Was it because Jolina Magdangal was quite huge in the 90s?
Well, maybe.
The use of Jolina as typhoon name came about around the same time with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) organizing a contest in 1999 allowing people to name storms that would enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Why?
Well, easy recall.
According to PAGASA, a name that is easily recalled would help a lot in communicating about it like say, in the news.
Since 2001, PAGASA name storms based on the result of the contest.
Obviously, among the names that came up was Jolina.
There isn't a definite explanation as to why people thought of the name but many believe it is because of familiarity.
Jolina, after all, was everywhere that time -- films, TV, magazines, what have you.
Ironically enough, she has a song titled "Super Typhoon" included in her debut album "A Wish Comes True" in 1996.
Note Jolina as storm name was used in 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017.
It would probably see use again this year.
Why repeatedly so?
Apparently, PAGASA uses a particular name on the list every four years.
It can only retire a name when the storm that bears it makes a huge impact.
It is exactly why Yolanda and Ondoy aren't used anymore.
In the case of Jolina, they're more like "Chuva Choo Choo."
Get it?
Never mind.