MANILA, PHILIPPINES —Twitter is the go-to place for people to discuss their favorite K-drama series, get scoop on new movie releases, and check out fresh drops in music. Although 2020 put a pause on real-life concerts or cinema experience, fans found their arena online.
During times of uncertainty, digital detox was put on hold as people turned to online entertainment for a meaningful escape from all the stress and worries of the world. In the first quarter of 2020, Twitter saw 678 million entertainment-related conversations in SEA. While conversations in the Philippines about celebrities, local TV, and movies dipped last year, Tweets about shows available on OTT channels increased throughout the region in countries with 184% growth (Q3 2020 vs. Q3 2019) in the Philippines.
This 2021, the industry is ready to give us brand new shows, music, and series to binge watch. From BLACKPINK Jisoo’s Snowdrop to new seasons of Netflix shows, there’s no doubt that entertainment will continue to drive online conversations this year.
From #SB19 to K-drama hit #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay, fan chatter on Twitter is still at an all-time high. Here’s a lookback at what kept Filipinos glued to the edge of their seats (sofas) in the most extraordinary of years.
When the big screen went black
Although entertainment was enjoyed rather differently last year, what stayed the same was how Filipinos continued to discuss and bond over plenty of films. With its historic win at the Oscars in 2020 , hit Korean masterpiece #Parasite generated major buzz among Asians, with people joining in the celebrations online and cinema operators re-screening the movie.
Nood kayo Parasite peeps. Di ka magtataka bakit naging Best Picture at the Oscars. Highly recommended. Very socially relevant. Bong Joon-Ho was truly deserving of winning the Oscars for Best Screenplay and Best Director. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Troobs (@troobie_md) February 17, 2020
In the local scene, The House Arrest of Us and Hello Love Goodbye, both top billed by Kathryn Bernardo (@bernardokath), ruled conversations on Twitter. Kathryn starred with her on and offscreen partner, Daniel Padilla (@imdanielpadilla) in the former, while the latter is a blockbuster hit along with Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02).
Back to the small screen
Teleserye tapings proved to be difficult in 2020, but noontime shows tried their best to resume as soon as possible to bring delight and entertainment for people who are stuck at home. ASAP Natin ‘To (@ASAPOFFICIAL), an all-star Sunday noontime, was a staple conversation driver among Filipinos, as their favorite artists perform song and dance numbers in the show. On the other hand, the Philippine adaptation of K-drama Descendants of the Sun also trended on Twitter as they shared their sentiments seeing their fave K-drama with a relatable local spin.
ASAP is still unbeatable, home of world-class performances. Daghang Salamat! Long live, ASAP! #ASAPNatinTo
— Norman Galabo (@GalaboNorman) July 26, 2020
YAY! The 65-episode series finally conclude. Thank you #DescendantsOfTheSunPH for giving us a great adaptation series! Hope that this review will serve as a ‘opportunity’ to improve our local teleserye. Laban lang, PH Entertainment Group!#DOTSPH#DOTSPHMissionAccomplished pic.twitter.com/AAoSFXIdd9
— coffeenism (@sygloss_) December 25, 2020
The stars in their eyes
Since we #StayHome, fans weren’t able to meet their fave celebrities face-to-face. Tweeting therefore became their way to show support for their idols. For example, #MayWard fans are actively in the loop about Edward Barber (@Barber_Edward_) and Maymay Entrata’s (@maymayentrata07) projects; they use hashtag parties and other fan group initiatives to make sure their efforts are amplified.
Good Morning sa mag soulmates na always blessed & forever loved ng flyers ❤#MayWard #MaymayEntrata #EdwardBarber @maymayentrata07 @Barber_Edward_ pic.twitter.com/PBxFDdMlZ3
— ʂƙყཞ💣ƈƙɛɬ35 (@Skyrocket35) September 29, 2020
We all know by now how powerful SB19 (@SB19Official) and A’TIN can be as they ruled most of the charts in 2020. The P-Pop group released their first album last year and landed on many endorsements and achievements. All of these are made possible by A’TIN who are passionate in supporting their favorite group.
NOWHERE BUT UP! #SB19 is the first-ever artist to be the Most Requested Artist on MTV for 8 consecutive weeks! The SB19xA’TIN tandem is truly unmatched! 💯 Pew pew pew! 🥳@SB19Official #SB19#SB19onMTVLivestream pic.twitter.com/RxAVW91LFl
— SB19 BOOST ˢᵇ (@SB19BOOST) October 30, 2020
Streaming the night away
Over-the-top (OTT) streaming services like Netflix (@Netflix_PH), iWant (@iwanttfc), and iflix (@iflixph) provided Filipinos with endless options in 2020, setting Twitter alight with a flurry of Tweets across various genres. Twitter recorded a notable 184% spike in related conversations in Q3 2020 as compared to the same period the previous year in the Philippines. This clearly shows that streaming services played an integral role during the extended periods of social distancing.
Tambay sa Netflix lang talaga ako buong araw. Time to catch up with some series and movies. 😅
— gracia (@immarygracee) March 14, 2020
Filipinos were treated with diverse choices, but of course, Korean dramas maintained their title as the indisputable attention winners of 2020 – including time-travelling royals in #TheKingEternalMonarch and forbidden love in Crash Landing On You (#CLOY).
A thread we can all be proud of. ❤️
Crash Landing On You, crash landed all over the world.Honestly, CLOY is one of the best therapies you can have to let your mind not think of the global pandemic. It keeps the mind and heart healthy. 💕#CrashLandingOnYou https://t.co/2x2oH8szpI
— Brandy Bug 🍋🍅🥦 (@Moonstarmagick) May 21, 2020
“2020 was a year of unexpected and unprecedented change in the entertainment landscape but, Twitter continued to play its part in keeping conversations thriving,” said Carl Cheng, Head of Entertainment Partnerships, SEA and Greater China. “Even as parts of the world look towards recovery and easing of lockdown measures, entertainment will certainly remain a key part of our lives. As this year promises new reality TV, local dramas, award-winning films and more in 2021, Twitter is excited to see where the next big escape will take us.”
Regardless of genre, beloved celebrity, or country you come from; you’re sure to find fellow fans or make new friends to share your excitement with on Twitter. Join the conversation and enjoy your favourite shows with the community today.
