'Marites' goes AI: US-based Filipino startup launches Taglish 'beshie'

A technology startup has launched a Filipino-focused artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to make the technology more accessible to users who may find existing systems difficult to use.

In a press statement, BaioVet Tech Corp. announced the rollout of “41ph,” an AI platform it says is built for Filipinos who are more comfortable using Taglish and informal language.

According to the Irvine, California-based company, the platform adopts an “entertainment-first” approach, using informal or “chismis”-style conversations to engage users before introducing informational content.

“You can’t lecture them into financial literacy. But if chismis opens the door, Budol Scanner teaches them the math. You can’t preach health awareness. But if celebrity drama opens the door, Health Triage teaches them what matters," BaioVet Tech said.

The platform’s AI persona is called “Miss Marites,” drawn from the colloquial term “Marites,” which is often associated with informal, gossip-driven conversations online.

To use the platform, visit the website at https://41ph.net/ and enter your question in the chat box. It will get back to you in a few seconds.

For example, Miss Marites recommends investing in oneself, building relationships with friends and family, setting and accomplishing goals, embracing independence, and appreciating one's own worth when asked how to remain happy despite being single.

Budget-friendly travel tips? 41ph sums it up nicely: "Walang masarap na bakasyon kung butas ang bulsa pag-uwi, di ba? (A vacation can't be considered good if you return home broke, right?)"

Travelers were then urged to use public transport, book flights and accommodation in advance, schedule trips during off-peak season, and take advantage of free activities.

"Ang totoong yaman sa pagta-travel ay hindi sa kung gaano ka kamahal gumastos, kundi sa kung gaano karaming memories at experiences ang maiuuwi mo nang hindi nauubusan ng pera," Miss Marites said.

(The real value of travel lies not in the amount of money you spend, but rather in the number of experiences and memories you can take home without running out of money.)

In another conversation, the AI platform was asked how to stay calm while commuting during heavy traffic. Miss Marites' number one advice? "Acceptance: Hindi mo 'yan kontrolado, Mars (You have no control over that, my friend)!"

BaioVet Tech said the platform is designed to understand informal Filipino language variations and provide responses based on real-time information.

"Every response is verified with receipts, not training data from last year. What is happening right now. Verified. With proof," it said.

It also said the platform does not require user sign-up and does not store personal data.

41ph was developed by BaioVet Tech in partnership with NewSpark Ink, a Philippine-based publishing group and Power School of Technology College Inc., a Cavite-based educational institution. —VBL, GMA News