Popular Searches of 2021: Memes, news, hot topics and more

Twenty twenty-one is indeed a great year filled with excitement and a roller coaster ride of trends, news, memes, and pop culture. Social media and the Internet still holds such stability and dependence as have shown in the culmination of searches at the end of 2021- big thanks to the list powered by tech giant Google, internet is still known to be a relevant platform in news and information gathering. There is no doubt that the digital age is foreseen to flourish for a longer time.

For the meantime here is a short recap of the notable trends in the Philippines based on the list that was released by Google trends Philippines.

What’s trending in the Philippines in 2021

Covid-19 Prevention

It is no surprise to see such a query given that the country still faces numerous threats caused by the pandemic. Google trends Philippines list shows “Covid-19 Prevention” is the top overall search. Through the help of digital innovation to information technology, Filipinos are becoming well informed with the notable information they need. This further reflects the urge of Filipinos to take precautionary measures in combating covid.

Squid Game

On the other hand, the hit Korean series “Squid Game” paves its way to the list. The undeniable pop culture, recommendations, high audience rates, and memes on social media are the key factors of the sudden rise of this series. The popular Korean TV show not only landed a spot in Google trends Philippines, but was also being hailed to have the most number of streams in its pilot episode. Another achievement for the Korean production industry following the international success of Parasite, also a Korean produced film which also won Best Picture in the 92nd Oscars.

Miss Universe 2021

It is an already known fact that Filipinos are dubbed to be the best fans of Miss Universe, and it is already expected that Filipino pageant fans will again dominate the google search. Twenty twenty-one is one of “the most busy years” for Miss Universe fans since two editions were staged in the same year. The country’s representative Rabiya Mateo and Beatrize Gomez both competed and represented the country in the same year; Mateo in her top 21 finish on the 69th edition in Miami, Florida, and Beatrice’s flawless top 5 finish on their 70th anniversary in Eilat, Israel.

Olympics Game Tokyo 2021

Despite the pushack due to Covid-19, the Tokyo Summer Olympics was finally staged from July 23, 2021 to August 8, 2021. From its original schedule in 2020, organizers made some indefinite re-schedule of the prestigious games into later dates, but not until July 2021 where the games commence through a very new opening ceremonies. It is also a great year for the Filipino Athletes as they made a new record for clinching numerous medals, and of course the well rejoiced historic gold medal clinch which is a first on its own.

Hidilyn Diaz

Speaking of gold medals, thanks to the Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines had its very first gold medal in the Olympics history. It is a well celebrated win for the Philippines as reflected with the trend of congratulatory messages from various companies and brands. Remember when social media feeds were filled with golden colors from different brands, all of which tries to be witty?

Panalo Lyrics

Ez Mil, the artist behind the hit song Panalo, had his sudden uprising as Google trends Philippines included “Panalo lyrics” on its list with the most searches in 2021. Such a trend was popularized by Ez Mil’s guesting in a famous roadshow overseas, and the fame of the song started to catapult from there. It is one of the various songs that made into the list of top music trends in the Philippines.

Paubaya Lyrics

Still in the music category, Paubaya by Moira Dela Torre also made it to the list of the most searched query on Google. Included in Google trends Philippines under songs/music category is the term ''Paubaya lyrics” which is a query on the lyrics of the song. Its heart breaking music video starring Joshua Garcia and Julia Barreto also helped in its uprising trend through snippets in different social media platforms like Facebook and Tiktok.

MAPA lyrics

Twenty twenty-one is considered to be one of the glory years for OPM as another Filipino hit song enters the list of Google trends Philippines’ popular searches. Filipino supergroup, SB19, is not only known with their angsty dance and pop music discography but also with their mellows and ballads that really showcases their vocal prowess. It became an anthem in honoring thy parents specifically on their special day. The song also managed to have more than 65 Million views on Youtube as of writing; truly an indication that every SB19 song is an actual bop and can penetrate to be one of the trends in the Philippines.

Memes in the Philippines that hit the Internet in 2021

Lyca and Karen Davila Interaction

Who wouldn’t miss the quirky interaction of singer Lyca and veteran journalist Karen Davila?

Karen Davila interviewed Lyca in August 2021 about her birthday. Davila, channeling her inner tita, yelled "Oh my god!" as soon as she realized they shared the same birthday. ", which astonishes Lyca. Little did they know, a hit meme was born. The two celebrated their birthdays together on November 21 to make things even more special.

Note: This is a great meme to use when you want to appear surprised, or when you and someone else suddenly become best friends after learning you have a lot in common.

Olivia Culpo hosting Miss Universe

Aside from lacking that “energy” of hosting a well celebrated event, Olivia Culpo, who is also a former Miss Universe, was an in demand content on social media due to a particular screen shot of her reading the card shortly after they named a new queen.

This stirs the netizens both about the integrity of the result, and Olivia Culpo being just a comedic hit. Nonetheless, Filipinos still rejoice Mateo’s finish as they enjoy a subtle “okray” (judging) on Olivia’s hosting stint.

Marian Rivera as a judge in Miss Universe 2021

It is not just Beatrice’s performance that was celebrated that day, it is also the judging stint of Filipina Actress Marian Rivera that caught the attention of the Filipino viewers.

Some pageant fans are quick to think of a meme of Marian judging the competition - an undeniable wit! Things like “The devil works hard, but Marian works harder” matched with a picture of her with a twinkling eyes is a hot punch as Beatrice advances to top five, or a photo of the actress with her co-judge, Urvashi Retulla, agreeing to give 10 points to each other’s country; these are some of the hilarious punch line of Filipino netizens that made the internet laugh to cover the tense of top five announcement.

Nevertheless, there is one thing for sure, there are two things that unite women and the gays: men and Miss Universe.

Nadine Lustre and the famous lechon sauce

Another hit meme in the Philippines in 2021 is none other than FAMAS awardee, Nadine Lustre.

The actress looked lovely in a candid photo while buying a “sarsa” at a small Siargao store, bare-faced and clothed simply. And, as usual, this quickly went viral, spawning a slew of humorous memes on social media. As a matter of fact, such a look became one of the most Halloween costumes later that year.

The year 2021 is just a bighit, and 2022 will be having a hard time catching up.