Pinoys 'googled' Miss Universe more than any other country [1]

by Kathleen A. Martin, ABS-CBNnews.com | 01/23/2013 4:28 PM

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MANILA, Philippines - It's no secret that Filipinos are crazy about beauty pageants. But tech giant Google has proof, saying Filipinos have searched for "Miss Universe" online more than any other country in the world since 2004.

Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon (center) congratulates Miss USA Olivia Culpo after the latter was named Miss Universe 2012.

The phenomenon was also true for the most recent Miss Universe pageant last December, where the Philippine candidate finished first runner-up, Narciso Reyes, Google's country manager for the Philippines, said in a briefing.

"Someday, we're going to win," Reyes quipped with a smile.

The behavior may not come as a surprise for many, after social networking sites and online forums were bombarded with various opinions on the recently-concluded pageant.

Filipinos took to Twitter, Facebook, etc. their praises for Filipina beauty Janine Tugonon who was crowned 2012 Miss Universe first runner-up, and disappointments toward the pageant's judges believing the Philippine candidate should have won after giving the best answer.

Google Trends data showed "Miss Universe" was most searched by Filipinos in September 2011 during 2004 to 2012. The keywords googled include 'miss philippines' 'miss universe live', 'miss universe streaming' and 'miss universe winners'.

By regions, Davao City, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Manila topped the areas where Filipinos searching for "Miss Universe" originated.

Filipinos have always claimed their love for beauty pageants, as some have touted these events are already part of the Pinoy culture.

The Philippines has so far won twice in the Miss Universe pageant: Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margarita Moran in 1973.