‘Omegle’ most searched word in Philippine in 2019 — Google

MANILA, Philippines — Free online chat website Omegle has topped the most searched queries in the Philippines this year, according to technology company Google.

Google’s annual Year in Search revealed the website which allows users to communicate with each other online – shooting up the overall trending searches in the Philippines this 2019.

“It became popular as a virtual hangout where people make friends, pull off fun pranks and even discuss topics of interest or fandoms,” said the technology company in a statement on Thursday night.

“K-pop (Korean pop) fans were also treated to a surprise in Omegle this year as the girls of Blackpink revealed themselves in the chat app, making headlines in blogs and social networking sites. Some YouTube creators also use Omegle to develop entertaining reaction content on their channels,” it added.

Gaming site MemoryHackers ranked second in most searched queries in the Philippines this year, followed by Codashop, a go-to website for game credits and vouchers.

Completing the list are Idol Philippines, Thanos, NBA standings 2019, Halalan 2019, Eddie Garcia, Pacquiao vs Broner and Memories lyrics.

“The annual Year in Search serves as a lens to the most relevant topics in pop culture, events, sports, politics and news that shaped 2019 for Filipinos,” said Google Philippines head of communications and public affairs Marvin Wenke.

“It also gives a glimpse into our way of life and how we search online,” he added.

Halalan 2019 topped the trending topics for news, with Google saying it highlights how Filipinos aimed to be more informed citizens this year.

Results for national examinations for teachers, civil servants and lawyers also claimed three spots in the trending topics for news.

Other trending news topics include earthquakes, the sexual orientation and gender identity expression bill, Amazon rainforest, Lotto results, meningococcemia and the State of the Nation Address of the President.

SB19, a pop group trained under a Korean entertainment company, and Jane de Leon, who was selected to play the role of Darna, were the most searched male and female personalities, respectively.

In the top 10 most searched male personalities were Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto; actor Gerald Anderson; Manila Mayor Isko Moreno; blogger James Charles; Joker actor Joaquin Phoenix; singer and The Voice Philippines judge Bamboo; internet celebrity Dante Gulapa; model Ion Perez; and “Buwan” singer Juan Karlos.

Among the top female celebrities were actresses Gretchen, Marjorie and Julia Barretto; Ms. Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados; Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray; American singer Billie Eilish; internet celebrity Jelai Andres; and actresses Brie Larson and Naomi Scott.