From YouTube stars and viral videos to much-shared memes and top trending topics, here are the online scene-stealers that we found ourselves clicking on in Facebook, Twitter and the rest of the cyberspace in 2012.
‘Amalayer’ girl
Paula Salvosa shot to Internet fame after a video of her snapping at an LRT lady guard went viral, thanks to her repeated (and passionate) amalayer (I’m a liar?) spiel. It didn’t take long before memes and hate comments followed. And TV guestings, too.
Nostradamus and ‘Gangnam Style’ connection
Almost equally famous as Psy’s “Gangnam Style” music video is a clip explaining its connection to Nostradamus’ end-of-the-world prediction. According to the much-shared video on Facebook, the world would end once Psy’s vid hits 1 billion views. It didn’t, apparently.
Jessica Sanchez/Jennifer Holiday
After the iconic duet of J. San and J. Ho on “American Idol,” which involved a lot of growling and monster faces to the tune of “And I Am Telling You,” it didn’t take long before memes surfaced. A precious spoof also emerged from this performance, featuring a YouTube user called TheFierceDollTV who impersonated both singers flawlessly.
Ehmargerd
One of the popular memes of 2012 is Ehmargerd. Ohmigod in person-with-an-orthodontic-retainer speak, it’s also known as Gersberms (Goosebumps, the books the young woman—who is wearing retainers, of course—in the meme is holding) and Berks (books).
‘More Fun in the Philippines’
Definitely one of the more successful slogans of the Department of Tourism, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” had everyone making their own versions and sharing them online.
‘Sinotto’
The #Sinotto hashtag trended while various Sotto memes sprouted like mushrooms after being accused of plagiarism.
Claudine and the Tulfos
The video clip of the Claudine Barretto/Raymart Santiago—Ramon Tulfo brawl at Naia (aka Thrilla in Naia) produced several LOL-inducing memes.
‘Pacquiaoing’
DIY photos featuring the KO pose of Pinoy boxer Manny Pacquiao when he lost to Juan Manuel Marquez were everywhere. Tagged as the new planking, Pacquiaoing memes got a lot of people posting and reposting, including Justin Bieber, who got flak for doing so.
Kabang, the heroic dog
The whole world got to know about this hero dog after he saved two kids by throwing himself at the motorbike that could have killed the two.
As a result, his snout was ripped off. Through a grassroots campaign, netizens were able to raise money so the hero dog could be sent to the US for cosmetic surgery. Mark Sablan, Contributor
