MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Twenty-twenty-one was an exciting year for entertainment, even if people still mostly stay at home. People stay glued on their screens to watch global and local blockbusters such as #SquidGame and #HesIntoHer, down to jamming along to their favourite K-Pop and P-Pop tunes. Whatever form of entertainment they enjoy, people across Southeast Asia made sure to share every bit of their moment on Twitter.
The entertainment audience is highly active on Twitter. Movie buffs, music junkies, and series binge-watchers all gather on Twitter to share their thoughts on the things they enjoy as well as to find recommendations on what’s hot among the community. Moreover, interest in streaming platforms’ content grew steadily with 25.5M Tweets around shows and movies on streaming services from SEA in 2021. With more options and titles provided on-demand, people go to Twitter to discuss fan theories and express their excitement whenever a movie or show teaser drops online.
Entertainment in the Philippines saw a boost in streaming content, music, films, and TV show conversations, while the most talked-about streaming services were Netflix (@Netflix_PH), iFlix (@iflixph), iQIYI (@iQIYIph), Viu (@Viu_PH), and WeTV (@WeTVPhilippines). These conversations showcase Filipinos’ drive to be first in #WhatsHappening, and here’s a rundown of what kept Filipinos entertained in 2021.
Over-the-top content is “on demand”
The conversation around streaming platforms in the Philippines has grown steadily across 2021, with 4.4 million Tweets about streaming platforms content from January to October 2021. Viewers were spoilt for choice with streaming services providing every genre of entertainment possible on-demand, and took to Twitter to share when new seasons dropped. K-drama and superheroes movies, which have expanded their audience through streaming services, are now appealing to global viewers of all genres. From #HometownChaChaCha to the rave of #WandaVision, Filipinos Tweeted blow-by-blow reactions as well as their own reviews for certain episodes, contributing to the hype around the entertainment conversation on Twitter.
I agree..such a good Kdrama for me. Hometown Cha Cha Cha conveys lessons and thoughts about life combined with the kilig I get from these two. This isn't to spoil ha, just sharing the part in ep 10 that struck me most. pic.twitter.com/9AK5whmG9X
— ᴬᶠᵒᴮᵃⁿᵍᶠᵒEtang ❤️s 7🌸💜INDIGO is COMING🌸 (@BTSARMYmomlove) September 30, 2021
Aside from international content, people are also interested in locally produced content that is available on key platforms. A notable feat for Filipino pop culture in 2021 is the release of the animated adaptation of #TreseOnNetflix, which Filipinos and international audiences highly anticipated in that year.
💖 Tara, nood tayo!🗡️#TreseOnNetflix Season 1 is now streaming!
👉 https://t.co/KrKqBttrmD
As a long time fan, this fills me with so much joy. Congrats Sir @Budjette, @jayoliva1 and everyone who worked to bring this project to life! #TabiTabiPo pic.twitter.com/nLHTJ0anJK— ali 😘 is drawing again! (@_artsy_alice) June 10, 2021
(Love) Local TV
The rise of streaming platforms does not waver the continuous growth of conversations around local TV in the Philippines. There were over 27.4 million Tweets about local TV from January to October 2021. In particular, people are taken by local series and the relationships between characters, such as Tweeting about their favorite highlights of #HesIntoHer or #TheWorldBetweenUs.
Episode 2 QuickReview:
In fairness kay Criza, consistent siya! Nakakatawa ang pranks ha.
If sympathetic ang Michelle, Melizza's role sa Gen Z, parang nakakainis siya as Elle sa HIH ha.HIH PROJECT BLOCKED#HesIntoHerEp2
— BMCS (@princeyice) June 4, 2021
@GMADrama @jascurtissmith @aldenrichards02 every shots every angle ang ganda…beke nemen may HD pic ung sa roof deck scene lakas po mka Kdrama.
The roof deck scene was d sweetest…especially that forehead kiss😍 #TWBUProposal #TheWorldBetweenUs pic.twitter.com/apDCLyh9hh
— ♛♡☆KWEN EBIL☆♡♛ (@blessantillan) August 27, 2021
In addition, celebrities dominate the conversation on local TV. Fandom culture is the driving force behind this, as they Tweet their support for celebrities and loveteams such as #MaineMendoza and #DonBelle.
Cinema feels at home
Even if the cinemas are still closed, the conversation around cinema and movies is going steady in the Philippines. Over 3 million Tweets about cinema were tallied from January to October 2021, most of which are Tweets on the strong celebration and preference for locally produced movies such as #PrincessDayaReese and #HelloStrangerTheMovie, and the strong interest in the actors who are top-billed in these movies. International flicks also remain popular, proving that Filipinos are one of the first-movers when it comes to knowing the latest in global content, from seeing the much-awaited Justice League #SnyderCut to hyping up the buzz on #SpiderManNoWayHome.
Just finished watching #PrincessDayaReese in Netflix and I must say na ang galing ni @maymayentrata07 at so natural lang si Edward. Can't get over the Cinematography as well. Ganda ng location and I laughed. Don't rmmbr the last Fil movie I watched but this one is GREAT!
— Hara Aprille ♡ˢᵇ 🇵🇭 | Fan Acct since 2019 (@TataAprille) January 2, 2022
The final shot in @Black_SheepPH 's #HelloStrangerTheMovie is so powerful!
It shows #XavMi being public with their love while everyone around them are just going on with their lives, minding their own business.
Let me tell you why it is so powerful… pic.twitter.com/X6Fvml8Pi0
— Felix Gervacio (@writingfelix) February 25, 2021
Staying in tune
The biggest growth in Entertainment conversations goes to music, with a whopping 92.8 million Tweets from January to October 2021. Twitter is the home ground of music fandoms, so it’s no surprise that the music conversation is holding steady. Notably, SB19 (@SB19Official) rules the scene and is by far the most talked about band in the country. Fans are also eager to get their favourite bands even more visibility on shows.
Hello po matagal ko na tong gustong tanungin HAHAHAHA. Like pano nabuo tong A'tin twt?? Pano nahanap nung mga unang A'tin yung isa't isa dito sa Twitter? Pano nabuo yung community at culture? Sobrang curious ako 😭😭
STREAM SB19 BAZINGA@SB19Official #SB19
— Jayr is seeing SVT!! (@SV19C0RE) October 30, 2021
Since the Philippines is one of the top markets on #KpopTwitter conversations, some of the most talked-about artists in the #stanworld are the likes of BTS (@BTS_twt), EXO (@weareoneEXO), and TWICE (@JYPETWICE).
the way he remembered "mahal ko kayo" rather than reading the live comments MAYGAD KIM TAEHYUNG MAHAL DIN KITA
AND LOOK AT THAT SUCCESSFUL FACE AFTER HE SAID IT 😩 💜💚@BTS_twt #BTS #BTSARMY #kimtaehyung #TAEHYUNG #TAEHYUNGvlive #BTSV pic.twitter.com/HAM9McXrZW
— see ü svt ♡ (@aegyootin) July 24, 2021
Excited for Entertainment in 2022
The vibrant conversations on Twitter surrounding movies, shows, and music in 2021 were a ray of hope for artists, producers, and directors alike in keeping entertainment alive and fresh for its audiences. They helped spotlight the industry, and local artists and shows gained more visibility through the conversations that happened only on Twitter.
For 2022, expect to see more reviews, reactions, and buzz on Twitter — where artists, fans, and even casual enjoyers gather to talk about all things entertainment.
