Cover Tatler’s best stories of 2025 (Photo: edited by Christofer Palentino)
Tatler’s best stories of 2025 (Photo: edited by Christofer Palentino)
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From screens to sanctuaries, dining rooms to distant landscapes, here are our 20 most-read stories of 2025—a curated look at what mattered, and why
Seen through the Tatler lens, 2025 was a year of thoughtful storytelling and considered living—an archive of moments that, together, defined the year we will look back on for a long time. These stories captured not only the cultural moments that commanded attention, but also the quieter shifts in how we lived, gathered, created and cared. From the worlds of screen and sound to space, design, dining and deeply rooted traditions, each piece became a marker of where we were and who we were becoming.
As the year drew to a close, these were the features that stayed with us long after the last page was turned—the ones that moved with the rhythm of the year itself. Discover the most-read stories of Tatler Philippines in 2025 below.
More from Tatler: A year of brilliance: which Tatler cover defined 2025 for you?
1. From ‘Buried Hearts’ to ‘Doctor Slump’: must-see Park Hyung-sik Korean dramas across genres
Above Park Hyung-sik while filming the Korean drama, ‘Buried Hearts’ (Photo: Instagram/@pandstudio_official)
Park Hyung-sik while filming the Korean drama, ‘Buried Hearts’ (Photo: Instagram/@pandstudio_official)
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Few actors demonstrated range quite like Park Hyung-sik in 2025. Moving seamlessly between romance, psychological drama and emotionally complex roles, he reaffirmed his status as one of Korean entertainment’s most compelling leading men.
Read the full story here.
2. Netflix’s ‘The Devil’s Plan’ returns: get to know the cast and players of season 2
Above Meet the cast and players of ‘The Devil’s Plan: Death Game’ (Photo: courtesy of Netflix)
Meet the cast and players of ‘The Devil’s Plan: Death Game’ (Photo: courtesy of Netflix)
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With its second season, The Devil’s Plan sharpened its intellectual edge. Less spectacle, more strategy—the series unfolded as a quiet study of human behaviour under pressure, where logic often proved more revealing than emotion.
Read the full story here.
3. ‘A Minecraft Movie’: when a video game adaptation gets it right
Above Steve’s Lava Chicken stand in the Overworld of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: IMDb)
Steve’s Lava Chicken stand in the Overworld of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: IMDb)
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Long dismissed as an unlikely cinematic success, A Minecraft Movie surprised audiences by honouring the spirit of creativity and imagination that made the game a global phenomenon in the first place.
Read the full story here.
4. Future’s gonna be okay: 5 of BTS member Suga’s most inspirational songs
Above In honour of BTS member Suga’s birthday, here are the songs he performed at his solo tour (Photo stylised by Celine Dabao; Images: Instagram/@agustd)
In honour of BTS member Suga’s birthday, here are the songs he performed at his solo tour (Photo stylised by Celine Dabao; Images: Instagram/@agustd)
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Marked by introspection and emotional honesty, Suga’s music continued to resonate deeply. His lyrics offered reassurance without sentimentality—proof that vulnerability remains one of pop music’s most powerful tools.
Read the full story here.
5. The new wave of second male leads: K-drama actors who are changing the game
Above We list five next-generation actors who are triggering our second lead syndrome, including Kim Hyun-jin as Baek Do-Hong in the K-drama ‘Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale’ (Photo: Instagram/@pat8mat)
We list five next-generation actors who are triggering our second lead syndrome, including Kim Hyun-jin as Baek Do-Hong in the K-drama ‘Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale’ (Photo: Instagram/@pat8mat)
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Second male lead syndrome evolved in 2025. A new generation of K-drama actors blurred the lines between hero and heartbreak, challenging traditional romantic narratives and leaving viewers delightfully conflicted.
Read the full story here.
6. Can we clean up Earth’s orbit before it’s too late? Space leaders weigh in on the cosmic junk threat
Above It’s not science fiction—millions of space debris fragments now circle our planet, threatening satellites and astronauts alike (Photo: Getty Images)
It’s not science fiction—millions of space debris fragments now circle our planet, threatening satellites and astronauts alike (Photo: Getty Images)
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Tatler examined the growing threat of space debris through conversations with Asian space leaders, highlighting how innovation—and urgency—will define humanity’s next frontier.
Read the full story here.
7. Behind the locked doors: the ritual, history and drama of the papal conclave
Above Cardinals gather at St Peter’s Square for the funeral of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal conclave to elect his successor (Photo: Vatican News)
Cardinals gather at St Peter’s Square for the funeral of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal conclave to elect his successor (Photo: Vatican News)
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As the world watched the Vatican once more, we explored the ritual, history and enduring intrigue of the papal conclave—a centuries-old process that continues to captivate in a digital age.
Read the full story here.
8. The funny man: Nico Santos on his Filipino roots and ‘keeping it real’ in Hollywood
Above Nico Santos wears a Ryuji Shiomitsu suit, an Ar Valdez dress shirt and trousers, and an AC+632 hat and brooch (Photo: Wesley Villarica; Location: City of Dreams Manila)
Nico Santos wears a Ryuji Shiomitsu suit, an Ar Valdez dress shirt and trousers, and an AC+632 hat and brooch (Photo: Wesley Villarica; Location: City of Dreams Manila)
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Actor and comedian Nico Santos reflected on representation, staying grounded and returning home, offering a candid look at navigating global success while honouring one’s origins.
Read the full story here.
9. Home tour: a cliffside home with panoramic views of Quezon City, Manila
Above The exterior of a cliffside home in Quezon City (Photo: Greg Mayo)
The exterior of a cliffside home in Quezon City (Photo: Greg Mayo)
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Perched dramatically above the city, this family home by architect Mike Peña balanced sustainability, serenity and sweeping views—proof that thoughtful design can transform challenging terrain.
Read the full story here.
10. Where to get the best halo halo in Metro Manila
Above Cool down with some delicious halo halo at these 7 shops around Metro Manila (Photo courtesy of Milky Way Café)
Cool down with some delicious halo halo at these 7 shops around Metro Manila (Photo courtesy of Milky Way Café)
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From nostalgic favourites to bold reinterpretations, these seven destinations celebrated the dessert that continues to define Filipino indulgence and memory.
Read the full story here.
11. Tatler Best 20: The best restaurants in the Philippines 2025
Above Tatler Best 20: the best restaurants in the Philippines (Photo: Helm by Josh Boutwood)
Tatler Best 20: the best restaurants in the Philippines (Photo: Helm by Josh Boutwood)
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Our definitive dining list honoured chefs and establishments that shaped the country’s culinary conversation—where innovation met heritage, and technique met soul.
Read the full story here.
12. A look at Queen Jetsun Pema’s striking jewellery collection
Above Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attend the Coronation Reception For Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace in 2023 (Photo: Getty Images / Mark Cuthbert)
Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attend the Coronation Reception For Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace in 2023 (Photo: Getty Images / Mark Cuthbert)
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Graceful and symbolic, the Bhutanese queen’s jewellery reflected a modern royal elegance rooted in meaning rather than excess.
Read the full story here.
13. Home tour: a Moroccan-inspired apartment on Billionaires’ Row in Central Park, New York
Above The great room in a Central Park, New York family home (Photo: Nick Johnson)
The great room in a Central Park, New York family home (Photo: Nick Johnson)
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This richly layered New York apartment offered a global escape—where colour, contemporary art and craftsmanship converged.
Read the full story here.
14. January 2025 dining radar: La Chinesca BGC, Baker on East, Mōdan’s new menu and more
Above Janaury 2025 Dining Radar: new restaurants, cafés, and bars to tick off your list, including La Chinesca’s newest flagship in BGC (Photo: Pol Divina)
Janaury 2025 Dining Radar: new restaurants, cafés, and bars to tick off your list, including La Chinesca’s newest flagship in BGC (Photo: Pol Divina)
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From taquerías to caviar speakeasies, the year began with a flurry of openings that signalled Manila’s relentless dining momentum.
Read the full story here.
15. The most iconic roles of Baeksang Awards 2025 best actor Ju Ji-hoon and best actress Kim Tae-ri
Above Baeksang Awards 2025 Best Actor Ju Ji-hoon and Best Actress Kim Tae-ri
Baeksang Awards 2025 Best Actor Ju Ji-hoon and Best Actress Kim Tae-ri
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Ju Ji-hoon and Kim Tae-ri delivered performances that dominated the year—and rightfully earned television’s highest honours.
Read the full story here.
16. Iain Glen on the warmth of Filipinos, chaotic streets and why ‘Quezon’ is worth watching
Above Scottish actor Iain Glen talks about the warmth of Filipinos, chaotic streets, and why ‘Quezon’ is worth watching (Photo: Jon Hipe)
Scottish actor Iain Glen talks about the warmth of Filipinos, chaotic streets, and why ‘Quezon’ is worth watching (Photo: Jon Hipe)
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The Scottish actor reflected on history, humanity and portraying Leonard Wood in Quezon, a film directed by Filipino director Jerrold Tarog.
Read the full story here.
17. Holy Week 2025: here are 5 churches and sanctuaries that tell a story
Above The Saint Lucy Church at Aringay, La Union (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The Saint Lucy Church at Aringay, La Union (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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From Ilocos to Rizal, these churches and sanctuaries offered more than pilgrimage—they told stories of faith, resilience and place.
Read the full story here.
18. 7 things to know about BTS V as he returns from the military
Above BTS V makes a return from the military—here are fun facts to know about him (Photo: Weverse)
BTS V makes a return from the military—here are fun facts to know about him (Photo: Weverse)
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Fresh from military service, Kim Taehyung returned as an artist defined by curiosity, introspection and a refusal to be boxed into genre or expectation.
Read the full story here.
19. The cultural wanderer’s guide to Batanes
Above Chamantad Cove, Sabtang Island, Batanes (Photo: Maritess Garcia-Reyes)
Chamantad Cove, Sabtang Island, Batanes (Photo: Maritess Garcia-Reyes)
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Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Batanes revealed a way of life anchored in community, sustainability and quiet strength.
Read the full story here.
20. Tatler Dining Kitchen’s two-night only pop-up with chefs JP Cruz and Chele González
Above Tatler Dining Kitchen on May 16 & 17 with chefs JP Cruz and Chele González (Photo: Sonny Thakur)
Tatler Dining Kitchen on May 16 & 17 with chefs JP Cruz and Chele González (Photo: Sonny Thakur)
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Chefs JP Cruz and Chele González came together for a two-night tasting experience that set the tone for Tatler Dining Kitchen’s vision: intimate, ingredient-driven and unforgettable.
Read the full story here.
Christofer Palentino tells stories the way a digital marketer reads a campaign report: seeking patterns, turning points and the human truths hidden behind the numbers. A digital marketing professional with a keen eye for analytics, he fuses data-driven insight with creative vision to capture moments that define the cultural pulse.
His niche spans the spectrum of pop culture—music, film and fashion—anything that shapes and reflects the zeitgeist. For him, every trend has a story, and every story has a strategy.
Connect with him on Instagram @_chrspl or at christofer@tatlerphilippines.com
