Twitter abuzz with Google Phl opening

MANILA, Philippines - When Internet giant Google broke the ground for its first office in the Philippines on Wednesday, social media also broke out with "Google Philippines" to become among the top trends in microblogging site Twitter.

Netizens expressed excitement for the local launching of the technology company and its inevitable hiring of more local talents for its Makati office.

Google, among the most sought-after technology employers, appointed former Friendster executive Narciso Reyes as its country manager.

Reyes cited Filipinos as among the most dynamic markets as 64 percent of the population already own Internet-capable mobile devices while yet more are active online.

We’re excited to help small and large businesses grow locally and globally ... We envision Google Philippines as a part of everyday Filipino lives," Reyes, who initially entered the company as a sales head for the Philippines, said in his speech at the launching ceremony.

The company also opened its official local Twitter account @GooglePH on Tuesday, which earned about 500 followers in a couple of hours and received inquiries for openings.

As of posting time, however, the site has not yet listed job positions based in the country.

As expected, a Google Plus page dedicated to news and information on its Philippine branch concurrently went live on the social networking site. Both official accounts feature a stylized company logo bearing the colors and symbols of the Philippine flag.

Google also held its first Southeast Asia conference in the Philippines in August last year to gather tech heads and fans in one venue to showcase its products and services.