News dominated the top searches, with six of the 10 most-searched terms reflecting the public’s thirst for information.
Topping the list was “heat wave,” underscoring widespread anxiety over climate-related issues. Meanwhile, “climate change” landed in sixth place, as Filipinos turned to Google to understand environmental challenges amidst a year of extreme weather.
Global events like the 2024 Paris Olympics ranked third overall, spurred by Filipino pride in Carlos Yulo’s historic gold medal win. Yulo dominated multiple lists, appearing in top searches for news, sports, and male personalities.
Filipinos’ tech-savviness was evident, with three of the top 10 searches related to artificial intelligence. According to the e-Conomy SEA Report, this aligns with the country’s growing engagement with tech innovations.
Entertainment remained a staple for Pinoy netizens. The country’s girl group BINI led searches for female personalities, propelled by their hits "Salamin, Salamin" and "Pantropiko."
Meanwhile, Jaclyn Jose and Liam Payne, who both passed away in 2024, were among the year’s most searched personalities. Jose, a celebrated veteran actress, ranked as the second most-searched term overall, reflecting the nation’s deep admiration for her legacy.
Online media trends were defined by the K-drama “Queen of Tears”, which topped searches for series and Korean titles. Its success highlights the continued dominance of streaming platforms, with viewership contributing to a 12-percent growth in the digital economy.
From global news to local heroes, Filipinos relied on Google to explore the stories that shaped 2024.--Ed: CSN
