#InquirerSeven: Most viral stories of 2015

Every end of December, INQUIRER.net compiles 49 of the most compelling stories and issues and groups them into seven key lists that encapsulate the year that’s been. The year 2015 in particular saw the Philippines thrust further into the global stage, whether for reasons good–”Heneral Luna,” COP21 and Miss Universe–or bad–Mamasapano, #APECtado and lumad kilings.

The fourth of the yearend series lists the seven most viral stories of the year, from former child star Jiro Manio found homeless at Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Krisel Mallari’s scathing speech against her school’s officials for supposed bias in naming her graduating batch’s valedictorian.

The Inquirer #BestofSeven for 2015 runs from December 24 to 30. Check out the rest of the lists here or by clicking the image at the end of this article.

1. Jiro Manio found roaming Naia

To the shock of many, multi-awarded child actor Jiro Manio was seen roaming the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for food and clothes in late June. According to his relatives, the half-Japanese “Magnifico” star was in a seemingly depressed state after getting involved in a fight with his stepfather and wanted to go to Japan. He is now in a facility in Quezon City and is being assisted by actress-comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas.

Refresh your memory:

Multi-awarded actor Jiro Manio roaming Naia for food, clothes

Ai-Ai touched by Jiro Manio’s plight; reaches out

‘Terminal Man’ Jiro Manio departs with Ai-Ai’s support

2. ‘Playgirls’ twerk Liberal Party into controversy

Sexy entertainment group “Playgirls” cost former Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino his slot in the Liberal Party slate for the 2016 elections after the latter was heavily criticized for bringing girls clad in skimpy outfits to an oathtaking for new party members. A video shot by an INQUIRER reporter showed the Playgirls performing lewd dance moves on top of local officials.

Refresh your memory:

WATCH: Sexy dancers in post-LP event Tolentino’s ‘surprise gift’?

Playgirls’ twerking registers 1M views

Tolentino gets flak for ‘surprise gift’ at LP event

3. GMA vs ABS-CBN, AlDub vs Pastillas Girl

The rise to fame of “AlDub” and “Pastillas Girl” has sparked a new rivalry between GMA’s “Eat Bulaga” and ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime.” Aside from the ratings game, tension between the two networks have taken on a whole new level online, with Kapuso host Joey de Leon and Kapamilya comedian Vice Ganda fired tirades at each other over originality, creativity and organic likes.

Refresh your memory:

Joey de Leon reacts to Vice Ganda’s ‘real and organic’ FB post

Joey de Leon’s tweets taunt rival, irk fans

Lea Salonga, Joey de Leon end rift over ‘shallowness’ tweet

4. Video of drunk Ateneo player goes viral

Ateneo Blue Eagles player John Apacible was in hot water over a drunk driving incident in October after a video of him cursing, picking a fight, and bragging his councilor protocol plate went viral. The university confirmed it was Apacible in the video and suspended him in the UAAP elimination round and the Blue Eagles’ practices for public misconduct.

Refresh your memory:

‘Drunk’ Ateneo player in viral video to face sanctions

Apacible banned from Ateneo games after drunk driving incident

PNP: No case yet vs ‘drunk’ Ateneo player

5. ‘Pabebe girls’ wave their way into the spotlight

“Pabebe,” perhaps one of the more popular expressions in 2015, has its roots on a viral video of two teenage girls telling people to don’t mind them for being “pabebe” or “pa-cute.” The video uploaded by Senyora Santibanez Facebook page was an instant hit, as celebrities themselves made their own versions of the “pabebe girls,” dubbed as “babaeng utal” and “babaeng walang kilay.”

Refresh your memory:

Vice pinahanap ang Pabebe Girls: Nakilala ko na sila!

Pabebe Girls mas lalong pinasikat ni Vice, bumida sa MTV

6. Did Noli de Castro lose cool during broadcast?

Veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro earned the ire of netizens for his supposedly rude behavior toward seasoned reporter Winnie Cordero over the latter’s report on ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast “TV Patrol.” De Castro cut Cordero off in the middle of a banter regarding the city of Manila’s preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Refresh your memory:

Did Noli de Castro lose cool during broadcast? Netizens irked

Noli inireklamo sa pambabara kay Winnie Cordero sa TV Patrol

7. Krisel Mallari speech censored by school officials

In March, 16-year-old salutatorian Krisel Mallari became Internet for her graduation speech criticizing school officials for its process in ranking honor students. Her speech was cut but tension between the parties remains: the Mallaris even filed a case against the school, which refused to issue a certificate of good moral character to the student. Mallari is now a first-year accountancy student.

Refresh your memory:

WATCH: Salutatorian speech interrupted by QC school execs

DepEd launches probe on salutatorian Krisel Mallari’s speech

School issues character certificate to Krisel Mallari

Did we miss any other viral stories? Share with us your thoughts!