Hayden Kho Jr.

The year 2009 proved to be a colorful year, what with all the depressing yet inspiring (for all the heroism it brought on)  natural disasters that swept the country, the political insanity that rocked the nation, and of course, the showbiz scandals we hated to love but loved to talk about anyway.

Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online looks back on the last 12 months and lists nine of the biggest brouhahas in the world of local entertainment.

Hayden Kho-Katrina Halili sex video scandal

The beleaguered ex-doctor and ex-beau of Dra. Vicki Belo was a struggling celebrity before his sex video with sexy actress Katrina Halili leaked on cyberspace earlier this year, on to the hard drives of curious individuals, and on to the congested stalls of Quiapo. Katrina, who felt violated and exploited, took her case to the authorities, particularly the courts and the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC), that eventually revoked Hayden’s license last November. Names such as Maricar Reyes, Bea Alonzo, Rufa Mae Quinto and KC Concepcion all got dragged into the issue as well.

Manny-Jinkee-Krista 'love' triangle

As Manny Pacquiao is the king of the boxing ring, so is he of the showbiz ring. Linked with several women in the past other than his wife Jinkee, no one stirred as much buzz, however, as the one with sexy starlet Krista Ranillo. She was but a “Wapakman” co-star to the boxing champ until items and paparazzi photos of their “meetings” surfaced. Manny initially refused to comment, but manned up in the end to plead the public to focus on his achievements instead. He apologized to the Ranillos, too. Mrs. Pacquiao’s strong disposition to keep her family together earned her her own fan base (Team Jinkee).

Lloydfa’s 'rendezvous' caught on cam

Ruffa Gutierrez was rumored to be the third party that broke John Lloyd Cruz’s long-time relationship with fashion editor and stylist Liz Uy. Lloydy and Ruffa have both dispelled such claims albeit they were constantly seen together. However, photos of the two shopping and entering a hotel in Los Angeles made it to press, which only reinforced the speculations. Add to that the tricky remark of Ruffa’s mom, Annabelle: “Dong, napakatapang mo ligawan mo si Ruffa, diyan ako bilib sa’yo.  Maski ayaw ko sa iyo ang kulit-kulit mo kay Ruffa, okay na rin ako sa‘yo Dong.”

Willie Revillame’s 'Wowowee' outburst

Many times had Willie Revillame blown his top live on air but the audiences did not mind---until his infamous outburst when the footage of late Cory Aquino’s funeral cortege was inserted during the noontime show’s “Giling-Giling” production number. Big bosses of his mother network came to his defense, saying he was merely misinterpreted. But furious Pinoys were not convinced and persisted with an online petition to oust him from “Wowowee.” Result: A month later, Willie was back on the show.

Richard Gutierrez’s road accident & PA’s death

The Kapuso actor had been a staple in the intrigue department this year, the biggest news of which was his involvement in a vehicular accident in Cavite last May 22 that killed his personal assistant, Norman Pardo. An apologetic Richard insisted it was an accident, but his PA’s wife, Lorayne, filed charges against him for reckless imprudence, claiming he abandoned Norman when he could’ve been saved.

Mo Twister’s ‘Twitter joke’

Another controversy magnet, Mo Twister, made headlines this year after he posted in his Twitter account in September that his “Showbiz Central” co-host and friend, Rufa Mae Quinto, was engaged to presidential son Mikey Arroyo. According to Mo, he merely added a humorous twist on what he deemed as an “Internet rumor.” Rufa Mae’s patience reached a threshold, and it was friendship over between them. It is recalled that February of this year, the DJ and TV host interviewed Dra. Vicki Belo in his “Gimme Mo” segment and asked her opinion on her ex-boyfriend Hayden’s rumored sexual encounter with “Peachy” (Rufa Mae’s nickname). Peachy cracked up in disappointment on “The Buzz” few weeks after.

Mikaela Bilbao flares up on Pops and Greta

Her “Celebrity Duets” stint gave her the side lights, but the “road project commission” controversy that involved Pops Fernandez and Gretchen Barretto drove her to the spotlight. Mikaela reportedly named the two showbiz royalties as beneficiaries of a road project headed by Department of Public Works and Highway’s former Road Board director, Rodolfo “Dodie” Puno. The businesswoman fervently denied the accusation, and even dared La Greta for a face-off on national TV because “hindi ako ipinanganak sa mundong ito para matakot sa isang Gretchen Barretto!” While she squealed, the two kept silent.

Cristine’s catfights

In the eyes of men, Cristine Reyes is a sex goddess---albeit one who is difficult to deal with in the eyes of some women. Earlier this year, the actress was booted out of the gag show, “Banana Split,” due to her “attitude problem” which "alienated" her from the rest of the cast. She also has reportedly exchanged fiery text messages with a former cast mate, RR Enriquez. Both camps had their own side of the story, however, RR released a copy of their heated exchange where Cristine used a swear word several times. Another “text message” issue involved the Kapuso-turned-Kapamilya star in December, when Heart Evangelista confirmed she received foul messages from Cristine, discouraging her to entertain her then-boyfriend, Dennis Trillo’s “advances.“ The two could have been victims of the publicity mill, as both had entries in the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival.

Goodbye Rustom, Hello Bebe

Rustom Padilla won fans during his stay in the Pinoy Big Brother house as a celebrity housemate who went out of the closet. However, he greeted the New Year with more shocking news; that is, coming home from the US with a female physique and a female name to match, Bebe Gandanghari. Bebe declared Rustom Padilla dead. Her family admitted to have difficulty embracing her newfound identity, but eventually welcomed her with open arms.