MANILA, December 2020 – Whether it’s working from home, learning remotely, or social distancing, everybody’s life has changed in 2020 and people have looked for comfort wherever they could find it. People come to Twitter for a sense of connectivity, togetherness, and encouragement; and in 2020, this was more true than ever. People used Twitter to try and change the world, help others, to encourage them, inspire them, or even just make them laugh. They even used Twitter to promote their favourite businesses that may have needed a little boost to stay afloat.
Though physically distanced, Filipinos created a constant bustle of activity on Twitter to connect with one another. Twitter witnessed it all: the sharing of personal stories, spreading joy, and learning how to see the good side of things. It’s also the place where Filipinos stay updated on global news, social movements, and in raising awareness for charitable causes.
Be it to stay updated on global events and participate in social movements, or to spread joy and have fun, Twitter has truly been the place for Filipinos to come together. As the end of 2020 approaches; relive the moments that have made you laugh, touched your heart, shed a tear, and most importantly, reminded you that we’re all in this together.
The Top Tweets in the Philippines
This year, a Tweet that made us beaming with Pinoy pride and another Tweet that showed us bravery and freedom to express ourselves were some of the most unforgettable stories among Filipinos on Twitter.
Sam Smith’s (@samsmith) Tweet about a young Filipino boy singing his song in a public karaoke machine went viral. The English singer was amazed with the boy’s talent, and so do the thousands of people on Twitter, making it this year’s Top Retweet and Most Liked Tweet in the Philippines. This Tweet is also the one of the most engaged Tweets in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, this Thread by JzanTero (@JzanVern) about her personal experience drew the attention and support of many Filipinos, and is the Most Quote Tweeted Tweet in the Philippines for this year.
Note: We only feature one Tweet per account and we don’t consider Tweets that offer reward in exchange for followers or Retweets.
WHO IS THIS KID!!!!!? YOU ARE OUT OF THIS UNIVERSE WHOEVER YOU ARE ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4zHfaXVSw0
— SAM SMITH (@samsmith) February 8, 2020
I got catfished: a (really long) thread pic.twitter.com/5BQ2G5kcif
— Jzan Tero (@JzanVern) March 30, 2020
Other popular Tweets that brought us together on Twitter
Staying at home did not stop Filipinos from participating in social movements. Tweets became useful to voice everyone’s opinion, while a simple Like, Retweet or Quote Tweet can be a sign of support to further amplify advocacies online. For example, many Filipinos engaged on this Tweet to promote body positivity among Pinays.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH HAVING THESE. The only thing that’s flawed here is your brain for not normalizing these. pic.twitter.com/nBNI9slwg2
— angela (@akarrih) June 18, 2020
1. I go back to the reason(s) why I do things.
2. I rest.
3. I look back at the past and revisit some tough times so I would feel extremely grateful on how God’s grace sustained and carried me all through.
4. I’d remind myself of the truth: commitment over feelings. https://t.co/fpY0sJyoC7
— Joena San Diego (@joenasandiego) November 22, 2020
Transitioning to the new normal is not an easy feat, so it’s amazing how people come together and try to lift each other up on Twitter. From simple words of encouragement to artworks that inspire people to keep going, anyone can be one less lonely by connecting to communities on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/titsay/status/1276527992584368138
https://twitter.com/stfuravenn/status/1299705829143187461
Most Tweeted about hashtags in the Philippines
Just like last year, Entertainment proved its dominance as the Most Tweeted about hashtags this 2020. Music, loveteams, and local celebrities continue to make Filipinos smile despite the challenging times. This year, P-Pop boy group #SB19 debuted straight to the top of the list, while #MayWard, #MaineMendoza, and #AldenRichards among others continue to set the trend, thanks to the fans who unceasingly show their support on Twitter.
Most Tweeted about Accounts in the Philippines
Entertainment remains steadfast on being the top conversation driver on Twitter. Perhaps, Entertainment kept Filipinos (virtually) together, and staying updated with the scene became their solace and joy in the rather mundane life at home. This year’s list of Most Tweeted about Accounts is led by the phenomenal group, SB19 (@SB19Official), who went straight to number 1; while other “veterans” such as Maymay Entrata (@maymayentrata07), Edward Barber (@Barber_Edward_), Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm), and Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02) completed the top half of the list.
Most Tweeted about Sports Accounts in the Philippines
Even though many sports went on pause and looked a bit different when they returned, there were 2 billion Tweets globally about sports. The UAAP is one of the highly anticipated sporting events in the Philippines every year. Despite the pandemic that halted the games, fans continued to stay in tune with the latest updates in the sports scene. Just this August, Ricci Rivero (@_ricciiirivero) and CJ Cansino (@cjcansino) trended for their Tweet exchanges, eventually making them the lead in the Most Tweeted about sports accounts in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the return of the NBA season also became the talk of the town with people Tweeting and watching the highly-anticipated basketball games, especially on witnessing the Los Angeles Lakers’ (@lakers) win.
“This year, people have used Twitter not just to keep up with what’s happening around the world, but to maintain connections with one another despite being apart. The challenging circumstances of 2020 has highlighted Twitter’s role in driving real-time conversations and facilitating the interactions that matter as Filiipions bonded over heartwarming and key moments of the year. As we enter 2021, it’s clear that Twitter is the only place for the buzziest, funniest, most interesting, and most relevant culture moments, and we expect this to continue moving forward,” said ArvinderGujral, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, at Twitter.
Join the #ThisHappened2020 conversation on Twitter using any of the hashtags listed below and you’ll see a fun emoji in your Tweet. Also check out @TwitterPH and our Twitter accounts around the world which will spotlight the top Twitter moments from the year.
