Filipinos Flock to Google for SIM Registration Info, “Maria Clara,” & Jenna Ortega in 2023

Google has unveiled its annual Year in Search report, offering a fascinating glimpse into what captivated Filipinos online in 2023. The top trending searches paint a picture of a year marked by news headlines, international conflicts, and rising stars in pop culture, all interwoven with the growing dominance of streaming platforms.

The year’s biggest searches were dominated by news, with “SIM registration” topping the list. Filipinos eagerly sought information and instructions as the new law requiring phone number registration rolled out. International events also captured attention, with the “Israel-Hamas war” landing in fifth place, reflecting Filipinos’ engagement with global issues.

From the screen to the streaming queue, Filipinos found new favorites in 2023. Japanese actor Mackenyu, propelled by his role in the live-action “One Piece,” rose to #2 among male personalities. Rising star Jenna Ortega, fresh off her success in “Wednesday” and “Scream 7,” secured the #8 spot on the female personalities list. Locally, the historical drama “Maria Clara at Ibarra” captivated audiences, solidifying its place in the top searches.

The eConomy SEA Report’s prediction of booming online media consumption proved true, reflected in the Year in Search results. TV shows and movies available on streaming platforms dominated the lists, showcasing the growing influence of streaming services on Filipinos’ entertainment choices.

This year’s Google Year in Search highlights the Philippines engaged with both local and global events, captivated by rising stars in pop culture, and increasingly embracing the world of online entertainment. The trends offer a window into the collective consciousness of Filipinos in 2023, revealing their concerns, interests, and the moments that resonated most deeply throughout the year.

Below is the full list of the top search trends in the Philippines for 2023:

News

1. SIM registration
2. precinct finder
3. persona non grata
4. Nipah virus
5. War in Israel and Gaza
6. lato-lato
7. Typhoon Egay update
8. Taal Volcano update
9. Turkey earthquake
10. MoCa Farm

Sports

1. Lakers vs Warriors
2. Lakers vs Nuggets
3. FIBA World Cup
4. Miami vs Denver
5. Lakers vs Grizzlies
6. Suns vs Nuggets
7. Celtics vs 76ers
8. Heat vs Knicks
9. Golden State Warriors vs Kings
10. Ginebra vs Bay Area

Shows or Series

1. Duty After School
2. Maria Clara at Ibarra
3. Moving
4. The Glory
5. Twinkling Watermelon
6. King the Land
7. XO, Kitty
8. The Last of Us
9. My Lovely Liar
10. Strong Girl Nam-soon

Songs or Lyrics

1. Say You Won’t Let Go
2. ERE
3. Pasilyo
4. Uhaw
5. Lupang Hinirang English
6. Angels Like You
7. California King Bed
8. Rapstar
9. Raining In Manila
10. Jopay

Games

1. Blade Ball codes
2. Delta Executor
3. Soldier, Poet, or King quiz
4. Cosmic Values
5. Anime Adventures codes
6. Farlight
7. Choox Sega
8. Honkai: Star Rail
9. Minecraft 1.20
10. Project Slayers codes

Male Personalities

1. Ahn Bo-hyun
2. Mackenyu
3. Marco Gumabao
4. Taylor Lautner
5. Travis Kelce
6. Liam Hemsworth
7. David Licauco
8. Kyle Kuzma
9. Juan Karlos
10. Chen Zhe Yuan

Female Personalities

1. Katy Louise Saunders
2. Cristine Reyes
3. Millie Bobby Brown
4. Lee Da-in
5. Issa Pressman
6. Janna Dominguez
7. Bada Lee
8. Jenna Ortega
9. Emily Rudd
10. Isabel Santos

Movies

1. Oppenheimer
2. John Wick: Chapter 4
3. Barbie
4. Insidious: The Red Door
5. The Menu
6. Extraction 2
7. I Love Lizzy
8. Evil Dead Rise
9. Nowhere
10. Kill Boksoon

Farewells

1. Mike Enriquez
2. Joey Paras
3. Matthew Perry
4. Andrei Sison
5. Patrick Guzman
6. Mario Dumaual
7. John Regala
8. Michael Gambon
9. Park Soo Ryun
10. Tina Turner

Korean Series

1. Duty After School
2. Moving
3. The Glory
4. Twinkling Watermelon
5. King the Land
6. My Lovely Liar
7. Strong Girl Nam-soon
8. Alchemy of Souls
9. Island
10. A Time Called You

The full Year in Search 2023 list is available here.