Top mobile apps for maximizing your entertainment on the go in the Philippines
The Philippines is a very different place from a decade ago. Today, the smartphone is ubiquitous, and it’s become a big part of everyday life. Global streaming content is immediately available, like elsewhere in the world, but mobile gaming has permeated the culture and attention of a nation. For visitors, you’ve got all the information you can need to have a good trip, from finding reputable online bookmakers on resources like https://allbets.tv/ph/bookmakers/ or a rundown of the best games, as this article will show.
The Philippines goes mobile
The Philippines has high smartphone penetration, in part because of the low computer penetration. Mobiles have become the resource for accessing the internet, meaning it’s the main device for internet banking, entertainment, but also business, like accepting payments and communicating with customers.
Top apps for movie and series buffs
Leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platforms like Netflix, Viu and HBO Go are all available in the Philippines. They’re not geoblocked, but they will have their own library of content, and it’s worth diving into some local shows with English subtitles.
Local players like iWantTFC also exist, too, and it seems to be K-dramas that are highly popular. Localized teleseryes and platform-exclusive original productions are what you should be looking for, but you can also download offline content from back home (this is particularly useful for the flight, but it also helps avoid losing content that will be geoblocked or simply not available locally).
Must-have mobile games for Filipinos
The mobile gaming sector in the Philippines has been active for a while, but it was Axie Infinity that sent the nation into a frenzy during the pandemic. In part because of the difficult economic times, the pay-to-play game was a way for some to earn money, though the majority of people didn’t as it was a ponzi scheme. Since this permeated through the culture, playing Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and graphically intensive RPGs, like Genshin Impact, is now very common.
Plus, it helps that the local smartphone market has now reached a stage where even affordable phones have advanced chipsets. There has been a growth of mobile eSports tournaments, and this can be a way for you to interact with locals.
Music and podcast essentials
Most of the prominent audio streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music are available, with few restrictions (YouTube Premium will work, unlike in Vietnam). There’s a growing catalogue of Original Filipino Music, and you’ll see these at the top of your localized feed most likely. Radio Philippines is a good way to listen to local music, with many stations on the app.
Niche apps for specialized interests
Beyond mainstream media consumption, there are some local options. Kemu is a social live-streaming app that has gained popularity and it’s filled with local creators and audiences - this is a great glimpse into the pop culture of where you’re visiting. If you’re interested in Philippine folklore, Kwentong Takipsilim is a podcast that has spine-chilling dramas. Otherwise, Philippine sportsbooks are a good way to wager on local sports events.
Curate your perfect mobile entertainment mix
When heading to the Philippines, it’s easy to say you should put the phone away and embrace the culture. But phones are a part of Philippine culture, and you’ll see everybody on them watching short videos and playing games. It’s not a mistake to indulge in this a little bit to get a glimpse of their media habits, and understand the country through this perspective.