Have you ever heard someone referred to as “Marites”?
The term “Marites” originates from the Filipino expression “Mare, anong latest?” which translates to asking for the latest gossip. Filipinos are often captivated by scandals and revelations, readily engaging in discussions and spreading unverified information, fueling assumptions and sparking intense opinions. Many Filipinos find intrigue amusing, readily offering unsolicited, sometimes hurtful opinions about others’ lives.
Another source of the “Marites” meme emerged during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. A noteworthy incident occurred when the Mayor of Manila, Isko Moreno, announced that there would be no liquor ban during the modified enhanced community quarantine. This decision elicited mixed reactions from the public, including one individual named Marites, who criticized the mayor’s stance on social media. A witty retort from a Facebook user, “Manahimik ka, Marites!” (“Keep quiet, Marites!”), gained widespread attention, becoming a popular phrase for dismissing opposing viewpoints.
Returning to the topic at hand…
One of Marites’ favorite topics is love teams. Love teams are formed to evoke excitement and romantic feelings among audiences, even though viewers are not directly involved in the actors’ on-screen relationships. However, sometimes love teams evolve into real relationships. Take, for instance, the Philippines’ beloved box-office duo, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, known as ‘Kathniel.’ Their partnership began in 2011 on the teen show ‘Growing Up,’ when Kathryn was just 16 and Daniel 17. Despite Daniel’s previous pairing with actress Julia Montes, it was evident that his attention was drawn to Kathryn, leading to their eventual romance.
Their on-screen chemistry blossomed, leading to successful projects like the hit movie “She’s Dating the Gangster” and numerous television series. In 2018, they shared their first on-screen kiss in “The How’s of Us,” solidifying their status as one of the most beloved couples in Philippine showbiz.
Despite enduring rumors and challenges, such as Daniel’s alleged infidelities, Kathniel’s relationship remained strong. However, in November 2023, the couple shocked fans by confirming their breakup via Instagram posts, sending the country into mourning.
Capstone-Intel’s social intelligence report revealed the widespread reaction to Kathniel’s breakup, with over 1.6 million reactions on various social media platforms. This breakup sparked a mix of emotions, with sadness being the predominant reaction, followed by love, likes, and laughter, demonstrating the profound impact of celebrity relationships on public sentiment.