News

Google Year in Search 2025: NBA Finals, Halalan, Dionela, Alex Eala, more

Elections, AI, rising icons, sports, Korean series, more

Published

December 6, 2025

GadgetMatch

Google has released its Year in Search 2025, revealing the trends and moments that shaped the online habits of internet users this year.

Specifically for Filipinos, Gemini AI topped the overall trending list. Just under that is “Halalan 2025 results”, as it is a mid-term general election in the country. It shows that Filipinos are still very invested in what’s going on as far as politics are concerned.

During the 2025 elections, citizens voted for 12 senators to elect into office, representatives from their legislative districts, as well as local positions in provinces, cities, and municipalities.

Netflix series Squid Game also made the Top 10 list at No. 6. Reflecting the Philippines’ unwavering love for basketball, “OKC vs Indiana” also made it to No. 9. The Oklahoma City Thunder, of course, beat the Indiana Pacers in seven games to hoist this year’s NBA title.

Curiously, Khan Academy also made it to the magic 10, pretty much implying that several Filipino professionals constantly have upskilling in their minds.

Alex Eala, Dionela rise

Moving on to more specific lists, Filipino tennis rising star Alex Eala was definitely a talk of the town this calendar year. She is the most searched female personality overall, topping the likes of Bea Borres, AJ Raval, Jessica Sanchez, and Mika Salamanca, to name a few.

She is also ranked fourth in the list of most searched sports terms, behind “OKC vs Indiana”, “Pacquiao vs Barrios”, and “NBA standings 2025”.

Interestingly, the Golden State Warriors are No. 8 on that list but the Los Angeles Lakers have not made an appearance in this year’s Top 10.

Meanwhile, for male personalities, Dionela is at No. 4 on a more diverse list which includes Andy Byron (No. 1), Ed Gein (No. 2), and even Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon (No. 7) and Bronny James (No. 8).

Taylor Swift’s fiance, NFL star Travis Kelce (No. 9) and Kendrick Lamar (No. 10) wrap up the male personalities list.

OPM power

Dionela did make his presence felt on another list — Songs — where his famous track “Marilag” is at No. 2 behind Earl Agustin’s “Tibok”.

In fact, it’s a rather OPM-laden list, showing how invested Filipinos still are in their own music. There’s Cup of Joe’s “Multo” (No. 4) and even Ogie Alcasid’s “Nandito Ako” (No. 5) which has enjoyed quite a resurgence, thanks to social media and former American Idol runner-up David Archuleta even singing it during a recent music festival.

Trending social media hits “Gnarly” and “Opalite” by KATESYE and Taylor Swift, respectively, round out the most searched songs list.

Entertainment

And speaking of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Netflix’s Physical Asia is curiously missing from the most searched shows and series this year. Although, they are No. 9 in the more specific Top Korean Series list.

Just behind Squid Game are When Life Gives You Tangerines, S Line,and Bon Appetit, Your Majesty on both lists.

For movies, the term “Final Destination” is the most searched, thanks to the franchise’s sixth installment, Final Destination Bloodlines.

Horror/mystery movies have been quite impressive this year, with “Conjuring” referencing Conjuring: Last Rites and Weapons at No. 8 and No. 10, respectively.

Of course, Kpop Demon Hunters has likewise made noise, coming in at second. Superman took the third spot, while another superhero movie, Thunderbolts, is at fourth.

Farewells

For farewells, the passing of Meteor Garden female protagonist Barbie Hsu shocked a lot of Filipino fans — especially those who grew up watching the hit Taiwanese drama series from the 2000s.

The death of Emman Atienza, the daughter of TV personality Kuya Kim Atienza, also resonated deeply among younger audiences as she spoke candidly about mental health issues prior to her passing.

Among other top searches under the category are for Pope Francis (No. 3), celebrities Nora Aunor (No. 5), Gloria Romero (No. 6), Pilita Corrales (No. 10), and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (No. 7).

AI-related

Lastly, when it comes to AI-related search terms, Filipinos continue to learn more about how AI can help their everyday lives.

Gemini AI comes in at first, DeepSeek is at second, while Claude rounds out the top three. There’s also ChatGPT (No. 8), Nano Banana (No. 10), and Verse (No. 6).

Entertainment

Supergirl gets its first teaser trailer

Milly Alcock stars as the titular character.

Published

December 12, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Before the new year starts, it’s already fair to assume that Supergirl might be one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. Premiering a year after the globally successful Superman, Supergirl will see the adventures of Clark Kent’s superpowered cousin, Kara Zor-El. Now, the next film in the sage finally has a teaser trailer.

As James Gunn mentioned previously, Supergirl will be based on Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Off traveling to other planets to party, Kara finds herself thrust back into the role of being a hero after a young girl named Ruthye Mary Knoll asks her for help.

Though the teaser trailer is mostly a montage of scenes, we already know what we can expect. According to Gunn, Supergirl will be tonally different from Superman, and we see this in the trailer.

However, we can still see influences from Gunn including the usage of “Call Me” by Blondie for the trailer. Also, the film’s space scenes look like they can fit right in with Guardians of the Galaxy.

Still, that’s what we have, and we’re excited. Supergirl will premiere on June 26, 2026.

The film will be directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella). Milly Alcock plays the titular character. Meanwhile, she will star alongside Eve Ridley as Ruthye Mary Knoll.

News

HONOR Magic8 Pro launches in Dubai

Price, preorder perks, availability

Published

December 11, 2025

GadgetMatch

The HONOR Magic8 Pro, HONOR’s latest flagship smartphone, has been officially launched Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Customers can place preorders starting December 11 across UAE via the HONOR Online Store, Sharaf DG, Emax, Ecity, Jumbo, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Carrefour, e&, Eros, Noon, and Lulu.

The pricing are as follows:

12GB+512GB (Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, Black): AED 3,999
16GB+1TB (Sunrise Gold, Black): AED 4,699

Those who preorder will get the following as part of a preorder gift package worth AED 2,299:

HONOR VIP Care+ with 12-month damage protection
3-month Google AI Pro trial
HONOR Watch5 Ultra

HONOR Magic8 Pro: AI imaging, mobile intelligence, creator-focused tech

The introduction of the HONOR Magic8 Pro reinforces the company’s leadership in AI Imaging, mobile intelligence, and creator-focused technology.

The phone boasts of groundbreaking on-device AI innovations, including Low-bit Quantization Technology for AI Models and Next-Generation Hybrid Retrieval Technology.

Powering the Pro model is the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform. It is the first phone in UAE to have the processor.

HONOR’s agentic AI capabilities and Qualcomm’s mobile platforms make it possible for the device to be more efficient and packed with computing power.

The phone also comes with a 7100mAh Silicon-carbon battery. More advanced features include the AI Button, AI Search, and AI Documents, all designed to enhance productivity and support AI-driven workflows.

For its camera package, the HONOR Magic8 Pro has a 200MP AI Ultra Night Telephoto camera and an upgraded AI Ultra Night Portrait mode.

The device also introduces AI Magic Color and a new AI Editor, enabling refined color optimization and on-device creative adjustments.

For more of the innovations on the HONOR Magic8 Pro, read: HONOR reveals 1st images of Magic8 Pro, introduces new AI technologies

News

TNT network recognized for having Best Mobile Latency

According to Ookla analysis

Published

December 10, 2025

GadgetMatch

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

TNT has been recognized for having the Best Mobile Latency, according to network intelligence and connectivity insights company Ookla, which is known for its internet speed tests.

Based on Ookla analysis for Q1 to Q2 2025, TNT’s network, powered by Smart, led with a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) for all network technologies.

(NOTE: Mobile latency measures how quickly data travels over a network; the lower the latency, the faster the response)

This enables users to tap, click, and swipe on their favorite apps in real-time. For streaming and mobile gaming, it also means a smoother experience.

Be it MOBA titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, which both need real-time responsiveness, TNT allows gamers to make their best moves without worrying about lag.

Binge-watchers, meanwhile, can enjoy their favorite series, vlogs, and micro-dramas without buffering. On the other hand, students and professionals can attend online meetings or quick calls using just mobile data.

Furthermore, online live sellers and shoppers can also enjoy real-time transactions, ensuring their favorite items make it to the cart without delay.

Such low latency is also crucial for those who love scoring flash deals or vouchers where those who are among the first to click win discounts.

Users who want to level up their experience can switch to TNT by getting a TNT SIM or eSIM at accredited retailers and convenience stores. They may also do so via the Smart Online Store.

Subscribers from other networks can also easily switch to TNT without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP).