Text messaging in the Philippines explained

Mercury News talks about the people of the Philippines's tight relationship with text messaging. The sms is defined as a vital tool for daily communication, a bonus for commerce and government as well as a formidable political weapon.
"Dubbed the "texting capital of the world", text messaging in the Philippines "isn't just a craze, it's a way of life. This country's 80 million people send 160 million cell phone messages a day.

In a country where computer and Internet penetration remains low, text messaging is the equivalent of e-mail and computer instant messaging rolled into one.
Filipinos are addicted to text messaging. It has become a part of our cultural identity. Filipinos are addicted to text messaging. It has become a part of our cultural identity, said Claro ``Lalen'' Parlade executive director of the Cyberspace Policy Center for Asia-Pacific in Manila.

P.s. I wonder if they allow marriage with the sms, uuh, sorry, marriage via sms.