Leave it to Pinoys to incorporate humor into everything. You might have noticed the funny little hashtag #ManilaBayChallenge trending over the weekend. That’s because the rehabilitated Manila Bay was opened to the public for the first time, drawing crowds and managing to enrage even more people online. News outlets published images of the eager crowd of flocking to Roxas Boulevard — sans social distancing — to take photos and experience the synthetic white sand beach.
When the Manila Bay beach nourishment project first became known to the public, it was met with heavy criticism. Many argued that the P389M fund could’ve been used for other efforts, such as planting mangroves or helping fight the coronavirus crisis in the country. But since the millions of pesos have already been spent, we can just make each other laugh with the funniest #ManilaBayChallenge entries. Check out these famous personalities that may or may not have visited the area last Sunday.
These Pinoy celebrities striking poses
— Vin #OUST230 (@VinQuilop) September 20, 2020
— chingu struggle tweets (@chingoals) September 20, 2020
We can’t blame the crowd. Who wouldn’t want to see the Dingdong Dantes lounge on that fake white sand?
Bright and Win
Brightwin spotted at Manila bay pic.twitter.com/xEG7mfIEXx
— สารวัตร (@_Briiight) September 20, 2020
Pinoys are no doubt huge fans of Thailand actors Bright Vachiwarit Chiva-aree and Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn who starred in hit BL series 2gether: The Series. So it won’t come as a surprise if people flock to Manila Bay to spot the pair.
These government officials were present too
shempre may entry din si harry sksksks
,,,,,join gy-st mga laham,,,,,
#OustDu #ManilaBayChallenge pic.twitter.com/0gcgS1yNBv— (@meyychizkaa) September 20, 2020
This meme is years in the making. Salamat sa meme generator pic.twitter.com/Dj7uP4jLGJ
— Mong Palatino (@mongster) September 20, 2020
Wait, we knew there were tons of fake white sand, but we didn’t know you could surf, let alone play with the dolphins!
Internet superstars
Kween yasmin slayin#ManilaBayChallenge pic.twitter.com/HDSFyIdVjQ
— frncs (@kabion_frncs) September 20, 2020
Internet Superstar, Ms. Everything spotted enjoying the white sand of Manila Bay! #ManilaBayChallenge pic.twitter.com/KlU7OyJIpm
— Josh Nucup (@josh_nucup) September 20, 2020
Of course, these internet sensations won’t pass up the chance to check out Manila Bay’s new feature. Spot Kween Yasmin giving her signature peace sign and Ms. Everything marveling at the view.
This girl
may nag-swimming suit pa nga pic.twitter.com/6YxbqMwi5N
— Jimin Alapag (@vicentejian) September 20, 2020
We don’t even know who she is but wow! Boracay and Ace Water Spa who? This girl takes the cake for the Manila Bay Challenge. If her summer beach plans were hampered (thanks a lot, COVID), she will find a way to get that 2020 bikini beach photo. (And in case you were wondering if this photo is edited, it is not.)
Your favorite K-Pop idols
FILO BLINKs BLACKPINK pic.twitter.com/fUvkfo3Dak
— (@R0SIESM0L) September 20, 2020
Aaaay grabe naman pala ang @SB19Official! #ManilaBayChallenge pic.twitter.com/MWIiX2c4Px
— Angkol A’tin (@JohnnyThorFish) September 20, 2020
Twice and Blackpink were likewise spotted! And of course, SB19 wouldn’t pass up the chance to get some vitamin D while simultaneously having a fan meet (maybe).
Even Taylor Swift couldn’t resist not coming
Taylor Swift enjoying the white beach sand of Manila Bay.❤#ManilaBayChallenge pic.twitter.com/vpq2Dsjgxe
— Ro Mi Yow (@itsMyooong) September 20, 2020
After her lovely live performance of “Betty,” Taylor Swift went to the beach to catch a few rays of the sun before winter comes. We’re just lucky she chose Manila Bay to visit.
Did you see the Encantadia battle?
Kaya pala madaming tao sis Pirena @glaizaredux pic.twitter.com/DxntkhNTw0
— Macoy Dubs (@macoydubs1) September 20, 2020
Those who left the opening event early missed the chance to see Pirena and Amihan themselves battle stuff out once the sun went down. Needless to say, the crowd that gathered had such a wild time.
But maybe those who attended won’t consider doing it again since we’re in the middle of a pandemic and all.
What’s your favorite entry for the Manila Bay Challenge?
