Only a month before the holidays, November anticipates the festive rush. Yet, this month has been proven noteworthy and no doubt stole everyone’s attention.

From popular culture to political news, and the unexpected turn of events, stay in the know about the happenings November 2024 had to offer:

1. Pop Mart pop-up store invites think pieces on anik-anik

(Screenshot from ABS-CBN’s X)

The home of Labubus and Hironos, Pop Mart launched its first pop-up store at the SM Mall of Asia and opened its doors to fanatics on Nov. 2.

Given the high demand, blind box enjoyers reserved a slot for shopping through the collections in-store and were limited to a 20-minute spree and a maximum of one purchase per figure. Walk-in visits were only allowed on Nov. 7.

The hype is real and expensive, with resellers profiting from eager buyers. This prompted online debate on the true culture of anik-anik and collecting, which coincides with consumerism and the concept of “healing your inner child.”

There will be plenty of time to reach a consensus since the pop-up store will run until Dec. 31.

2. Donald Trump comes back to the White House

(Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Donald Trump claimed the victory after beating Kamala Harris in the United States elections on Nov. 6

The Republican and Democratic Parties have been clashing throughout the presidential campaign, triggering heated discussions online after the elections.

A point of contention in Trump’s second administration is its effect on the security of Filipinos in the US with his America First policy that imposes tighter immigration laws. Immigration processes will expect strains and complications with stricter regulations even for Filipinos who are already documented.

Since elected, Trump’s Cabinet has been filled with controversial picks, assigning billionaire and business celebrity Elon Musk as adviser for the newfound Department of Government Efficiency.

3. Four typhoons hit the Philippines in eight days

(Photo from Inquirer)

The intensity of November with severe weather activity was a critical subject for experts to investigate climatic patterns and potential impacts that caused this streak.

Typhoon Marce, classified as a Signal No. 4-equivalent storm, made two landfalls in Northern Cagayan on Nov. 7. By Nov. 9, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 65,610 individuals were affected, with extensive damage in Cagayan province with agriculture suffering a loss of P16.2 Million.

On Nov. 11, Typhoon Nika, as an elevated Severe Tropical Storm warning, made landfall in Dilasag, Aurora, and swept through parts of Northern Luzon. The relentless onslaught escalated with Super Typhoon Pepito, which reached Signal No. 5 before landfall on Nov. 14. It struck Dipaculao, Aurora, as a Signal No. 4-equivalent storm. Super Typhoon Ofel hit Baggao, Cagayan, under a Signal No. 3 warning, while Signal No. 5 was raised in parts of Cagayan on Nov. 14.

NDRRMC reported 13 deaths due to Nika, Ofel, and Pepito, with over 4.2 million people affected.

4. The 2NE1 revival

(Photo from CL’s Instagram)

Filipino Blackjacks reunited with the Queens of K-pop for a two-night sold-out concert in the Mall of Asia Arena on Nov. 16 and 17.

The 2NE1: Welcome Back Tour Manila leg marked the iconic return of Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy after 10 years since 2014. Sandara Park, also known as Dara, debuted her career in the Philippines and thanked the fans in tears for her “homecoming” concert.

In a surprise moment, Dara performed her 2004 hit In or Out, while Minzy joined in the dance craze to BINI’s Pantropiko.

Fans were treated to special video greetings from IU, NewJeans, Aespa, Stray Kids, G-Dragon, Pharell Williams, and others.

During the first night, Bom left the stage due to a wardrobe malfunction but still returned to perform. On the second night, she exited early, with YG Entertainment citing medical reasons.

5. BINI’s three-night sold out concert

(Photo from BINI’s X)

The BINI fever reached new heights, with BINI’s Grand BINIverse concert selling out for three nights at the Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 16, 17, and 18.

Initially set for Oct. 4, the concert was rescheduled to Nov. 17 and 18, coinciding with the first anniversary of the viral sensation Pantropiko. Tickets sold out in less than three hours, prompting Star Music to announce a third date on Nov. 19 “due to insistent public demand.”

The second and third days were moved to Nov. 19 and 20 due to Typhoon Pepito, while the fans, BLOOMs, and the girl group still enjoyed a safe and successful run, with part of the proceeds donated to the ABS-CBN Foundation for those affected by the calamity.

6. UST Growling Tigers return to Final Four after five years

(Photo by Miguel Angelo Sumalinog/TomasinoWeb)

The UST Growling Tigers remained in strong contention with a 75-49 victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Nov. 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Tigers and Falcons were neck and neck in the second showdown with a three-point buzzer-beater from Adamson, entering halftime with only a point lead for UST, 29-28.

The third quarter set the pace of the game as the Growling Tigers powered to a 20-point lead, with shots of two- and three-pointers to extend their advantage, 52-32.

Driven by intense momentum in the fourth round, the Growling Tigers capitalized behind the three-point line and surged to clinch the Final Four berth with a 26-point lead, dominating the Soaring Falcons.

7. UST tops THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings

(Photo by Ricardo Magpoc Jr./TomasinoWeb)

The University earned the top rank as the distinguished school in the country for science in the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Ranking, as announced on Nov. 22.

This ranking assessed 749 universities across 92 countries, and it partnered with Schmidt Science Fellows, who assessed the scientific contributions and cross-disciplinary collaborations of universities that propel the advancement of research through “new institutions, emerging technologies, and effective teaching.”

UST placed in the 251-300 bracket globally with 39.8 - 42.5 points and procured 54.7 in inputs, 66.7 in process, and 29.7 in the outputs pillar.

The results were analyzed based on three key pillars: inputs, which include financing; processes, referring to both external and internal infrastructure; and outputs, which comprise the volume, quality, and credibility of publications.

Mapua University placed second below UST with a 501-600 classification.

8. Wicked’s emotional press tour

(Screenshot from Jake’s Takes’ YouTube)

After a year in production, Wicked finally hit Philippine theaters on Nov. 20.

Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba embraced their roles with a dedication to pink and green wardrobes, embodying their characters with a nod to Margot Robbie's portrayal of Barbie with her doll-like ensembles during her 2023 press tour.

The film’s release also brought humor surrounding the seemingly endless marketing collaborations from apparel, beauty, toys, homeware, food, and anything imaginable. Fans were fascinated by Grande and Erivo’s emotional interviews.

Many on social media sparked theories, speculating whether their emotional bond was genuine or a calculated marketing ploy.

9. Drama unfolds during VP Sara’s virtual press briefing

(Screenshot from Manila Bulletin’s YouTube)

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) held a late-night press conference on Nov. 23 via Zoom, addressing the transfer order of the House committee on good government for OVP Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez. The conference was streamed from Lopez’s detention cell.

Provoked by a question about corruption and criminality, Vice President Sara Duterte launched into a tirade against the Marcoses and Martin Romualdez, calling them an active threat to national security and democracy—a stark contrast to the “Uniteam” banner she championed with President Marcos, built on promises of “unity.”

The Vice President faced intense online backlash, calling the public rant a midnight meltdown.

10. Hello, Love, Again hits box office record

(Photo from Star Cinema)

The long-awaited sequel of the 2019 blockbuster Hello, Love, Goodbye of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards' love team became the first Filipino movie to surpass P1.06 billion gross sales at the worldwide box office as of Nov. 23.

The anticipation for this movie generated significant attention, especially surrounding the love team, but the story itself resonates with the lives of OFWs through Ethan and Joy.

The GMA Pictures and Star Cinema collaboration, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, was screened at the Asian World Film Festival in California where Bernardo was given the Snow Leopard Rising Star Award.

The list of successful Filipino movies in recent years hallmarks the improving recognition of Philippine cinema.

November was already a climactic buildup to the year-end wrap-up. From sensational stars to surprising turns of fate, everyone awaits for December’s plot twist.