MANILA – What started out as a daylong brainstorming idea of Jack Dorsey (@Jack), Evan Williams (@Ev), and Biz Stone (@Biz) for a site inspired by SMS (short message service); Twitter has definitely become the platform of choice for sharing thoughts and ideas in a short and concise manner in real time, specifically within its (then, 140 character rule) 280 character rule.
With a staggering 330 million monthly active users including notable celebrities, fashion icons, and political figures; everybody goes to Twitter to see #whatshappening. Among the most Tweeted events are the #65thMissUniverse which generated over 34.6 million Tweets during its coronation last 30th of January 2017, and #AlDubEBTamangPanahon which was entered into the Guinness World Records as the most used hashtag in 24 hours during the television variety show “Eat Bulaga” charity concert in 2015 at the Philippine Arena. The 2016 national elections in the Philippines also garnered over 35 million Tweets which include #PiliPinas2016, #PHVote, and even own hashtags and emojis of the candidates.
In line with Twitter’s 12th birthday, here’s a recap of the country’s 12 most followed personalities’ first Tweets which was no surprise from the entertainment industry.
1. Jose Marie Viceral, or more popularly known as Vice Ganda, (@vicegandako) with over 10.6 million followers is one of the most sought-after and versatile comedians of his generation made popular by his hosting stint in ABS-CBN’s noontime show, “Showtime”. His first Tweet was posted back in 2010 to greet the energetic audience of the show who are affectionately referred to as the “Madlang Pipol.” Vice Ganda’s personality reflects on his consistent witty Tweets, sharing words of wisdom, opinions and comments to his fans.
madlang pipol! party! party! hope you are all watching the pambansang noontime show…showtime!
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) September 4, 2010
2. Starting out as a child star, Anne Curtis-Smith-Heusaff (@annecurtissmith) soon became one of the entertainment industry’s most bankable actresses, one of the top endorsers in the Philippines and now a showbiz entrepreneur. Today, 9 years and 10 million followers later, she still slays in the Twitter world, using the platform to connect with her fans and co-actors and actresses, being down to earth veering away from the glamour of being a celebrity.
is wondering why all her friends have suddenly joined Twitter. Curiosity killed the cat… and here I am in Twitter World.
— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) March 10, 2009
3. In her first Tweet, the timeless beauty and actress Angel Locsin (@143redangel) expressed her excitement being on Twitter. Thanks to her friend Dennis Ilagan (@denniscillin) for prompting her to sign up. Over the years, she has been active on Twitter, and brought to life a growing fanbase who continues to support her.
I'M ON TWITTER NA! 🙂 thanks dennis 🙂
— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) October 15, 2009
Twitter continues to be the platform of choice for Filipinos to have conversations and #seeeveryside of opinions and ideas, as well as to know #whatshappening locally and around the world as it happens. From simple greetings to video messages, and even live streaming, netizens will always have Twitter to connect and be heard – no matter where or who they are.
