Pinoys flood socials with ‘2016 was 10 years ago’ nostalgia

Social media is straight-up exploding in 2026, with users digging up their 2016 throwback photos and pairing them with the now-viral caption, “2016 was 10 years ago!”

It is hitting like a plot twist no one saw coming, triggering massive “hay, ang simple pa ng buhay nun” moments across TikTok and Instagram.

There is something in the air this year that has everyone reminiscing.

Jejemon drip

Early 2010s? Total jejemon takeover. Think oversized varsity jackets big enough for the whole barkada, skinny jeans squeezing the life out of you, and the legendary “pitik-panyo” move — flicking or tying a handkerchief on your head or neck like you were starring in a dramatic teleserye scene.

Add chokers that doubled as choking hazards, layered accessories that made you look like a walking Christmas tree, and Bench’s playful “bimbo” outfits with bold, celebrity-endorsed vibes.

The panyo was the ultimate everyday flex. OOTDs screamed low-rise pants, risky wardrobe malfunctions, and heavy contour inspired by the era’s global beauty trends — overlined lips drawn like a Sharpie masterpiece, lashes for days, and bubblegum-pink makeup that practically yelled “selfie time!”

Snapchat and Retrica: Cringey selfies we secretly love

Snapchat filters and the Retrica app ruled the era, churning out gloriously grainy selfies with dreamy soft-focus glow. Low resolution, high “main character” energy.

Poses were predictable but iconic: peace signs on repeat, duck faces puckered to the heavens, awkward head tilts, and chaotic group shots — tongues out, faces twisted, taken in mall bathrooms or SM food court mirrors. Pure “uy, savage!” energy.

2016 jams that still slap

The 2016 playlist was a full-blown nostalgia bomb, blending club EDM anthems with rising OPM hits — perfect for house parties and endless replays.

Global charts were dominated by The Chainsmokers, whose songs became unavoidable fixtures at debut parties, dance floors and late-night drives, while EDM tracks powered countless barkada memories.

Celebs jump on the throwback train

Donny Pangilinan shared baby-faced photos from his 2016 showbiz debut, captioned “2016 is back?!” — instant collective heart attack.

Mika Salamanca’s old clips and photos resurfaced online, radiating peak “2016 is calling” energy. Content creator Lenie Aycardo recreated iconic makeup looks from the era, amplifying the nostalgia.

Other Filipino celebrities joined in by posting awkward teen glow-ups, turning social media into a full-blown high school reunion.

Your turn — have you posted your throwback yet?