Internet-based instant messaging firm Chikka Asia Inc. said it signed up 10 million users in 2008, bringing its total registered users to 50 million since its launch in 2001.

About half of all log-ins came from outside the Philippines, Chikka chief executive Chito Bustamante said.

Filipinos based overseas have become a key component of Chikka?s success over the past eight years, he said.

Chikka?s messaging service allows users to exchange messages from a PC to a mobile phone, and vice versa, at less cost.

Messages sent from and received via PC are free of charge. This has made Chikka popular among overseas Filipinos. Abigail L. Ho; with editing by INQUIRER.net