Vhong Navarro's foe tops Google chart

MANILA, Philippines — Cedric Lee, who mauled actor Vhong Navarro in January, is the most searched news subject this year in the Philippines, Google says.

In its local 2014 Year In Search charts, Lee ranked first in "trending newsmakers" this year after the incident in a Taguig City condominium that left the comedian injured.

Lee's alleged cohort, Deniece Cornejo, also made it on the list ranking third. The two were arrested for charges of serious illegal detention and grave coercion but were later on allowed to post bail.

Besides Lee and Cornejo, seven other people piqued the interest of Internet users and trended on Google Philippines for various reasons.

Show business

Former beauty pageant candidate Roxanne Cabañero, also made it to the list. Like Cornejo, she also accused Navarro of abusing her.

Young Canadian-Filipino singer Darren Espanto placed second on the chart, earning nationwide support for his performances in The Voice Kids and named first runner-up in the reality talent show.

Tragedies

Indiana Pacers shooting guard Paul George is fourth on the list, with searches spiking early August after he broke his leg during a scrimmage.

Fifth on the list is model Helena Belmonte, who fell to her death from an Ortigas Center building's 28th floor in March.

The sudden death of former PBA player Bryan Gahol (sixth on the chart) also prompted Google users in the Philippines to look him up.

Bulacan State University student Michelle Ann Bonzo, landing ninth, perished with seven of her classmates in raging floodwaters in August.

Around the world

Figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, the Philippines' sole athlete in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, did not earn any medals but won the admiration of his fellow Filipinos. Martinez is this year's seventh trending newsmaker on Google.

Eighth on the list is Natalia Poklonskaya, Crimea's prosecutor general, who earned online fame for her statements at the height of the crisis and for her looks. While a newsmaker in the political arena, Poklonskaya also became the subject of memes and anime that spread even in the Philippines.