Insider Spotlight
The results illustrate how Filipinos are navigating an increasingly digital world—turning to Google Search for everything from AI tools and elections to earthquakes, entertainment, and national pride. This year’s lists reflect not only what trended, but also how Filipinos live, learn, and stay informed.
The big picture: AI leads the pack
For the first time, an AI tool topped the Philippines’ overall trending list. Gemini AI ranked No. 1, underscoring the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence in everyday tasks, creative work, and productivity, Google revealed in a press release.
Google noted that the surge mirrors a broader global trend, but Filipino interest stands out for its practical bent—ranging from research help to small-business use cases and schoolwork assistance.
Politics and public safety drove massive search spikes
Halalan 2025 results landed at No. 2 overall and No. 1 in News, reflecting the high-stakes national midterm elections that shaped discourse early in the year.
Meanwhile, a series of late-year earthquakes triggered spikes in “earthquake near me” searches (No. 4 overall), as well as searches for safety information and real-time alerts.
This shows an enduring reliance on Google as both a news explainer and a safety lifeline during emergencies.
Entertainment still rules — and streaming dominates
At No. 6 overall and No. 1 in both the Shows and Korean Series categories, Netflix’s Squid Game proved its continued global hold after its comeback and finale.
Every title in this year’s Shows & Series ranking came from streaming platforms, reinforcing findings from the latest e-Conomy Report that named the Philippines one of the region’s fastest-growing online media markets, with 16 percent year-on-year growth.
Gaming also thrived, with Roblox’s Grow a Garden reaching No. 3 overall and No. 1 in Games—illustrating the enduring power of youth-driven trends.
Filipino pride shines through in sports, personalities
Tennis star Alexandra Eala had a breakout year, ranking No. 1 in Female Personalities and No. 4 in Sports as she continued to earn global accolades.
In music, local singer Dionela topped the Male Filipino Personality list, with his viral hit "Marilag" outperforming even Netflix’s K-pop-themed track "Golden."
The Sports category also reflected nostalgia and excitement, with Manny Pacquiao reclaiming the No. 2 spot amid renewed public interest.
Cultural shifts: curiosity around AI, identity, and global issues
AI-related searches—from DeepSeek to Claude, Veo 3, and the phrase “Humanize this prompt”—formed their own top-10 list, emphasizing how deeply AI has entered daily life.
Interest in women in STEM fields (No. 5 overall) signals ongoing awareness and advocacy for gender representation in science and technology.
Global events—including the selection of a new Pope and renewed discussions around the International Criminal Court—also drove substantial search traffic.
What’s next
If this year’s data is any indication, 2026 will see Filipinos continuing to embrace AI tools, streaming-driven entertainment, and digital platforms for news, learning, and safety.
The Year in Search lists paint a portrait of a nation online—not just consuming information, but navigating a world increasingly shaped by technology and global events. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Here’s the full list of top search trends in the Philippines this year:
⭐ Top overall searches
📰 News
🏆 Sports
🎬 Shows/series (All streaming!)
🎵 Songs
🎮 Games
👨 Male personalities
👩 Female personalities
🎥 Movies
🕊️ Farewells
🇰🇷 Korean series
🤖 AI-related searches
