'A good year to have a good year:' How Pinoy celebrities welcomed 2024
Kicking off the year strong, Filipino celebrities surely ushered in the new year with a bang—some celebrated the new year with a vacation in or outside the country, while others kept it simple and held parties at home.
Some personalities took to social media to reflect and bid 2023 goodbye, as well as share their hopes for the new year.
Actress and first-time mom Iza Calzado described 2023 as “the year when we received God’s biggest blessing!”
“The year our star, our guiding light was born. Thank you for changing us and making us better humans, Deia Amihan! Praise God for this gift!” she wrote on New Year's Eve, sharing their family photo in a resort.
“As we usher in 2024, may we all vibrate at the same level of excitement Deia has for coconuts!” she added. “Mabuhay tayong lahat!”
Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, along with their children Zia and Sixto, kept it simple and celebrated the new year in their home.
“Cheers to a year filled with laughter, love, and endless adventures! Happy New Year from #DantesSquad,” she wrote. In a separate post, the actress shared a short clip sharing Sixto’s sweet New Year toast.
“To kindness and love, the things we need most,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay went on a family vacation in Bergen, Norway. In a series of Instagram posts and stories, the group was seen enjoying the scenic views of nature, including their son, Elias, riding a pony.
Marjorie Barretto went on a vacation in Arizona along with all her children, Julia, Claudia, Leon, Dani, and Erich. Also joining them on the trip are Julia's beau, Gerald Anderson, Dani's husband Xavi, and daughter Millie. The family visited the city of Sedona and Goldfield Ghost Town for their holiday.
Beauty queen-host Catriona Gray shared a recap video of her 2023, including her work commitments, travels, and engagement to longtime boyfriend and now-fiancé Sam Milby.
“2023, I am soooo incredibly grateful for all the opened doors and answered prayers this year,” she began. The Miss Universe 2018 highlighted how she was able to celebrate meaningfully with friends and family, as well as achieve feats “that feel like have been years in [the] making.”
“This year, I've finally built up the courage to reach out and lean on others when the going got tough - something that my usual, isolated, 'deal-with-my-own-problems-on-my-own', only-child tendency self wouldn't usually do and I was met with such incredible support, friendship and... healing,” she continued.
“2024, I am so so ready for you and the new chapters you hold, because I know whatever happens [I'll] be surrounded by the most incredible people,” she concluded her post.
The Francisco family, consisting of actress-host Melai, Jason, and daughters Mela and Stella, known for their comedic TikToks and Reels, kept it simple by celebrating it in a Bahay Kubo-inspired home.
"Happy New Year nga Kamsamiii. Welcome year 2024," Melai wrote.
Actress Sarah Lahbati, meanwhile, shared snaps from her family vacation in Bohol, including a photo with her parents and son Zion.
"A good year to have a good year," she wrote in her Instagram post.
Newlyweds Maja and Rambo Nuñez shared in their Instagram stories glimpses of their family vacation in Japan, including a ramen date night, strolling in the streets of Tokyo, and their party in welcoming the 2024.
Best friends Kim Chiu and Bela Padilla celebrated the last day of 2023 together in Los Angeles, California. The two, along with Angelica Panganiban had their reunion abroad.
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee shared a video recap of her year highlighting her Miss Universe stint, describing 2023 as "one of the hardest years to move on from."
"This one will be hard to top and it brings me to tears with how far this journey has taken me. But this is only just the beginning. #deepatapos," she wrote.
"Cheers to #2024. May you find more of yourself this year and may it be filled with love, respect, and kindness," she continued. "All love, always."