Hindsight is 20/20: Stories that capture a year of chaos

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Yes, we know. You’d rather forget about 2020.

But as in every tough experience, 2020 provides all of us fond and painful memories to keep, lessons to treasure, and yes, a wish for things to become better. 2020 is also about 20/20 – better clarity in vision for the future after emerging from possibly one of the worst years ever.

As we navigate our way to 2021, Rappler compiles on this page the stories, articles, images, and important headlines that shook, angered, awed, and inspired us. We also look ahead and spot trends, offer predictions for 2021, forecasts, and analyses.

Bookmark and refresh this page to look to the past, and get a glimpse of the future and the fun stuff as we close 2020 and enter a new year.

LATEST UPDATES

Dec 30, 2020 12:01 PM PHT

Then/Now: How the opinion of a former ABS-CBN employee evolved

Nick Villavecer

How did the opinion of a former ABS-CBN employee change from the start of 2020 to now – as a new hire in Rappler?

Here’s what he thought in May:

[OPINION] Thoughts on press freedom, from an ABS-CBN employee

And here’s what he’s thinking now:

[OPINION] Moving forward from ABS-CBN to Rappler

Dec 29, 2020 12:57 PM PHT

[ANALYSIS] 7 charts that sum up how the PH economy endured 2020

JC Punongbayan

What a chaotic year 2020 has been.

As well as facing its worst health crisis in decades, the Philippines suffered its worst economic crisis since World War II. Although the pandemic left long, deep scars on Filipinos’ economic lives, it’s also an opportunity to transform our economy for the better.

Here are 7 graphs that try to capture how our economy endured 2020. I also offer guesses on where we might be headed.

Then/Now: How the opinion of a Filipina studying in the US evolved

Marie Tanya Recalde

How did the opinion of one Filipina studying in the US change from the start of 2020 to now?

Here’s what she thought in June:

[OPINION] Studying in the U.S. in the middle of a pandemic

And here’s what she’s thinking now:

[OPINION] An intricate braid: Appreciating 2020 in hindsight

Dec 28, 2020 11:21 AM PHT

The best Rappler Editorial GIFs of 2020

Every single Monday of 2020, our Rappler Editorial came with a corresponding illustrated GIF. Check out the most compelling animated opinions created this year here.

Dec 28, 2020 9:18 AM PHT

[ANALYSIS] Asia’s winners and losers in 2020: Dynamic female duo shows the way

So, who was up and who was down in Asia in 2020?

Check the annual assessment of Curtis S. Chin and Jose B. Collazo.

Dec 27, 2020 9:26 PM PHT

FAST FACTS: Who is teen tennis sensation Alex Eala?

Beatrice Go

Teen tennis standout Alex Eala continues to make Philippine sports history as she highlighted 2020 with several personal milestones.

Eala became the first Filipina Grand Slam champion when she clinched the Australian Open juniors doubles title and the first Filipino to reach a Grand Slam semifinals in 35 years when she claimed a last 4 slot in the French Open girls singles tournament.

The Sisyphean burden on Kobe Paras’ shoulders

Ariel Ian Clarito

Kobe Paras has practically grown up, literally, under the microscope of demanding Filipino fans who expect him to dazzle beyond highlight reels and the occasional flashes of brilliance.

And the reality is, the public has not really given his game ample room to grow given the way his every misstep is magnified tenfold.