The biggest comebacks of 2024: Celebrities, parks, and more
Things come and go, but when they make a return, you'll surely be in for a big shock.
That was the case for these prominent celebrities, places, and other pop culture moments as they surprised the world when they made a noteworthy return after blurring into the background for the longest time.
Here are some comebacks this 2024 that won't be forgotten anytime soon:
Enrique Gil’s comeback with I Am Not Big Bird
Enrique Gil went on a showbiz hiatus for four years beginning in 2020. His last project was the romantic comedy series Make It With You, where he stars with his former love team Liza Soberano.
The actor finally stepped back into the spotlight with the raunchy comedy film, I Am Not Big Bird. In it, he takes on the role of Luis Carpio who gets into a hilarious yet chaotic adventure in Thailand to cope with recent heartbreak.
Luis explored "The Land of Smiles" with his friends portrayed by Nikko Natividad and Red Ollero, alongside their tour guide played by Pepe Herrera.
The group enjoyed days and nights in tourist spots and nightclubs until Luis got into trouble after locals thought he was the “Big Bird,” a notable figure in the adult film industry who looks similar to him.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Gil admitted that he had a bit of a challenge in remembering his acting roots, saying, “Medyo nanibago ako. I don't know, it was weird. Parang you still remember it, how to do it. 'Yung timing.”
La Mesa Ecopark’s reopening
La Mesa Ecopark welcomed back nature lovers in June, reopening its doors and inviting the public to enjoy its outdoor haven.
The public park has been under the management of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System since February this year. It was previously maintained by ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. for almost 25 years.
The shift led to the restoration of beloved areas such as the Eco Academy Pavilion, the museum, team-building activity centers, picnic areas, a souvenir shop, a viewing deck, and the swimming pool.
Here, guests can also enjoy recreational activities such as paintball, wall climbing, rappelling, and archery tag, as well as marvel at the lush biodiversity consisting of plants, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and more.
Exes Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto reunite for Un/Happy for You
Ex-couple and former love team Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto's most recent movie, Un/Happy for You, feels like it was made just for them.
Directed by Peterson Vargas, the film follows the story of two exes who have hurt each other as they cross paths again after their breakup.
When they first heard about the film, Garcia said yes right away. He said it’s been a long since he has worked with Barretto, “And saya lang na nagkanya kanya kaming journey, ngayon magbabalikan kami sa pelikula.”
Barretto said “it almost felt like maybe it was the right time” as they were “both in a good place in our life.”
“I'm happy na magkakatrabaho tayo ulit,” she said.
Jericho Rosales’ comeback with Lavender Fields
Jericho Rosales took a step back from the limelight after his role in the drama series Halik, which ended its run in April 2019.
When the pandemic came and forced everyone to take a step back, so did Rosales’ career. He finally recovered from his burnout six years later when he made his acting comeback through the drama action series Lavender Fields, which was released in September on Netflix.
The show follows a woman named Jasmin whose life is turned upside down by a mysterious man connected to a criminal empire, causing her to seek revenge on those who destroyed her life. Rosales leads the series alongside Jodi Sta. Maria, Janine Gutierrez, Maricel Soriano, Albert Martinez, Edu Manzano, and Jolina Magdangal.
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show returns after six years
Following a six-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a grand return on October 16.
The Victoria's Secret show, held in New York, featured a dazzling array of supermodels, including Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Barbara Palvin. The event also witnessed the highly anticipated comebacks of Adriana Lima and Tyra Banks, who graced the runway after their retirements.
Aside from the original VS angels, this year's fashion show also made headlines as two transwomen stunned at the event: Brazilian model and actress Valentina Sampaio and American model and influencer Alex Consani.
The fashion show was further elevated with exciting performances from BLACKPINK's Lisa, Tyla, and Cher.
Donald Trump reclaims US presidency
After losing against Joe Biden in 2020, Donald Trump once again claimed the highest position in the US government on Nov. 6 when he secured the 270 electoral votes he needed to beat his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris.
During his campaign, the politician highlighted voter concerns about high prices and baseless claims about a rise in crime due to illegal immigration, which appeared to win back the support of many. He has also promised to launch a mass deportation campaign targeting immigrants in the country illegally.
He also made headlines back in July when he became the target of an assassination attempt during his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, having been shot in the ear during his speech and blood quickly became visible on his face.
Trump garnered several controversies back when he served as president from 2017 to 2021. During his regime, he was voted for impeachment twice due to abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in 2019 and 2021 for incitement of resurrection.
Pet Society returns as mobile game
Casual gamers who missed taking care of a virtual furbaby received some good news in November as Pet Society made a comeback as a mobile game.
Rebranded as “Pet Society Island,” the once-popular Facebook application in 2008 was revived by Cats & Bites Studio with some new and familiar features.
Like the original, players can customize their pets with a wide selection of ears, eyes, lips, and more. They can also decorate their pet's room and fill it with all sorts of cool items.
Players can decorate a vibrant garden with animal-themed furniture and plants. They can also shop for items, connect with friends online, explore the skies, dig for treasures and craft materials, and go fishing.
2NE1 holds reunion concert
The girls of 2NE1 shook the world of K-pop when it was announced that they would be staging a reunion concert to commemorate their 15th anniversary.
CL, Dara (Sandara Park), Minzy, and Park Bom performed for their Filipino fans on Nov. 16 and 17 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Park later expressed her deep gratitude for the warm reception and unwavering support they received. She also conveyed her happiness at performing in front of such dedicated and passionate fans, thanking them for their energy and love throughout the shows.
“Super jam-packed concert in Manila. Thank you so much for singing with us, dancing with us, and giving us so much energy,” she said in an Instagram post.
The Welcome Back Tour served as their first major comeback following their disbandment in 2016.
Walrus Katipunan’s reopening
Located in Ateneo de Manila University along Katipunan Avenue, Walrus Katipunan is known for its colorful ambiance and low-priced drinks that reference popular movies and songs.
While the bar sadly shut its doors sometime in 2021 due to declining sales, the establishment rose from the dead on Dec. 7 with a new space on the third floor of Tayo Coworking & Content Space in Katipunan Avenue.
“New venue, same good people, growing community. Tayo tayo pa rin dito!” they stated of their reopening.
Heart Evangelista makes TV comeback after two years
Heart Evangelista is here to capture our hearts again through her own reality show, Heart World.
The series gives a look at her life beyond the glitz and glam as it explores some of her candid moments in the industry in the Philippine setting and outside the country.
It premiered in late October and currently has eight episodes on YouTube.
The last time that Evangelista appeared on TV was two years ago via the drama romance series I Left My Heart in Sorsogon, where she played the role of Celeste, a young woman from the province "who has reinvented herself in Manila as a fashion designer and socialite." It also starred Richard Yap and Paolo Contis.
Hilda Koronel returning after 10 years
Hilda Koronel’s superb acting will once again grace the silver screen as she is set to return for a new film after a decade-long hiatus.
Movie and television studio The IdeaFirst Company announced on their social media pages that the veteran actress will make an acting comeback through a new film directed by Jun Robles Lana, who helmed movies such as And the Breadwinner is… and Die Beautiful.
The film, Sisa, is a historical thriller and focuses on a woman who “defies expectations in an era when women were meant to be silent.”
Details on the film's release date and other cast members have yet to be revealed.
