Who made it to the Big 20 of 2011?

Several weeks ago, The Buzz conducted a research on the most talked-about couples, hottest topics and sought-after celebrities in 2011. We featured the choices on The Buzz and called them the Big 20 of 2011. Here are some of them. Read on. 

Ai-Ai de las Alas — Two decades in the movie industry with several acting awards, Ai-Ai is grateful. Last year was doubly exciting for Ai-Ai. After she had her Best Actress Award from the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Tanging Ina Mo: Last Na ’to, what followed was a string of awards throughout 2011 from Box Office Entertainment Awards (Box Office Queen), PMPC (Best Actress of the Year, Best Comedy Actress, Best Single Performance by an Actress), Famas (Best Actress), among others. On TV, she has Binondo Girl and Maria La del Barrio where she gets to act and do comedy at the same time. A big box-office draw, her movie (with Vic Sotto) Enteng ng Ina Mo is the top-grossing film in the recent MMFF.

Pokwang — Last year, Pokwang had some of her dreams fulfilled. She built a beautiful house for her family who at one time never had a roof to cover their heads. She also became a regular Happy Yipee Yehey! co-host. And what could be the best year-ender for Pokwang but the TV show Todo Max that casts her along with Angel Locsin, Vhong Navarro and Robin Padilla? This year, Pokwang will star in her own movie billed A Mother’s Story produced by Star Cinema and the Filipino Channel. It is the story of an OFW who had to sacrifice everything for her family. It is very close to home as Pokwang at one time was an OFW in Japan.

Kathryn Bernardo (left) and Julia Montes — Called the Rising Dramatic Princesses, the duo bravely starred in the remake of Mara Clara. Middle of this year, Kathryn and Julia starred in their own movie Way Back Home where they showcased their dramatic talents. Another feat was added to their growing list of achievements when they were cast in Growing Up, a show that showcased their versatility as actors. This year, Julia is preparing for a new TV series, while Kathryn will be working on a new movie.

Coco Martin — He was both loved and hated in the teleserye Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. He is one of the most versatile actors in showbiz whose rise to fame was extraordinary. One of his biggest projects last year was the film Noy, where he played a journalist following the presidential campaign trail of then Sen. Noynoy Aquino. Noy was selected as the country’s entry to the Best Foreign Film category at the 83rd Oscars. Although the movie did not make it to the official nominees, movie producers were reportedly smitten by Coco’s acting. And this year, Coco will star in a new teleserye titled Walang Hanggan that will cast him opposite Julia Montes, a movie with Angeline Quinto and still another movie with Judy Ann Santos.

Piolo Pascual — One of the most controversial stories that stunned the public was his breakup with KC Concepcion. After KC’s interview on The Buzz, Piolo chose the “silent” route. According to Piolo, 2011 was the most challenging so far. Piolo is hoping that 2012 will be a peaceful year for him. He is focusing on his forthcoming teleserye with Jericho Rosales and Christopher de Leon and in fact, he had to cancel his Valentine show for the teleserye. Piolo is also busy with Spring Films, his own production company. Lined up are the Kimmy Dora sequel, which is now in its principal photography, and a movie with ABS CBN, among others. On the domestic front, Piolo is excited of his son Inigo’s graduation in June and he will be present on that important day.

Anne Curtis — She was hailed by People Asia Magazine as a Woman of Substance. She became the subject of a “moral guidance” when anti-smoking groups howled when she posed on the cover of a magazine with a cigarette on hand. She is also one of the most sought-after product endorsers and celebrity magazine cover girls. Dubbed the National Sweetheart and Princess of all Media, Anne is hot. She is one of the most followed Filipino celebrities on Twitter with over two million followers. Last year, she proved all and sundry that she is also a big box-office draw with No Other Woman. On the recording front, her own album Anne-Bisyosa is now certified platinum. And this year, Anne will stage her concert Anne-Bisyosa at the Araneta Coliseum.

Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban — People just couldn’t help talking about smoldering hot couple Derek and Angelica. They have been a couple since 2006 and the public seems not to get enough of them. Derek and Angelica remain one of the most exciting couples. They have had their own share of challenges but they are steadfast in their love for each other. And this year, they are looking forward to a vacation in London. Career-wise, both of them will be very busy with work in 2012.

Luis Manzano and Jennylyn Mercado — Luis officially admitted that he and Jen are a couple last Nov. 26. Theirs have been a sizzling love affair. Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos has high approval of the relationship. In one public gathering in Batangas, Gov. Vi introduced Jen as the girlfriend of her son. Luis ended 2011 on a high note and is starting 2012 on a higher note. He has several projects already lined up starting with the teleserye Alta.

Vice Ganda — Vice’s lucky streak continues. He hosts Showtime, has a comedy chat show Gandang Gabi Vice, and is a consistent top-rater and trending topic on Twitter. Last year, he released his solo album Vice Ganda Lakas Tama. His repeat concert at the Araneta was filled to the rafters. He is a trusted product endorser. Before the year ended, Vice made a killing at the box-office with Praybeyt Benjamin, now considered the highest-grossing film of all time earning more than P342M. 2012 is going to be a busy year for Vice.

Kris Aquino — The Big 20 of 2011 is not complete without The Queen of All Media. Last year, Kris was chosen Honorary Patron for Asia by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Her December movie Segunda Mano is one of the top-grossers. Kris is able to balance magnificently her being an unstoppable Queen of All Media, a doting mother to Josh and Baby James, and a most fascinating woman.