Thus stated Chikka Lead Engineer Melvin Fetalvero on what made the app which they called “Hear Me,” win as the Best Mobile Open Graph service at the Facebook Hackathon in Singapore.

Melvin together with Chikka developers Josh Basarte, Jason Sia and Miko Ignacio represented Chikka.com at the recent Facebook Singapore Mobile Hack where Facebook introduced the Open Graph API, a new technology that enables developers to create apps that put social interaction as its main focus.

At the Hackathon

After four hours of coding and hacking, Chikka team presented “Hear Me”, a native iOS application that allows users to post audio notes on their Facebook timelines.

Off-the-air at a recent guesting at ANC’s Future Perfect with Tony Velasquez, Fetalvero said: “I think what Facebook liked is how we envisioned a new user experience and our idea of bringing it over to Facebook while making sure that people are still the center of the activity.”

The Power of Voice

Designed as an alternative to the usual tweets, notes and comments, the group’s Hear Me app offers a novel approach to social networking through the use of voice. According to the team, voice provides a more personal approach to connecting online, allowing users to convey more emotion in their social updates and messages.

“Given that we live in a world that actually lives on the Internet already, everybody has access to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; I think one thing missing from all those platforms is emotion. You could use smileys or the usual “LOL” or “hahaha” but that doesn’t really convey what a person feels. So we thought how is it best to convey emotion? It’s through voice,” the team’s iOS expert, Ignacio, explained at the ANC Future Perfect interview.

Challenges

“Aside from the time constraint, the bigger challenge I had to face was learning to code in PHP, a language that I was not very proficient in. Not to mention we were also just learning about a new technology that is Facebook’s Open Graph,” Javascript developer Basarte explained.

“On the backend side I’d say it was converting the audio file to a compressed format and at the same time securing a server with a public IP address before I can start installing stuff in it,” backend developer Sia added.

According to the team, there’s still a lot to review and develop about Hear Me since it was written on rush in a hack but they are positive on making the app available on the Appstore soon. “If we had more time we would’ve turned Hear Me into a ‘rap battle app’ wherein users can record rap songs or ‘pick-up lines’ that are then sent as challenges to friends, resulting in an exchange,” shared Fetalvero.

Aside from the Open Graph award, Facebook also recognized three other teams for the Best Social app, Best in Games and Overall categories. Facebook organizes hackathons annually but it’s the first time they came to Asia particularly in Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo.

In a statement, Chikka Chief Executive Officer Chito Bustamante said: “We are very proud of the team and we’re hopeful that more Filipino developers take the time to participate in local and international ‘hackathons’ as well as the growing developers community.”

Chikka, a subsidiary of Smart Communications, is best known for its flagship product, the Chikka Text Messenger, which is probably the world’s first commercially successful integration of web and mobile utilities.

“There is still a gaping digital divide. Despite more than 30% Internet penetration among Filipinos, over 90% of whom are on facebook, and one out of two of whom have web-capable mobile phones, the Divide is more profound now that the Internet serves as the main channel for the exchange of information,” said Chito Bustamante, chief executive officer of Chikka Philippines.

“I am saying that the extent of the disenfranchisement of Filipinos who have limited or no access to the Net is greater now. The online class is a new privileged class. They have priority access in interacting with any organization, performing their duties, and obtaining many benefits – from submitting homework to getting discounts, from landing jobs to publishing social commentaries.”

He said that those who have “always on” Internet on demand, primarily get news, information and entertainment via web-enabled devices and are able to act in real-time on this information. Social networks and social media like Facebook and Twitter allow people to navigate this information with ease; and mobile devices like smartphones and iPads allow that social media to just follow them wherever they go.

Bustamante was speaking at the sidelines of the recently concluded Digital Filipino E-Commerce Summit held in Makati City where he also said that Chikka Philippines is at work on new solutions that help bridge this divide.

Around the world, the prognosis proffered by many analysts is that as consumers turn more and more to the web, traditional “over-the-air” (OTA) voice and text will eventually become obsolete; deposed by OTT or “over-the-top” alternatives such as Facebook, Skype, BBM, and iMessage.

But in the Philippines, mobile network operators report that a great majority of Filipinos still depend on traditional OTA text and voice.

He said that even the Android or iPhone versions of Chikka are designed to connect fashionably to legacy mobile phones in the Philippines, making Chikka a unique OTT and OTA hybrid. It also supports bucket and unlimited reply plans from mobile to web for many Filipinos who are now accustomed to such.

“The digital divide is a socio-economic divide. The real challenge is providing always on access to a majority of Filipinos. In this larger scheme of things, Chikka is now developing platforms that will simulate “always-on” Internet, that will allow Filipino mobile subscribers access to all that they need and want from the web “on-demand” and in the most efficient ways,” said Bustamante.

About Chikka

With billions of messages exchanged between online and mobile communities since 2001, Chikka’s flagship Chikka Text Messenger (CTM) is probably the world’s first commercially successful integration of web and mobile utilities.

The company has since evolved into an incubator for new technologies and innovation, producing telco-grade platforms and real value-added services for the new digital and mobile generation. Chikka’s mission, first stated in 2000 is: “To bring together communities, heretofore separated by geographical barriers and differences in technology.”

“The resulting powerhouse now serves as an incubator for new technologies and innovation, producing telco-grade platforms and systems, and real value-added services for the new digital consumer, including corporate partners,” said Chito Bustamante, Chikka chief executive officer.

Until recently, the companies separately produced applications, platforms and services, including apps — those popular communications utilities, productivity and marketing tools, references, media helpers, timesavers, and games downloaded by way of various smartphones and mobile devices.

The merger will form one of the largest Web and mobile applications developers in the Philippines to cater to mobile Internet communities demanding apps of high utility and high entertainment value — qualities ingrained in the two companies’ respective DNAs.

Wolfpac, founded in 1999, first cracked the Philippine mobile content industry wide open in 2001 with successive releases of games, such as the Tamagochi-inspired PetPals and the wildly popular Text2Millions, which started Filipinos thumb-thumping for amusement.

Chikka, also with beginnings in 1999, launched Chikka Text Messenger, probably the world’s first commercially successful integration of Web and mobile utilities.

Both companies had to develop, from scratch, the platforms on which their groundbreaking applications were to run. They made it possible even in the early 2000s, that the ordinary Filipino’s cellular phone also be an entertainment device, an instant messenger, an e-mail client, a wallet and more. Leading Philippine mobile network Smart Communications acquired Wolfpac in 2004, and Chikka in 2009.

“This unified Chikka and Wolfpac organization now has the highest concentration of crack as well as veteran talent in development and content creation in the Philippine mobile industry.”

“You can imagine what we can do today with wider access to data among consumers, with such technologies as smart phones, the cloud, and with various developer networks,” Bustamante added.

On its 9^th year and entitled “Run with Passion, Run the Animo 21k”, the fun run was made possible by corporate partners such as Chikka Philippines, the makers of the popular web to mobile messaging service.

Christine Aguilar, Chikka corporate communications, concluded that this year’s De La Salle run was indeed filled with Passion! “The event was well-organized and participants really ran with smiles on their faces and a big heart.” The 9^th Animo Run has for its beneficiary the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan and One Lasalle Scholarship Fund. “We did not just co-sponsor this year’s event but we also actively participated and cheered!” she added.

The Chikka team, known to be tech savvy individuals were in good company at the marathon where many runners were seen using some of the latest fitness mobile apps such as those that can determine individual speed, time, location in the course and even apps that uploaded action-packed photos in real time!

As the last of some 3000 runners dashed the finish line in style, everyone felt a winner at the premier De La Salle University running event organized yearly by the DLSU Running Club.

On the grand stand, medals gleamed in the early morning sun, and some of the 21K finishers sported their proud Finisher shirts as all the runners cooled down to country pop acoustic duo, Krissy and Ericka’s surprise live performance.

Year after year, The Animo Run has certainly evolved to be part of the La Sallian tradition of upholding the values of a sound mind in a sound body. It may be on its 9^th year but it’s definitely not getting any older!

Just like the classic free texting app Chikka which is now available on multiple platforms and devices including your personal computer, smart phones, web browser and even Facebook.

About Chikka

Founded in 2001, Chikka’s flagship is the Chikka Text Messenger, an online application that supports the delivery of instant messages as SMS to mobile phones. According to the company, Chikka Text Messenger, now with over 68 million registered users, is probably the most widely-used and viewed Internet and mobile-based communications tool by Filipinos worldwide. For more information about Chikka, log on to their recently updated website at www.chikka.com.

Chikka Chrome Extension is a Chikka Text Messenger plugin which sits on your Google Chrome browser’s bar. “You can open it to chat with online Chikka buddies and also text other friends straight to their mobile phones without having to leave the page you’re on. Afterwards, you can just minimize it and wait for notifications to pop-up when you get replies,” Chikka CIO Dennis Mendiola explained, “and as usual you earn extra credits for every reply you receive.”

Chikka Lite on Chrome actually started as a pet project of the engineers at Chikka.com as more and more browser-based applications were populating the Chrome Store. The company then quietly released the initial version of the Chikka Chrome Extension early this year. Inevitably, the number of searches and installs increased as more Chikka users and curious web browsers discovered it.

Just this September, Newsbytes.ph released an article for the National Hereos’ Day (August 31) commemorating the most-searched national heroes including Andres Bonifacio, Juan Luna and Jose Rizal vis-à-vis the most-searched Chrome Extensions and Chikka Chrome extension made it to the list as “it feeds the nation’s love for texting”.

Aside from the Chikka for iPhone and Android, there is also Chikka Lite for Facebook. “We want to be where our users are and we’re on this quest of making the classic free texting app available on different platforms and browsers for use on all computers and mobile devices.” Dennis Mendiola added.

About Chikka

Founded in 2001, Chikka’s flagship is the Chikka Text Messenger, an online application that supports the delivery of instant messages as SMS to mobile phones. According to the company, Chikka Text Messenger, now with over 68 million registered users, is probably one of the most widely-used and viewed Internet and mobile-based communications tools by Filipinos worldwide. For more information about Chikka visit their new website at www.chikka.com.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related course
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• Excellent analytical skills and highly logical
• Proven leadership capabilities

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• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related course
• At least 3 years experience in backend software development for VOIP platforms
• Excellent analytical skills and highly logical
• Proven leadership capabilities

Send your application.

Marié Digby, who rose to online stardom because of her simple yet remarkable music covers from Rihanna, Maroon 5, Usher and Lady Gaga, among others, is now a recording artist who has amassed hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world since she first started posting videos on YouTube in 2007.

“People from all over the world now spend more time on their computer,” says Marié Digby. “That’s where they find their music, that’s where they listen to music, and that’s where they interact with the musicians. The Internet really levels the playing field and it gives everybody with a voice or someone that has something to say a chance to be heard.”

This new media experience is called Chikka Live, and it has enabled artists such as teen pop artists Krissy and Ericka, Filipino-American singer/songwriter A.J. Rafael, Australia-based R&B artist Christian Joseph, Pinoy Big Brother sensations James Reid and Bret Jackson, World Championships of Performing Arts winner Aria Clemente and many more to communicate with their fans through the Chikka Text Messenger during each Chikka Live online performance also available on the company’s official Web site, www.chikka.com.

“The support for Chikka Live has been immense,” says Chito Bustamante, Chikka chief executive officer. “This project has been about gathering the Filipinos from around the globe to celebrate and enjoy the music of talented and emerging online Filipino artists.”

“Furthermore, Chikka became a virtual backstage pass for online fans who sent free text messages to their idols, on the set, and off the set even after the live stream,” said Bustamante.

Aside from Marié, the Chikka Live Independence Day special also featured country pop duo Krissy and Ericka, the talented Lamar Brothers, and the trio acoustic group 3 A.M.

The episode was opened by Krissy and Ericka’s remarkable cover of local pop songs and was followed by Lamar brothers’ rendition of some foreign hits. Meanwhile, Marié Digby performed her hit single “Say it Again,” followed by a duet with Krissy. The two sang Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” the song that made Marié “viral” online. 3 A.M. on the other hand played original songs and covered some foreign acts.

Meanwhile, DJ and Michael Lamar of Lamar Brothers, who are also venturing on acoustic performances in TV shows, said that they feel more relaxed in performing in Chikka Live’s online concert concept, where people who watched the show can input their reactions on the performances instantaneously.

“It’s great because we actually get immediate feedback from fans, it’s a way to make you better as a performer and as an artist,” said DJ Lamar.

On the other hand, best friends Kyle Amor, Mica Caldito and James Torres of the acoustic group 3 A.M., who already released their self-titled album from Star Records, said that performing on Chikka Live feels more personal for them since interactions with their fans allow them to know both sides better.

“It’s a great way to reach out to fans because a lot of people are on the Internet. This way, they get to see how we usually are when we’re together, and not just when we’re performing,” Mica said.

Aside from being able to interact and chat with their favorite online artists, fans also had a chance to win a guitar signed by Marié Digby. Although hundreds of fans vied for the highly coveted guitar, it was a lucky Digby fan named Ron de las Armas who won the autographed guitar.

Aside from Chikka Live, Chikka is also working on making Chikka accessible across all platforms. Their instant messaging app is now available on the iPhone and on Android phones, and they’re in the process of developing an app for BlackBerry users.

Since 2001, the proudly Pinoy instant messaging app has been one of the most preferred instant messaging applications by the Filipino community both locally and globally because of its ability to combine the convenience of sending a free text message online with the personal warmth of receiving a text message on one’s mobile phone. It has brought millions of families and friends closer and will continue to do so with its upcoming projects and services.

Kicking off on May 14, 2011, “Chikka Live: Small Talk. Great Music” will run for eight weeks with country pop duo Krissy and Ericka opening the series. Lined up on succeeding weekends are talented and sensational artists including AJ Rafael, Marie Digby; American Idol finalist Andrew Garcia and Ramiele Malubay; Filipino Aussie Christian Joseph and other special guests like US You Tube sensation Michelle Martinez; World Singing Competition Champion, Aria Clemente, all of whom have built online fan bases in the hundreds of thousands.

The online streaming concert series also offers a venue for fans to send free text messages to their favorite artists.

“Chikka identifies very much with these new breed of artists who have created their own brand of music and offered them to an online audience. They have contributed very much to the unprecedented vibrancy that we are now witnessing in the Filipino online scene,” said Chito Bustamante, Chikka chief executive officer.

“The artists, based as they are in the Philippines, the US and also Australia represent today’s Global Filipinos. And Global Filipinos comprise more than half of Chikka’s own online community. Today, we celebrate the Global and online Filipino community. They are more than ever a driving force not only for our economy but influential in every aspect of our society and culture.”

Aside from providing a virtual stage for the Internet’s top Filipino artists, Chikka is also working on making Chikka accessible across all platforms. Their instant messaging app is now available on the iPhone and on Android phones, and they are currently developing an app for Blackberry users as well.

Chikka’s instant messaging app has served millions of Filipinos all over the world, combining the convenience of sending a free text message online with the personal warmth and immediacy of receiving a free text message on one’s mobile phone. It has since then become one of the most-loved instant messaging applications by the Filipino community both locally and globally.

About Chikka

Founded in 2001, Chikka’s flagship is the Chikka Messenger, an online application that supports the delivery of instant messages as SMS to mobile phones. According to the company, Chikka Messenger, now with over 68 million registered users, is probably the most widely-used and viewed Internet and mobile-based communications tool by Filipinos worldwide. For more information about Chikka’s products or Chikka Live visit www.chikka.com.

“We live in the era of smartphones; really handheld computers integrated with a mobile phone allowing users to install advanced applications. Android itself is the platform found in the greatest number of smartphones held by Filipinos and today, Chikka makes its free text messaging app available to this new generation,” said Chito Bustamante, Chikka chief executive officer.

The Chikka for Android app allows users to send free messages to any Philippine mobile. Meanwhile, replying to a Chikka message via text is available at bucket prices PHP5 for ten messages and PHP20 all-day unlimited, making it some of the most cost-efficient means of communications between Filipinos locally or globally.

Last year, Chikka made its Chikka Text Messenger available on the AppStore for use on iPhones. The company is also set to release its Blackberry and Symbian apps to serve an even wider smartphone market.

Bustamante said: “Chikka has always been about uniting folks wherever they may be and regardless of their primary means; whether that’s text or instant messaging, whether they’re on a fixed computer or a mobile device, a regular phone or today’s smartphone, on-line or off-line, and whether one has load or not.”

“Our applications are made to be “as simple as text,” yet therein lies their sophistication, enabled as they are on any device and any platform, free of traditional cost constraints and providing great value to our users.”

About Chikka

Founded in 2001, Chikka’s flagship is the Chikka Messenger, an online application that supports the delivery of instant messages as SMS to mobile phones. According to the company, Chikka Messenger, now with over 68 million registered users, is probably the most widely-used and viewed Internet and mobile-based communications tool by Filipinos worldwide.  Click here to download the Chikka Messenger app for Android. For iPhone users, the latest version of the Chikka Text Messenger app is also available in the Appstore .