Reina Hispanoamericana titleholder Winwyn Marquez turned introspective, describing 2016 as a time of uncertainty, growth, and self-discovery. She later added that looking back made her realize how she is now living the life she once prayed for.
Megan Young
Former Miss World titleholder Megan Young called her 2016 era as a time when she was able to experience different things in her life.
“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. We went to the beach sooooo much. It was also the year we started playing Pokemon Go and the first Pokemon we caught was a Rattata,” she shared.
Khalil Ramos
Actor Khalil Ramos humorously expressed disbelief at the fact that 2016 was already a decade ago, joking about turning 30 this year. His post drew a playful comment from girlfriend Gabbi Garcia.
“wait lang… bat ang ganda na ng pics mo nung 2016 π di ka ba nagkaroon ng awkward cute cute pics muna?? Vsco vsco lang ganon? high quality, estetik agad sis???” Gabbi said.
Gabbi Garcia
The Kapuso actress also joined in the trend, sharing photos of her younger self: “excuse me, what do you mean 2016 was a decade ago?!?! ππ.”
She also shared photos alongside her fellow Sanggres Kylie Padilla, Glaiza De Castro and Sanya Lopez as they took the lead roles in the 2016 reboot of a popular fantasy series.
“hello 2016 π§π½ a decade ago! that was the time when we had no idea that a show would turn into a sisterhood for life β€οΈπππ€,” Gabbi said.
Janine Gutierrez
Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez reflected on her many achievements in 2016 — from being a first-time calendar girl to joining Cinemalaya, while also revealing how she struggled emotionally during that period. Janine noted how grateful she is to be with the same people she worked with then.
Inka Magnaye
Voice talent and content creator Inka Magnaye recalled her time as a disc jockey: “Back in 2016, I was 27 years old, on-air every day playing your favorite hits on the radio, and making quick surf trips on the weekends. What a time to be alive.”
Joyce Pring
Social media personality Joyce Pring offered one of the most heartfelt reflections, opening up about her 2016 depression diagnosis and how the decade since has transformed her life.
“These 2016 highlights came from a deep, gnawing, emptiness that followed 23-year-old me, and I’m just so grateful I made it to 2026 to experience a life fully transformed,” she shared.
Awra Briguela
Former child star Awra Briguela described 2016 as her prime era, sharing photos alongside stars she worked with in the same year: “2016 ba kamo? ay dzai prime era nya yan. π«π.”
Mikael Daez
Actor Mikael Daez had a different take to the viral “2026 is the new 2016“ as he shared a video of how life changed for him in the past decade.
Lou Yanong
ROJA actress and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Lou Yanong literally went to her 2016 folder as she recalled her life in the past decade.
“2016??? Don’t have much photos but I have enough to make me look back with a grateful heart. Ooo u did more than you expected of yourself & ended up doing the very thing you feared most— you’d crepe your pants πππ© *cheesy but it is what it issssS.”
Bianca Gonzalez
Kapamilya television personality Bianca Gonzalez seems to not have aged at all as she joined the trend with photos of her life as a celebrity, a mother, and a wife: “really? 2016 is the new 2026? what?? π³π.”
Kaila Estrada
What Lies Beneath actress Kaila Estrada shared her entry for the viral throwback photos with her pretty selfies, captioning it with “2016 π«ΆπΌ what a timeeeee π€πΌ.”
Kyle Echarri
ROJA star Kyle Echarri had a heartwarming entry to the trend as he posted throwback photos of him with his family: “la familia Echarri 2016.”
Jake Ejercito
Actor Jake Ejercito also looked back on his old self in 2016 wearing his favorite accessories: “Everyone really let me walk around with those festival bands in 2016 -_-.”
Jennica Garcia
Actress Jennica Garcia’s special memory in 2016 was all about embracing her life as a mother to her beloved kids.
“2016 JENNICA π» This was the year I began embracing the quiet joys of babywearing, cloth diapering, breastfeeding, baby-led weaning, and elimination communication. π₯Ή I also attended workshops that taught me how to cook and bake so I could prepare healthy and delicious meals. π₯ This was also the year I discovered art as a means of release and relaxation. π¨ Pangarap ko lang ito noon. π«,” she expressed.