FOR YEAR ABOUT TO END: Filipinos Googled what?!

As 2025 winds down, Google has released its annual Year in Search report, offering a snapshot of what captured the attention and concern of Filipinos throughout the year.

The lists reflect a country going through rapid technological shifts, national events and a changing entertainment landscape.

Topping the overall trending queries is Gemini AI, a sign of how deeply artificial intelligence has embedded itself in daily Filipino life.

The surge in interest mirrors the broader adoption of AI tools for work, study and creative projects. It also hints at growing public curiosity — and dependence — on automated systems.

The second-most searched term, Halalan 2025 results, shows that even in an era of quick social-media updates, Filipinos still turn to Search for clarity, verification and supplementary information.

Earthquakes, which struck with alarming frequency later in the year, pushed queries like “earthquake near me” to the fourth spot overall and dominated the news-related list.

Google’s safety notifications saw heightened use as communities sought real-time updates on aftershocks and disaster advisories.

Entertainment trends also made their mark. Squid Game reclaimed mainstream relevance after its high-profile comeback and finale, placing sixth in the general rankings and leading the Shows and Series list.

Meanwhile, the game Grow a Garden, popular among younger players on Roblox, became the third top trending search of 2025, proving how online gaming communities continue to influence local behavior.

Filipino achievers also figured prominently. Tennis star Alex Eala emerged as the most searched female personality and ranked fourth in Sports, reinforcing her status as a national sports figure.

She appears alongside Manny Pacquiao, who remains a fixture in local search interest.

In the male personalities category, singer Dionela outpaced numerous international names after the success of his single “Marilag,” which secured the second spot in Music.

His rise reflects how homegrown talents thrive even in a crowded digital space.

Streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, continued to dominate viewership habits.

Every title in the top ten Shows and Series list comes from an online service, mirroring this year’s regional e-Conomy findings that named the Philippines as among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing online media markets.

With a 16-percent year-on-year expansion shared with Indonesia and Vietnam, the country’s streaming appetite only appears to be accelerating.

Beyond entertainment and elections, Filipinos also searched heavily for government services and identifiers such as National ID, eGovPH and agency exam results, showing ongoing reliance on Search for official updates.

Queries tied to global institutions — including the International Criminal Court and the election of a new Pope — underscored the country’s engagement with worldwide events.

Sports fans kept a close eye on the NBA, especially the matchup OKC vs. Indiana, which topped the sports list and entered the top ten overall. International tournaments like Wimbledon, FIBA Asia Cup and Eurobasket also charted strongly, reflecting the Philippines’ long-standing passion for global athletic competition.

Korean dramas maintained a devoted following, with Squid Game, When Life Gives You Tangerines and S Line leading the Korean Series list.

In film, titles such as Final Destination, K-Pop Demon Hunters and Superman emerged as some of the most searched movies of the year.

Searches for prominent deaths likewise shaped online behavior. Names such as Barbie Hsu, Pope Francis, Nora Aunor and Pilita Corrales dominated the farewells list as Filipinos sought confirmation, context and tributes.

Finally, the AI-specific category, led again by Gemini AI, included queries for DeepSeek, Claude, ChatGPT and emerging tools like Veo 3 — proof that Filipinos are not only using AI but actively comparing, testing and learning about it.

Taken together, this year’s top searches show a nation tracking crises, celebrating cultural icons and embracing new technologies — all through the lens of what they type into a search bar.