Chikka revolution

In the wonderful universe of the Internet, there are countless things to do – surf for the latest Brangelina gossip, download leaked albums like the Artic Monkeys, watch Keith Moon pass out during The Who’s Won’t Get Fooled Again on YouTube.com, play Ragnarok, e-mail and chat with loved ones. The list goes on and on. But wouldn’t it be really cool to interconnect more, like sending text messages to mobile phones via the Internet?

Enter Chikka: The world’s first instant messenger that fully integrates mobile features via SMS. Founded during the dotcom boom in the year 2000, the company became a leading mobile applications developer in Asia. It was the perfect case of being at the right place at the right time.

"We are survivors of the dotcom bust, because we gave our community services that can be enjoyed via text messaging," says Junie Agcaoili, chief communications officer of Chikka. "We beat global players like Yahoo, MSN and AOL in developing the world’s first mobile instant messenger to run on SMS and launched it in a country where SMS is king."

Dig this, Chikka is affiliated with Bidshot.com and Crushcow.com and it represents popular communities from instant messaging to online auctions, dating and even matchmaking. In the business arena, the company is involved in mobile space’s five C’s – namely, Communities, Communications, Commerce, Content and Corporate Solutions.

Now, there are over 30 million registered Chikka users. Filipinos use the Chikka Messenger worldwide. This Internet-based communications tool is spread live over the networks of 30 international operations in over 10 countries. Just recently, Google Talk interconnected with Chikka users. Great unification between the two vibrant communities, eh?

Agcaoili says, "We are exporting our way of life, and we represent Filipinos, probably the world’s most advanced texting culture. Through our pursuits, we give new meaning to the phrase, ‘text capital of the world.’ Indeed, today, when the world looks for excellent mobile applications, they come to the Philippines, and are invariably referred to Chikka."

After working hard, now it’s time to play hard. To celebrate Chikka’s amazing sixth year, the company together with 200 employees who represent the Great Mobile Culture recently had a talent party à la American Idol. Dubbed "Chikka’s Got Talent," employees had to audition, perform and endure comments from judges Gary Lising, Dominic Ochoa and Alfie Diaz. Plus, awards were given to Chikka pioneers by co-host Angelica Panganiban.

"Chikka parties are always victory celebrations: of winning against global giants, of dominating in the text capital, and of continuous conquests beyond Philippine shores," says Dennis Mendiola, Chikka chief executive officer.

Well, it’s been six great, busy years for Chikka. It all started with small talk in 2001. There were several developments in 2002 for the company like Bidshot, which was born together with SMS promos. Subscription services ruled 2003. Then, Chikka’s business and product development teams brought services live over the networks of international operators in 2004. Chikka went global in 2005. This year has been the "year of convergence" where small talk comes together.

With all this in mind, Chikka chairman Vince Perez tells the Chikka team: "We hope you will remain the pioneering, leading, most innovative and most talented mobile enabler in Asia."

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For more information, log on to www.chika.com.