#InquirerSeven Most Heartwarming Stories of 2014

MANILA, Philippines – As 2014 draws to a close, INQUIRER.net looks back at everything that happened from the good to the bad and all the other things in between.

This first of seven #InquirerSeven listicles remembers the seven Most Heartwarming Stories of 2014.

Read the full list of the Inquirer #BestOfSeven 2014 Yearender special.

1. BUILD BACK BETTER AFTER ‘YOLANDA’

Proving the resilience and perseverance of the Filipino spirit, the Philippines showed how fast it could recover a year after the destruction left by Super Typhoon “Yolanda.” Local and international organizations continue their relief operations; the road to recovery–while long and winding–is paved with good intentions.

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• Yolanda: The Storm of the Century
• Yolanda: After the Storm
• Love offers fresh dreams for Philippine typhoon survivors

2. PEACE AT HAND IN MINDANAO

Signed on March 27, 2014 after 17 years of on-and-off negotiations, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro will create a new entity to replace the ARMM, in time for the 2016 elections.

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• Gov’t, MILF seal peace deal
• Philippines, MILF sign peace agreement
• What is the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro?

3. ‘RAK OF AEGIS’ ROCKS THEATER SCENE

Taking off from the pop culture songs of Aegis in the 90s, the jukebox musical was staged at the Peta Theater from February to March amid rave reviews and packed crowds. It was back on stage from June to September, and again in December, because of unprecedented high demand.

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• ‘Rak of Aegis’–fitful narrative, heart-rending music
• Peta’s ‘Rak of Aegis’ returns this December
• 6 things you didn’t know about ‘Rak of Aegis’ Villa Venizia

4. NETIZENS DONATE FOR 6-YEAR-OLD ASHLEY

The story of Ashley Nepomuceno and her incurable skin disease caused an outpouring of support from netizens. Donations reached half a million pesos less than a week after the story ran; the total to date is over P1.4 million.

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• MRT passengers pass the hat for 6-year-old Ashley
• Ashley Nepomuceno dreams of going to school
• Ashley’s grandmother thanks Good Samaritans

5. FILIPINA MAID GAINS FAME FOR STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN HONG KONG

It was a whirlwind year for Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Xyza Cruz Bacani, who gained fame after the New York Times featured her street photography of Hong Kong residents in June. She continues to work as a domestic helper, despite the recognition her photographs have received.

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• ‘I don’t feel like an OFW, just a girl with a camera’ shooting HK’s street life

6. ENGAGEMENTS AND MARRIAGES GALORE

Love was in the air throughout 2014 as couples got engaged or tied the knot. Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero proposed to Heart Evangelista; Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes announced their engagement on live TV; hosts Iya Villania and Drew Arellano exchanged vows, and basketball player JC Intal and Bianca Gonzales became man and wife.

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• Fireworks, tears at Heart Evangelista-Chiz Escudero engagement
• Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera—that was a second proposal
• Bianca Gonzalez, JC Intal get hitched in Palawan

7. TV KILIG THROWBACK

The 90s came back officially in 2014, with the news that Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin will once again team up for an ABS-CBN teleserye next year, and with a remake of the hit soap opera “Pangako Sa ’Yo” to be headlined by teen heartthrobs Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. On March 7, “Kathniel” wrapped up their own hit series “Got to Believe.”

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• Thrill is not gone for Jolina, Marvin
• ‘Got to Believe’ ends on a ‘magically’ rollicking note