#InquirerSeven: Most talked-about newsmakers 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 first of the yearend series lists the seven most talked-about newsmakers of the year, from the duo behind the record-breaking “AlDub” tandem to the ministers and leaders of Iglesia ni Cristo, who are till today still reeling from the church scandal late in the year.

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. The ‘AlDub’ avalanche

The accidental turned phenomenal on-screen love team of actor Alden Richards and Internet sensation Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza in Eat Bulaga’s hit “Kalyeserye” segment took 2015 by storm. The tandem’s undeniable chemistry, combined with the antics of Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, and Paolo Ballesteros, drew huge commercial success for the noontime show as evident in ratings and endorsements, and broke online records as well.

Refresh your memory:

‘AlDub’ posts record-breaking 41-M ‘Tamang Panahon’ tweets

AlDub reach 10M Twitter goal for #ALDUBMostAwaitedDate

Even global news giants can’t ignore ‘AlDub’

2. #Duterteserye grips and confuses nation

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte knows how to shock his audience, from cursing Pope Francis to admitting to killing criminals. But nothing is as headline-grabbing as “#Duterteserye,” in which the mayor kept the country guessing whether or not he would run for president. In December, Duterte finally filed his certificate of candidacy. However, the Commission on Elections still has to approve his application.

Refresh your memory:

Duterte won’t run; ‘Give the presidency to the one who wants it’

Duterte: ‘I won’t be a substitute candidate’

Duterte: My candidacy for the presidency is now on the table

IT’S OFFICIAL: Duterte, Cayetano team up for 2016

3. ‘Heneral Luna’ sparks nationalism in youth

Bayan o sarili? Many a Filipino have shouted–and tweeted–the epic battle cry of Antonio Luna, protagonist of the highly acclaimed historical indie “Heneral Luna.” The film, directed by Jerrod Tarog and starring John Arcilla, is now the highest-grossing Filipino historical film of all time despite its slow start in the box office.

Refresh your memory:

‘Heneral Luna’ earns P240 million, breaks even

John Arcilla aka Heneral Luna: I am a Filipino first, an actor second

‘Heneral Luna,’ best PH film in years, worthy of global audience

‘Heneral Luna ‘now highest-grossing Filipino historical film of all time’

4. Alma Moreno’s awkward television interview

Actress and senatorial aspirant Alma Moreno’s awkward interview with broadcaster Karen Davila became internet fodder and quickly went viral. Netizens went bonkers on how Moreno failed to answer the anchor’s questions on her advocacy. At one point, Moreno said she supports the reproductive health law “with reservations” but asked by Davila if she needed to elaborate further, to which the latter replied: “Of course you’re running for the Senate.”

Refresh your memory:

‘Nothing more awkward than Alma Moreno interview’

Vandolph: Karen humiliated my mom

Joey Marquez hurt by criticisms vs Moreno but understands Davila

5. ‘Apec hotties’ heat up economic summit in Philippines

Team Nieto or Team Trudeau? Filipinos swooned at the good looks Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, both of whom attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila. The informal rivalry between the two good-looking world leaders inspired the hashtag #APEChotties, which trended worldwide and even reached international media.

Refresh your memory:

#APEChotties: Netizens torn between Enrique Nieto, Justin Trudeau

Hubbub over ‘Apec hotties’ now viral in mainstream media

Trudeau to Filipinos: Judge me beyond my looks

6. Maria Ozawa in the Philippines

Former adult video actress Maria Ozawa is back the Philippines for the second time. She stars in Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Nilalang,” supposedly with actor Robin Padilla, who backed out at the last minute, and is set to open her own bar at Resorts World Manila. Ozawa once said her stay in the country has been “perfect” and that she doesn’t want to spend her first Christmas here alone.

Refresh your memory:

‘Everything is perfect,’ Maria Ozawa says of PH

Maria Ozawa calls Robin Padilla ‘unprofessional’

Maria Ozawa: I don’t want to spend Christmas in PH alone

7. Cracks show in Iglesia Ni Cristo church

A great deal of controversy rocked the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) church this year over allegations of corruption and abduction by its former ministers. The now seemingly divided church took its issues both on the streets and in the courts, as thousands of protesters gathered in Manila and then to the Edsa Shrine amid pending cases before the Department of Justice.

Refresh your memory:

Iglesia Ni Cristo pastor confirms kidnap

Ex-minister: Iglesia Ni Cristo minister wanted me killed

What went before: The Iglesia crisis

Did we miss any other influential newsmakers? Share with us your thoughts!