- Chris Messina Tweeted a suggestion to use the # symbol to group conversations on the platform marking the birth of the Hashtag
- From #MaineMendoza, #HelloLoveGoodbye to #ManilaEncounters; this year’s trendsetters are all things entertainment
- Twitter released a special blue heart emoji alongside #HashtagDay
MANILA, 22 August 2019 – When something happens in the world, it happens on Twitter.
On Twitter, people can connect with anyone around the globe and have their voice heard by millions.
In 23 August 2007, Twitter user Chris Messina Tweeted a suggestion to use the # symbol to group conversations on the platform.
This marks the birth of the hashtag otherwise known as #HashtagDay.
As we celebrate its 12th birthday, Twitter released a special blue heart emoji alongside #HashtagDay.
Just type in the official hashtag for the emoji to appear.
how do you feel about using # (pound) for groups. As in #barcamp [msg]?
— Chris Messina (chrismessina@mastodon.xyz) (@chrismessina) August 23, 2007
Since then, communities have used hashtags to share their voice and join global conversations: from movements like #ResistTogether and #SOGIEEqualityNow to events like #MMAs2019 and #UAAPSeason81Volleyball.
https://twitter.com/aughnthony/status/1144896378759311362
YASSSSS BDL IS YOUR #UAAPSeason81Volleyball FINALS MVP!!!
DESERVE!!!! Yung numbers oo minsan wala minsan anjan, pero yung puso and leadership ni BDL ang pinaka consistent all throughout the season.
I love you @_beadel ! You deserve this!!! #LiveTheDreamAteneo
— stream Jaded MV on yt (@VolleyCenterPH) May 18, 2019
Hashtags have helped to galvanise some of the most important conversations in recent history. By using hashtags, people around the world have made Twitter their microphone, shaped culture, and changed the world.
Popular hashtags on Twitter in the Philippines
Once you’ve started using Twitter, it won’t take long before you come across what’s known as a hashtag. The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorise messages.
Here are the popular hashtags used on Twitter in Philippines.
1. #MaineMendoza
Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) proved that she can shine on her own, having numerous endorsements and projects that AlDub fans still dedicatedly support. She is currently starring in sitcom, #DaddysGurl and will be alongside Carlo Aquino for the movie, #IsaPaWithFeelings.
https://twitter.com/DirekDarrylYap/status/1162534914492792832
2. #DyisIsItManila
Filipinos proudly show their love for Original Pilipino Music or OPM. They use #DyisIsItManila to request for their favorite songs and to know which local hits made it to MOR 101.9’s (@mor1019) countdown.
https://twitter.com/jiasalm1/status/1162768311114973185
3. #MayWard
Proving to be one of the most popular loveteams in the Philippine entertainment scene today, Maymay Entrata (@mamayentrata07) and Edward Barber (@Barber_Edward_) continue to make their fans blush with kilig in everything they do.
https://twitter.com/MW4LYF/status/1163462913501229057
4. #AldenRichards
2019 is shaping up to be Alden Richards’ (@aldenrichards02) year, as he wowed the fans and critics with his performance as Ethan in #HelloLoveGoodbye, his first movie with Star Cinema (@StarCinema).
https://twitter.com/RaineRichards02/status/1163584391471198208
5. #MaymayEntrata
Maymay Entrata (@mamayentrata07) got the makings of a superstar: she can sing, act, and is a natural charmer on cam. She made the rounds this year for her modelling stints and for showing her acting chops in Maalaala Mo Kaya and Hiwaga ng Kambat.
Syempre our girl – singer, composer, dancer, actress, host, PBB Big Winner, brand ambassador, International model, Youth Achievement Awardee, #MaymayEntrata
Momshie can't help but be proud as she've gone a long way from that simple girl we can all relate to.. pic.twitter.com/lj8SYFqvkU— Momshie Merida (@MomshieMerida) May 25, 2019
6. #KissesDelavin
Many teens today look up to Kisses Delavin (@KissesDelavin) not just for her beauty, but also for her brains and admirable personality. Kisses juggles her time between her work and studies, inspiring many young girls to reach for their dreams.
https://twitter.com/iamsittiefatma/status/1154968149646663686
7. #VoteKathrynBernardo
All eyes are definitely on Kathryn Bernardo (@bernardokath). She owned the first half of the year as the top female Filipino celebrity on Twitter and also the Favorite Pinoy Trending Award at this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
https://twitter.com/KATHNIELSpikers/status/1109163858977931264
8. #HelloLoveGoodbye
The movie that swept the nation, #HelloLoveGoodbye made everyone laugh, weep, and fall in love with Ethan and Joy’s love story. It achieved both box-office and critical acclaim, making it a historical milestone for Filipino rom-com films.
Is #HelloLoveGoodbye worth the price of admission ticket? Yes! Kathryn Bernardo & Alden Richards, both very talented, absolutely shine in a perfectly imperfect, bittersweet film with great OPM soundtrack. Oh, and the rooftop scene made me smile, a reminder of the good ol' days. pic.twitter.com/8Sl9P4Vpnp
— Pinoytapsilog (@pinoyanghang) August 18, 2019
9. #UAAPSeason81Volleyball
UAAP is definitely one of the most awaited collegiate events in the country. This year, the hype on volleyball got more intense as Ateneo Lady Blue Eagles and UST Lady Tigresses vied for the championship crown.
https://twitter.com/fromtheriles/status/1129749733692596231
10. #ManilaEncounters
Halloween came early on Twitter Philippines this year as Tweeps used this hashtag-turned-writing-prompt mixing the urban setting of Manila with the lore of Filipino mythology, urban legends and superstitions.
https://twitter.com/jewelenrile_/status/1100329476905299968
Using hashtags on Twitter
Once you’ve started using Twitter, it won’t take long before you come across what’s known as a hashtag.
This feature is a simple way for people to search for Tweets that have a common topic.
For example, Filipinos especially fans of Kathryn Bernardo (@bernardokath) and Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02), two of the top Filipino celebrities on Twitter, used #HelloLoveGoodbye to express their reaction and support for the box-office flick.
This also sparked interest among others, so they searched using the same hashtag to get a list of Tweets related to the movie.
Using hashtags can also make Twitter work for you, especially if you want to know the latest in the local entertainment scene.
There is something for everyone to explore and discover, whether you are interested in culture (#ArtPH), OPM (#DyisIsItManila), sports (#uaapseason81volleyball), or creative storytelling (#twitterserye and #manilaencounters).
https://twitter.com/amandalim_art/status/1161632432941981696
https://twitter.com/merimikn/status/1098274926128095232
To use the hashtag, just use the # symbol before a relevant keyword or phrase (no spaces) in your Tweet.
In addition, here are some practical do’s and don’ts to make a great hashtag:
Do
● Make it short, distinct, and easy to remember. Avoid typos to make your Tweet discoverable.
● Think of witty or relatable hashtags to give people a reason to use and respond to it.
● Consistently use your hashtag as you Tweet for recall and to increase its visibility and exposure.
● Ask your friends and followers to use your hashtag.
Don’t
● Over-hashtag. One to two relevant hashtags per Tweet is the sweet spot. Remember: character count matters.
● Use all CAPS. Unless it’s an acronym, this feels like shouting and also affects readability.
Hashtags can occur anywhere in the Tweet – at the beginning, middle, or end. Words of wisdom: remember to only use hashtags in Tweets relevant to the topic and don’t #spam #with #hashtags or overuse the # in a single Tweet.
Happy #HashtagDay!
