Resto, bar review site Yelp debuts in PHL

 

US-based crowdsourced business reviewer Yelp has just announced its Philippine arm.

 

Yelp Philippines said consumers can log on to yelp.com.ph and create accounts, read reviews about local businesses and share their opinions.

 

"The Philippines is the 32nd international market to join the Yelp community. Yelp in the Philippines is available in both English and Filipino, the 18th language available on Yelp," it said.

 

Consumers with smartphones and tablets can also use Yelp's free iPhone and Android apps, along with its free business owner tools.

 

"Filipinos are so well-connected online and offline that we know they will love using Yelp to find and connect with great local businesses," said Miriam Warren, Yelp Vice President of New Markets.

 

"We will be working hard to make sure Yelp is the most useful and relevant local resource for every Pinoy," Warren added.

 

Yelp noted the Philippines is one of the most modern countries in Asia and the sixth largest English-speaking nation in the world, with English a widely spoken second language.

 

"It is also culturally diverse and internet savvy, with Filipinos sending more than 1 billion text messages per day," it added.

 

Food

 

Yelp also noted Filipinos can find its services useful when it comes to food.

 

"Whether you prefer budget bites at carenderias or turo-turos or a full-fledged fiesta feast with lechon, caldereta (or even the local version of spaghetti), you'll always find the country's wide mix of influences come together beautifully in the cuisine," it said.

 

Community-building

 

Yelp will start community-building efforts and bring together Yelpers online and offline to experience the best of Manila.

 

Yelp will also be available across the country, so everyone with Internet access can share opinions on great local businesses in the Philippines. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News