SMS network providers in the Philippines offer lower rates. For as little as Php20.00 or $0.50, you can already send a hundred text messages and that’s about P0.20 per message. The networks also offer other services, such as unlimited text messages that would last for 24 hours, as long as the sender and receiver belonged to the same networks. To take advantage of these services, subscribers would register by typing a command and sending it to the assigned number on the network. Once the registration is confirmed, you can already enjoy the services it brings.

The lower rates make people subscribe to one or two different networks to take advantage of both services. The provider’s strategy is to keep their subscribers continuously taking advantage of their services. The networks also have a variety of cargo denominations which is very affordable for Filipinos. As Filipinos prefer to shop at retail, even prepaid cards or loads are sold at retail. One can purchase prepaid loads for as little as P5.00 or $0.125.

Communication

Communication is already included in the budget of every Filipino family. On average, each family would spend at least P40 or a dollar a day to constantly communicate with family and friends far away from them. It is a way of keeping in touch and a “virtual link” between them. The need to stay connected with their families also makes it difficult for Filipinos to limit texting.

Filipino families are very close. It is important that they know the whereabouts of their relatives. From time to time, they exchanged text messages just to see how they were doing. Sometimes they would text even the smallest details of what is going on in their lives. And it will become an endless chained text message.

Sharing inspirational quotes, sweet messages and jokes are the usual forwarded messages sent to two or more people listed in their phone books. For some people, texting is an expression of their emotions and becomes an important part of the courtship process. Alters the sending of love notes and poems. And, due to the recipient’s immediate response, the courtship process is accelerated.

text voting

The text is also used for voting and gives the subscriber the opportunity to choose a candidate they want to support. This refers to text voting. Subscribers would send text messages with keywords to particular numbers. The number of text votes corresponds to the number of votes given to a particular candidate. Typically, the organizer of such contests delivers the prices via sweepstakes to encourage subscribers to vote.

networks

By nature, Filipinos are friendly and like to interact with different groups and individuals. Networking helps people get to know each other and expand their contacts. It is usually business related. It can be an exchange of services or products, too. Through text messages, people were able to maintain friendly affiliations with other people.

Information hiding

The use of mobile phones for text messages to hide information is widespread. This originates from when former president Joseph Estrada was overthrown due to mass action. This massive action was the result of text messages that influenced everyone to act on the impeachment trial against the former president. People felt that the Senate is hiding a possible fraud by not opening the brown envelope and this sparked anger among the people.

Today, text messaging is one of the most convenient means of communication. It makes people understand and communicate more in a timely manner. It is the basic reason why Filipinos continually use text messages. It is already part of their everyday expressions of themselves.