Most Filipinos who are using at least *one* social network finds that, the new line for communication does NOT actually replace the actual friendships they have, but it complements it. Here's a list of the top 5 most popular social networks for Filipinos.
24Ever - A new-comer, and a still-growing network, with its barkada-centric (circle of friends) design captures the "one-up" spirit of the Filipino. People join 24Ever in groups, and are most likely there to prove that THEIR group of friends have the best fun, best activities, best members ... just the BEST. With its bright, colorful design, it captures the playfulness of groups that join it. It also helps that there's a prize incentive for the group of friends who are deemed "most active uploaders."
Plurk - It's supposed to be a microblogging site, right? But since its initial launch just this June, the microblogging site has exploded into avenues for instant-output of ideas. The social network features are there if you look hard enough: it has a "friends" feature, privacy settings, a "clique" feature and group discussion. Isn't that what social networks are made of? Plus, the karma unlocks are an addictive virtual incentive that will leave you watching your timeline for HOURS.
Facebook - Back in 2006, Facebook membership was exclusive per invite, and it was supposed to be for students in campuses to get in touch with each other. The open platform for application development has spawned several addictive apps that are both fun AND social. If you've never gotten a poke from that highschool crush, or played pirates with your kapitbahay (neighbor), then you're probably not getting the appeal.
Multiply - If social photos are your thing, then Multiply is a little bit friendlier than, say, Flickr? Just the right site to show off those new baby photos for your relatives who are far away. Most Filipino users are finding that setting up online stores THEMSELVES make it easier for them to monitize on their hobbies, and they get to meet new people too!
Friendster - The one that started it all. (In the Philippines, anyway.) Back in 2003, the creators of Friendster noticed surges in traffic in the hours between 3 AM --- which, converted to GMT +8 time, was equivalent to noontime in several South East Asia countries, most specifically the Philippines. It was a big deal --- and it still is now, as some of the people who have gathered hundreds and hundreds of friends in Friendster since it was introduced are still reluctant to leave their groups behind.
I have friends who really loves taking picture of herself, their cellphone is full of their picture, even their computer... when my camera is with me, some of them keeps bugging me, asking to take their picture or to take picture with them... one day I ask some of them, have you ever thought in joining a contest??? they told me that we would never win, to join a contest a person should be tall and beautiful and I told them that's not the only criteria to win in a contest, there is a lot of things the judge are looking for a person to win, since you all have a beautiful hair why don't you join a contest, I heard that the Pantene has a promo Entitled "Dare to be the Most Beautiful" and I am encouraging my friend to join the contest.
I wrote this blog to encourage my friends to join, so if they are reading this right now here is how to join:
I arrived there around 3:30PM together with my friends... we walk around to look for Chowking... and ask the Concierge where to locate it and both of them gave 2 different direction (wondering which direction is the right path???) oh, well... let me share my experience with you.
