With 2026 just beginning, social media users are already turning back the clock as the “2016 is back” trend takes over timelines. Fueled by nostalgia, many celebrities have joined in by revisiting breakthrough moments from their careers and personal lives that defined the year.
Here are some celebrities who embraced the trend and celebrated their 2016 milestones:
ANDI EIGENMANN
Andi Eigenmann took a heartfelt trip down memory lane as she looked back on a meaningful year not only for herself but also for her late mother, Jaclyn Jose. She recalled the time when Jaclyn made history as the first Asian actress to win Best Actress at Cannes, while Andi herself earned her first FAMAS Best Actress award.
The actress also touched on her struggles with mental health and how she eventually found healing and clarity through travel with friends and her daughter, Ellie. She ended her post with the words, “2016 wasn’t just about being successful, it was about becoming.”
GABBI GARCIA
Gabbi Garcia celebrated 2016 as a turning point in her career, marking the rise of her stardom through the hit fantasy series Encantadia. She starred alongside Kylie Padilla, Glaiza De Castro, and Sanya Lopez, portraying sisters who later formed a real-life bond.
She captioned her post, “hello 2016 🧚🏽 a decade ago! that was the time when we had no idea that a show would turn into a sisterhood for life ❤️💙💚🤎”
KYLIE PADILLA
Kylie Padilla also shared throwback moments from her time as one of the Sang’gres in Encantadia, but emphasized a major personal milestone. While filming the series, the actress was also entering motherhood.
She wrote, “2016 was also the year I became [a] mother 🖤”
JENNICA GARCIA
Jennica Garcia revisited 2016 as the year her life changed with the arrival of her first child, Mori. From living in the spotlight as an actress, she transitioned into a more private life focused on motherhood and nurturing her family.
She shared her gratitude with the caption, “Thank you to whoever started this trend. 🙏🏼 You reminded me that I am already living the life I once believed was only meant to be dreamed of.”
AWRA BRIGUELA
Awra Briguela reflected on a different path to fame, having risen to stardom as a child after going viral online. Opportunities poured in soon after, making 2016 a defining year in her career.
She confidently claimed the year as her prime, writing, “2016 ba kamo? ay dzai prime era nya yan. 💫😌”
ANDREA BRILLANTES
Andrea Brillantes kept it simple with her caption, “2016 called 🍍🌴💛💞💁🏻♀️”, but the post quickly caught attention. Fans flooded the comments, praising her iconic looks and outfits from that era.
Many netizens even claimed that Andrea “owned” 2016 — from her fashion moments to her memorable appearances, including attending Coachella.
DONNY PANGILINAN
Donny Pangilinan also joined the trend by sharing throwback photos from his school days in 2016. He captioned his post, “2016 is back?!😳”
The year also marked the beginning of his journey into the entertainment industry.
JANINE GUTIERREZ
Janine Gutierrez highlighted her experiences in 2016 as a first-time calendar girl while reminiscing about different phases of her life, describing moments of independence and self-discovery as “living alone, red head, cinemalaya girlie, and kambal-diwa ng brilyante ng tubig!”
She also reflected on emotional challenges during that year, adding, “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!”
KYLIE VERSOZA
Kylie Verzosa also joined the trend by revisiting her crowning moment as Miss International 2016. Fans and fellow beauty queens flooded the comment section, declaring that she had already “won” the trend.
JOSH CULLEN
SB19 member Josh Cullen brought a humorous twist to the nostalgia trend. Instead of glamorous throwbacks, netizens resurfaced one of his old posts from 2016, where he jokingly complained about a tapsilugan meal whose serving size did not match its price.
The relatable post quickly went viral again, earning laughs and renewed appreciation from fans.
