25 things stars said in 2025 to start the New Year

Before we gallop into the Year of the Horse, let me share 25 “Hello Dolly” quotes of 2025 straight from the horse’s mouth. May your 2026 be filled with horseshoe lucky charm vibes.

Vilma Santos: “I don’t want to sound self-righteous. Now more than ever, I realized that the problems of workers tackled in my movie, ‘Sister Stella L,’ are still the same problems they face today. Basta sa constituents ko in Batangas, hindi na nila kailangan pumunta sa Kapitolyo, kami na ang pupunta sa kanila. I am no saint, but I am not a devil.”

Cesar Montano: “Before Manny Pacquiao’s match with Barrios, we had two intense Bible study sessions. ‘Di naman kami pa ‘holier-than-thou.’ I agree with what most people say that Manny was robbed. I watched the match live. Panalo talaga si Manny dapat. But the good thing about Barrios is he respects Manny.”

Lea Salonga: “Remember that all our children are gifts from God, and God makes no mistakes. Do not shoehorn your children into what YOU want, thinking it’s sinful or a violation of God’s Divine Law. I love my son exactly for who he is, period, full stop, that’s it. No conditions. We are supposed to love our children unconditionally. Be prepared for them to leave you and go ‘no contact’ if you are unable to do this most basic of things: to love.”

Martin Nievera: “When it comes to marrying again, my  doors are never closed. If Anj will have me, why not? But I am a true believer that we don’t need a ring or a contract to know where we are going or how much we can or should love each other. I wanna ‘Take 2’ and ‘Take 3,’ maybe even ‘Take 4’ if we have to, in life and all that life throws our way. I want to take this journey with her and see where it brings us. As long as we are together, no matter how many takes.”

Eugene Domingo: “If the foundation of the marriage is broken, I don’t think the marriage will work anymore. Everybody deserves to be happy. There is no reason to be together and just suffer every day. My marriage works because my husband is patient (laughs). To give credit to me naman, he says I am very thoughtful.”

John Estrada: “I cannot speak on behalf of my daughter, Kaila regarding the issue linking her to Daniel Padilla. It’s not my story to tell. Kaila is an adult, and aside from that, I trust her judgment and her smarts. I’ve worked with Daniel and I admire him for having no star complex at all.”

Yayo Aguila: “I no longer believe in marriage. Once is enough. My ex-hubby William Martinez and I are not exactly civil with each other but I will never deprive him of access to our grown-up kids.”

Marvin Agustin: “If I were a  dish, I would be adobo — simple, comforting but layered. It looks easy, but it takes time, patience and the right balance to get it right. It also reminds me of how I grew up — humble beginnings, a bit of sweetness, a bit of spice and a lot of resilience.”

Gabbi Garcia: “My BF Kahlil and I treat each other with utmost respect all the time. Also, we make sure that we communicate everything. No secrets. We don’t provoke each other. So, it’s really just being intentional in making the relationship work.”

Dennis Trillo: “After bagging an Urian, I would not say that I will be choosy with  my next projects. Being mindful of my projects would be the more appropriate way of putting it. Since ‘Green Bones’ won so many awards, my next project must exceed that. So, deciding what movie to do now is quite tough.”

Andres Muhlach: “Anything is possible to happen between Ash (Ashtine Olviga) and me. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company and we have become more comfy with each other after shooting our film.”

Bela Padilla: “Living in London made me step out of my comfort zone which worked wonders for me. I advise other celebs who experience ‘burnout,’ to try living abroad even just for a few months. It will transform you at so many levels.”

Ces Drilon: “I did not leave the Bilyonaryo Channel because of Korina Sanchez. That’s fake news. There’s no bad blood between Korina and me. I am thankful to Korina because she’s so supportive of my wellness product line, Provenciana Naturals. She was my very first customer when I started my biz during the pandemic.”

Ciara Sotto: “People expect more from you if you have famous parents. As a young girl, sometimes it felt like they were only being nice to me because of my parents. It was also quite hard being compared to my beautiful mom. But I grew up with a solid support system — my family — so that didn’t break me.”

Eric Quizon: “While I was growing up, I did not resent  that my dad had other families. He gave me and my siblings equal time and attention. He never married any of his women but he almost got hitched to Pilar Pilapil.”

Jim Paredes: “As for talks that APO ought to be named National Artist would be an honor, but I would not put too much hope that it will happen. A lot of artists in England who got the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award lost their creativity. APO is inherently anti-establishment. I don’t know how to feel about it yet. Am I just being defensive? Hahaha!”

Kiefer Ravena: “It’s hard to compare Michael Jordan and Lebron James because they are from different generations. It’s a never-ending debate who the GOAT is. They are both legends. But putting things in perspective, MJ laid the groundwork for the next generation of players like Lebron.”

Baron Geisler: “My advice for recovering alcoholics like me, be honest with yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sobriety is not a solo mission. Surround yourself with people who love you enough to tell you the truth and walk with you, even when you stumble. And keep showing up for yourself, one day at a time. There’s no shame in starting over as long as you keep choosing recovery. It’s not always easy — but it’s always worth it.”

Charo Santos: “It’s simply unfair and outdated to criticize women for dating younger men while older men with younger partners are often accepted. We should focus on the relationship’s quality rather than the ages involved; love shouldn’t be restricted by age.

“Moreover, this highlights societal hypocrisy and biases. Women deserve the freedom to make their choices without judgment. Relationships should be evaluated based on mutual respect, trust and love, not age. We need to push for greater understanding and acceptance in these dynamics.”

Lotlot de Leon: “When Mommy left for the States, she was away for many months. She told me, ‘Ikaw na bahala sa mga kapatid mo.’ Aside from my siblings, I had my kids to take care of. I was at a loss. So yung pagmamahal na tinuro sa akin ni Mommy, yun ang ginawa ko. Mula bata ako, nasanay na ko na ang buhay ni Mommy nilaan na n’ya sa trabaho at sa fans n’ya. Kaya yung mga oras na nahihiram namin siya ng mga kapatid ko ay sobrang precious.”

Jerald Napoles: “Ang ex-es ko per continent (laughs). I had a French and an American as girlfriends. Mabenta ako sa AFAM. When I’m in Boracay, tourists approach me and ask, ‘How much is a banana boat ride?’ I tell them in jest that I don’t have a boat but I have a banana.”

Richard Gomez: “When I was still a bachelor, I sowed my wild oats. That’s why it’s easy for me to stay away from temptation now that I’m married. Besides, my wife Lucy prays for me every time I step out of the house. Pang-kontra sa temptation (laughs).”

John Arcilla: “I’m a Filipino first and foremost. As an actor, I might be willing to accept an offer to portray the role of a political figure even if his beliefs don’t align with mine. But the Pinoy in me will prevail, so I will turn down the offer.”

Kaila Estrada: “I have a long list of qualities that I like in a guy. But the most important thing would be someone who supports my career and makes an effort to have a relationship with my family and is God-fearing.”

Shamaine Buencamino: “My youngest daughter Julia left a suicide post which started with ‘Mom, dad, I wished you would have noticed but it’s not your fault, I promise. I know you loved me and I love you. I’m sorry for doing this to you guys.’ It is a reminder that those who take their lives do not do so to punish their families. They often do it because their distorted minds have convinced them that there is no hope of overcoming the pain that they feel. She also left behind writings and drawings that give us a glimpse on what she went through. Her works continue to motivate our mental health advocacy.”