The annual Google roundup isn’t just a collection of search terms, it’s a time capsule.
As the final chapters of 2024 unfold, Google’s annual Year in Search is here to reflect on the questions, obsessions, and fascinations that defined the Philippines in the past year. Spoiler: It’s a snapshot of a nation endlessly curious, deeply tied to its pop culture heroes, and keenly aware of the world around them.
Heat, headlines, and the thirst for news
Filipinos are still relying on Google Search as their digital front page, and the numbers prove it. Six of the top 10 overall search terms in 2024 were news-related. The reigning #1? “Heat wave.” It’s a stark indicator of a climate-conscious population reeling from rising temperatures, with “climate change” securing its own spot as the #6 overall search term. This wasn’t idle curiosity, it was a scramble for survival tips and understanding in the face of record-breaking heat.
But while the weather dominated domestic attention, global phenomena also gripped the country. The 2024 Paris Olympics, where Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo made history with two gold medals, took the #3 slot. Yulo himself landed on four separate top 10 lists (overall, news, sports, and male personalities), becoming a symbol of Filipino excellence on the world stage.
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Goodbyes that broke not just our hearts but the internet too
2024 wasn’t without its heartbreaks. The sudden loss of veteran actress Jaclyn Jose left an indelible mark, making her the #2 overall search of the year. In the same breath, fans mourned the unexpected passing of former One Direction member Liam Payne (#8). These searches capture a universal truth: Filipinos are deeply invested in their icons, often turning to Google for solace, connection, and community during collective moments of grief.
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BINI, Dionela, and a year of soundtracks
On a lighter note, the nation’s soundtrack this year belonged to rising stars. The breakout BINI was crowned the top search among female personalities, riding high on their viral anthems “Salamin, Salamin” and “Pantropiko,” which also made the top music searches. Not to be outdone, R&B artist Dionela claimed the #1 spot with “Sining,” proving that a haunting melody paired with emotional lyrics still reigns supreme in the streaming era.
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The K-Drama effect lives on
And then there’s Queen of Tears, the K-drama that ruled both the series and Korean title categories in 2024. A mid-year Netflix sensation, the show reminded us that the Hallyu wave is far from over, with its gripping storylines and binge-worthy episodes anchoring the Filipino obsession with all things Korean.
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What we’ve learned so far
The annual Google roundup isn’t just a collection of search terms, it’s a time capsule. From record-breaking athletes to viral anthems, climate worries to K-drama escapes, Filipinos turned to their keyboards to make sense of the world and celebrate its wonders. Here’s to another year of curiosity, resilience, and unrelenting passion, search bar included.
