Category: Business Mirror

FROM arcades, computer shops, to smartphones, gaming has been quite a phenomenon for Filipinos over the years.

There once a time when video games in these parts were largely frowned upon. It was dismissed as a something that does not amount to anything, a waste of time, an addiction. Yet, today, even the moms and aunts who hurled these labels are spending hours on end glued to their screens. Candy crush, anyone?

Here, we look back on what the last 20 years has been for the realm of video games in the Philippines.

Level 1: The 2000’s

REMEMBER feeling excited about going to a local arcade to play Tekken with your friends? Or maybe have an intense race with them on Top Gear 2? Those were the good ol’ days of the 2000s.

Other titles that dominated then were Pacman, Initial D, and House of the Dead; Contra, Metal Slug, and God of War I and II. Teens and children would also frequent Y8.com, a website with a huge collection of free games from fighting to dress-ups.

Not to be outdone were PC gamers, who spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours on Ragnarok, Cabal, Gunbound, and Audition Online. Meanwhile, Defense of the Ancients or DOTA, a multiplayer online battle arena or MOBA; and, Counter-Strike (CS) the revolutionary first-person, multiplayer shooting game Counter-Strike, laid the foundation of the early eSports scene in the Philippines.

Level 2: The 2010’s

OF COURSE, gaming is not a stranger to scrutiny, especially in the 2010’s when the PC gaming culture took a massive leap as an online, multi-player machine.

While console games were still huge in the country, it did not get the same stature as PC gaming. With titles like DOTA and CS having their second installments (DOTA 2 and CS:GO), and other games such as League of Legends, Crossfire, Minecraft, and Grand Theft Auto, PC gaming dominated the scene by a mile. Without a doubt, DOTA was the biggest among them all in the Philippines, even having a song dedicated to it that was a staple in computer shops nationwide, ‘Dota o Ako.’

Perhaps the biggest contributor to the success of PC gaming was the Lan (local) tournaments hosted by big organizations and, sometimes, local computer shops. The trend popularized Mineski, an eSports team that became SEA’s largest eSports organization, and eventually having their own internet cafe chain in the country. Brands like Netopia and TNC followed suit, breeding a fan culture that also paved the way for the content creators to shine. Big names include Alodia, Razzie Binx, 2Staxx, Gloco, and Suzzysaur, to name a few.

The popularity also changed how children consumed online content. In a BusinessMirror report dated in 2019, titled ‘How the Filipino child consumes media’ by Bong R. Osorio, it said that, on average, ‘Filipino schoolchildren now watch less TV and spend more hours using gadgets to watch YouTube videos, Facebook and playing video games.’ It was also mentioned that Role-Playing Games (RPG) were popular among schoolchildren ranging in Grades 4 to 6.

As the industry grew faster and gamers got younger, parents struggled to keep up in supervising their children’s gaming habits.

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized ‘gaming disorder.’ It was defined as an ‘impairment of control over gaming, the increasing priority given to gaming, and continued or escalating gaming habits despite the occurrence of negative consequences.’ The situation prompted local lawmakers to file the Video Games Act of 2018, or HB 7909, hoping to regulate gaming among children, similar to how movies and shows were handled.

Level 3: The 2020’s

Like any other industry, gaming underwent a transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out with computer shops and its shared spaces, in with mobile games that can be played anywhere.

Titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Wild Rift, Call of Duty: Mobile, and many puzzle games reached new heights. In 2021, Rakuten Insight provided a snapshot of gaming in the Philippines, saying that about 76% of gamers preferred mobile games.

Today, the massive popularity of gaming continues to evolve. There’s even a Bachelor of Science in Esports degree offered in the Lyceum of the Philippines University, focusing on Esports Management and Game Design Development.

If there’s anything that we have learned these past two decades in the Philippine gaming scene, it’s that no matter what, it will always evolve. After all, players would always press play.

David Archuleta is no stranger to Filipinos. Back in 2012, he signed a contract with TV5 to shoot the prime-time mini series ‘Nandito Ako,’ which ran from February to March 2012.

The mini series even had David speaking in Tagalog. Archuleta then released Forevermore- an album which contains covers of classic Filipino songs, which came out in March of the same year.

With a new lease in life after leaving his former church, Archuleta is discovering his own queer identity, which we can hear in his new music through his new EP, Earthly Delights, which was released last August. Archuleta is making his way back to the Philippines with a scheduled concert on November 21. He is set to perform at the Mall of Asia Arena with Vanessa Carlton and English boy band Blue for the Playback Musical Festival.

Dressed in a green plaid shirt with an aquamarine pendant on, David sat down for an online roundtable with media from the Philippines to talk about his new EP, Earthly Delights, which also released a Deluxe edition (with two new songs and acoustic and remix versions from the original release) and is now available to stream on digital platforms.

For Earthly Delights, what was the creative direction that you took for the EP, and was there a particular theme that you had in mind when curating the songs that made it in the EP?

The goal was just to experience life, the sensory experience of life. I think that I’ve lived my life up until recently, very like in my head, like in my thoughts. David raises his index finger to his forehead as he says this.

Rather than feeling things, I was thinking it through like: Okay, these are the rules, this is what you follow, this is what you’re supposed to do. This is not what you’re supposed to do. And rather than say, ‘Well, what do you think? Or how do you feel about it, David?’ I always replaced it with: ‘Well, this is what it’s supposed to be, this is how I’m supposed to think.’ And now I ask myself: ‘Well, what do I feel? Like how does it feel to touch someone’s skin?’

I love food. That’s why I wrote ‘Crème brûlée’ (the album’s lead single) -it’s a metaphor of the sweetness that I could now experience and feel with dating and human relationships and interactions, and the sensuality of connecting with other people.

It’s like getting to experience the sensual part of life, something that is so new to me, but exciting.

What was it like working on this EP as compared to your previous releases?

For my first album, it was like-I felt like I was a deer in the headlights. Like what was happening? This is all new, but this is exciting. I wasn’t really telling much of my story; I was just living in the moment.

The second album (The Other Side of Down) was very in my head (he places the tips of both his index fingers on his forehead) -like introspective, I don’t know where I’m going, I’m kind of lost, kind of confused, but I’m still going to do my best to keep moving forward and figure things out. Postcards in the Sky (6th studio release, which came out in 2017) was more reflective; I had just gone on my two-year mission (in Chile). Therapy Sessions (8th studio album, which was released in 2020) -I don’t understand what’s going on. I need to take a break to figure out why I’m so distraught and messy and disorganized and hopeless.

And Earthly Delights is kind of like, well, I’ve come to embrace and accept myself, and it’s still not perfect, but I’m okay with the messiness of life, and making mistakes, and it feels so good, it’s like finally sitting in that, sensuality and my sexuality. And also, just being confident and comfortable in my own body. So I’m very excited for the music that’s to follow because I’m working on (new music), and I had a writing session yesterday, and it’s kind of fun to feel empowered.

In the song ‘Can I Call You?’ there are lyrics that go ‘it’s more than a crush.’ Is this a nod to your song ‘Crush,’ and was this something that you intentionally included in the song as a treat for long-time fans?

‘You got it!’ David said, laughing. ‘Yeah- for me it was like the next chapter of ‘Crush’ coz you’re like: I don’t know if this is real, are we just friends? Like we keep getting these feelings, and can I call you? It’s like-I’m going for it now. (The song is saying) I want to build something with you, and it’s not always easy, especially when you’re traveling on the road, or you’re not near the person, coz of traveling. For me, it’s like- it’s the sweetness, but it’s also done in a sexy way, a smooth way. I feel that that song captures the most overall of how David looks inside, coz it’s not trying too hard, it feels effortless and smooth, and it has a good groove to it, there’s a sexiness to it, but also a sweetness to the song as well.

Having had the opportunity to speak to David twice, I can tell that he is in a good place now, he is having fun discovering and enjoying his own sexuality and identity, and you can hear it in his new music. Songwriters and singers like David Archuleta write and sing songs about a lot of things, but when it is their own stories and feelings, it really resonates, and yes, this also includes giving in to indulgences you have long denied yourself, and in those indulgences emerge an infectious confidence you may not have known was there all along.

Once surrounded by controversy over its initial classification by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, the film, ‘Alipato at Muog’ emerged triumphant at the 48th Gawad Urian, winning Best Film along with Best Documentary and Best Editing awards.

Directed by JL Burgos, the film explores his search for his brother Jonas, a farmer-activist who was abducted in April 2007 by alleged military personnel. Jonas was last seen being taken from a restaurant in Quezon City, and his whereabouts remain unknown despite ongoing efforts by his family and human rights groups.

On social media, Burgos expressed gratitude to the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and thanked organizations and collaborators that supported the project, including Cinemalaya, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, GMA Public Affairs, Bonfire Productions, Monoxide Works, and human rights groups such as Karapatan and Desaparecidos.

‘Lahat ng naging bahagi ng kampanyang ilitaw si Jonas, maraming maraming salamat!’ the director said.

He also acknowledged colleagues who contributed to the film over the years and supporters who provided feedback during earlier screenings.

‘Bagama’t hindi pa natin nakikita si Jonas, alam kong kasama ko na kayong sumisigaw ng katarungan para sa mga desaparecido,’ Burgos emphasized.

Burgos concluded by encouraging continued advocacy for justice and hinted at a future film project.

‘Alipato at Muog’ was originally released as an official entry at the 20th Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2024 where it won the Special Jury Prize. At the 73rd FAMAS Awards held last August, the film also won Best Picture and Best Director.

Full List of Winners:

Best Film: Alipato at Muog – Pulang Langgam Media Productions

Best Direction: Tumandok- Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico

Best Screenplay: Tumandok – Arden Rod Condez and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay

Best Actress: Arisa Nakano – Kono Basho

Best Actor: Dennis Trillo – Green Bones

Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro – Isang Himala

Best Supporting Actor: Felipe Ganancial – Tumandok

Best Production Design: Green Bones – Marxie Maolen Fadul

Best Cinematography: Kono Basho- Dan Villegas

Best Editing: Alipato at Muog – JL Burgos

Best Music: Tumandok- Paulo Almaden, The Ati People of Kabarangkalan and Nagpana

Best Sound: The Hearing – Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla and Michaela Docena

Best Short Film: Bisan Abo Wala Bilin

Best Documentary: Alipato at Muog* – JL Burgos

UNBEATEN defending champion National University (NU) boosted its quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage bid after beating University of the Philippines (UP), 25-20, 23-25, 25-13, 25-18, for a second straight win in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup second round Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Skipper Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh did most of the damage as the ‘four-peat-seeking’ Lady Bulldogs again stamped their class over their National Invitationals Davao Leg gold medal match victim for the solo lead in Pool E.

NU came up with a strong third set fightback after yielding the second frame and carried the momentum into the fourth for its fifth straight victory overall in the tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

Alinsug scored 14 points from 11 kills, two kill blocks and an ace to go with five excellent receptions and two digs in an all-around performance for the Lady Bulldogs, who were inspired by the presence of their former ace player and decorated spiker Bella Belen watching on the sideline.

Marsh finished with 14 points off 10 kills, including the match-clinching crosscourt hit that ended the one-hour, 53-minute encounter, and four aces, while Alexa Mata added 10 markers for NU, which came off a five-set escape over Adamson University on Saturday.

‘We always motivate ourselves because we’re playing one match after another,’ Alinsug said. ‘And our goal is to perform well each match.’

Frances Mordi, meanwhile, powered Adamson University to a 25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 25-15 rebound win over Ateneo de Manila University in Pool E to remain in contention for a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage.

The Nigerian winger blasted 20 points anchored on 17 kills and three kill blocks for the Lady Falcons, who improved to a 1-1 slate following a five-set loss to reigning three-time champion National University on Saturday.

Princess Dote had eight points while Joy Aseo and Lhouriz Tuddao added seven markers each as Adamson opted to sit out ace spiker Shaina Nitura for the second straight game.

The Blue Eagles lost steam in the fourth set after surviving a tight third frame to start their second-round campaign.

May Tsunashima was the lone Ateneo player in double figures with 12 points, all coming from spikes. Zey Pacia had nine markers while Dona De Leon added eight points.

Jelai Gajero and Cassiey Dongallo scored 14 points each with a combined 25 kills in the Fighting Maroons’ 45 attack points.

Nina Ytang added seven points but failed to save UP, which threw away 35 points off errors, from absorbing its first loss in the tournament after a three-game sweep of the preliminary round

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila urged Filipinos to rediscover the true meaning of holiness and ‘normalize sainthood’ in everyday life as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines launched its new CBCP Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints.

Speaking at the First National Postulation Conference held October 7 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, he said holiness is not a privilege for a few but a call for all the baptized.

‘Let us normalize the idea of sainthood for all, especially among the young people. God did not call the perfect or the ideal-He looked at the heart and the potential,’ Advincula said during the ‘Llamados a ser Santos [Called to be Saints] Postulation Conference 2025.’

The cardinal described the conference as timely and crucial amid the nation’s moral and social challenges.

‘It was when times were extremely dark that the Lord called saints to serve as beacons of light amid the decadence and despair,’ he said. ‘We are saints in process, and the Lord is not finished with us yet.’

Advincula reminded the faithful that holiness is not measured by perfection or miracles but by love, humility, and service.

‘The Lord is calling every one of us to be saints-to proclaim the light and joy of the Gospel in our homes, parishes, and communities,’ he added.

Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag, chairman of the new CBCP office, said its mission is to assist dioceses and religious communities in promoting candidates for sainthood and to rekindle public awareness of the universal call to holiness.

‘The office aims to help dioceses and communities advance their sainthood causes and to make people aware of this universal call to holiness,’ Mayugba said.

There are currently two canonized Filipino saints-St. Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod.

As of today, the Philippine Church has 22 other causes officially recognized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Of these, seven remain under investigation in the dioceses where the causes were initiated, while 15 are under review by the Holy See, or in what is known as the Roman Phase.

Among those advancing in the Roman Phase are the causes of Venerables Archbishop Teofilo Camomot, Maria Beatrice Rosario Arroyo, Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, Mother Francisca del Espíritu Santo de Fuentes, Sr. Joaquina Mercedes Barceló, Bishop Alfredo Obviar, and Mother Ignacia del Espíritu Santo.

Advincula expressed hope that through the work of the new office, more Filipinos-clergy, religious, and laypeople alike-will be inspired to live as ‘saints next door.’

He also dispelled the notion that holiness is reserved for those who perform miracles or live without sin.

‘Holiness is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and deepening one’s relationship with God,’ the cardinal said.

The national conference gathered postulators, diocesan representatives, and members of religious congregations from across the country to strengthen collaboration in promoting Filipino sainthood causes.

Advincula called on the faithful to persevere in their spiritual journey.

‘May we raise more Filipino saints-canonized and the ordinary ‘next-door’ saints. May the Lord bless the work that you do. Padayon tayo sa landas ng kabanalan [Let us continue on the path of holiness],’ he said.

Angel Reese is getting a pair of wings.

The Chicago Sky star announced on Instagram that she will be walking in the upcoming Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15.

It will be the first time a professional athlete will walk the runway in the show.

‘Stepping into a dream: From Angel to a Victoria Secret ANGEL,’ the 23-year-old Reese posted on Instagram. ‘I’m finally getting my wings I’ll be walking the Victoria’s Secret 2025 runway show for the first time, and it feels like destiny. Wings on, heels ready.Catch me on the runway.’

The retailer posted a video on Instagram of the announcement showing the Women’s National Basketball Association player in a pink robe, black lingerie and white feather wings.

‘Angel Reese, welcome to the runway. The first professional athlete angel.major is an understatement,’ the post reads.

The lingerie show began in 2001 and took place annually for nearly two decades. Victoria’s Secret canceled the show in 2019, but brought it back last year, with Reese attending.

Two cousins will meet in the final of the Shanghai Masters after qualifier Valentin Vacherot stunned a hobbled Novak Djokovic and relative Arthur Rinderknech fought back to beat Daniil Medvedev on Saturday.

The 204th-ranked Vacherot earned the biggest win of his career by downing Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 and becoming the lowest-ranked finalist in ATP Masters 1000 history, the ATP said.

While Djokovic was aiming to add to his 100 career titles, the 26-year-old Vacherot will go for number one – against his cousin and fellow Texas A and M alum.

A couple of hours after beating Djokovic, Vacherot walked back onto the court and hugged Rinderknech to help celebrate his cousin’s 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 comeback win over Medvedev and relish the rare moment. Sunday’s final will be the first time the cousins have played each other on the ATP circuit.

‘In the best dreams, we couldn’t have dreamt about this, so I can’t even say it’s a dream, because I don’t think even one person in our family dreamt about it,’ the 54th-ranked Rinderknech said. ‘Now we are here, we fought through so many matches and somehow we are the guys standing at the end, so it’s just incredible.’

Vacherot, of Monaco, was an alternate in qualifying but is having a career week, which included a quarterfinal win over Holger Rune.

‘Is this real? I don’t know,’ the 26-year-old Vacherot said moments after defeating Djokovic. ‘To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of all, an unbelievable experience for me.’

The 38-year-old Djokovic was slowed throughout the match by a sore hip. He took a medical timeout after falling behind 4-3 in the opening set. He won only one point in the next two games.

But the four-time tournament champion did not make an excuse of his physical struggles.

‘It’s all about him,’ Djokovic said. ‘I wish him all the best in the final, and the better player won today.

‘Going from qualifications, it’s an amazing story,’ the 24-time Grand Slam champion added. ‘I told him at the net that he’s had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good, and his game was amazing as well.’

SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go underscored the importance of sustained partnerships and government investment in sports, saying the victories of Filipino athletes in international competitions are clear proof that proper funding and support lead to historic achievements that bring pride to the nation.

Speaking during the budget deliberations for the proposed 2026 allocations of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRaCom) last week, Go recalled the country’s strong performance in recent years including the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

Go-as chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee-proudly pointed out that whole-of-society approach played a vital role in the success particularly in winning its first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo through weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and securing two gold medals in Paris courtesy of gymnast Carlos Yulo.

‘Those gold medals make us proud as Filipinos,’ Go said.

Go said these victories prove that the country’s investments in athletes-from training to equipment and facilities-yield results that elevate the Philippines’ global reputation.

‘Our recent performance solidified our country’s reputation as a major contender in international sporting events,’ he said. ‘This just also proves that government support is crucial to the success of Filipino athletes.’

He lauded the PSC for supporting the successful hosting of the men’s world volleyball championship where the Philippines scored a historic win over Egypt as he highlighted the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 that gave the nation a rare opportunity to showcase its hospitality and love for the sport.

He emphasized that beyond the medals and trophies, the athletes’ triumphs create a powerful sense of national pride, inspire the youth to pursue sports and contribute to economic and tourism growth.

‘Hosting is great, for as long as it’s well disciplined, the result will be great success, but not only in sports but also in tourism,’ Go said.

Go reiterated his commitment to continuously fight for increased sports funding, noting that the PSC’s share in the national budget remains small compared to the immense value generated by athletic success.

‘The budget for the PSC is about only 0.004 percent of the national budget,’ he said. But if we win, the pride and honor is for each and every Filipino.’ The senator said he will continue working with his colleagues in the Senate to ensure that sports programs receive sufficient resources to nurture more champions in the future.

Tiger Woods has gone through a seventh back surgery, this time to replace a disk in his lower back and had caused pain and mobility issues.

Woods said in a social media post he had the surgery in New York and said it was the right decision for his his health and his troubled back.

He did not mention how long it would keep him out of golf, though it was unclear if he was going to try to play in his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas or the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie. Both tournaments are in December.

He hasn’t played since a playoff loss in the PNC Championship last year.

It was his second surgery of the year – he had surgery in March after rupturing his left Achilles tendon – and second back surgery in the last 13 months.

Woods said he consulted doctors and surgeons have experiencing pain and lack of mobility in his back.

‘The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal,’ Woods said Saturday. ‘I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decisions for my health and my back.’

Woods had the first of his seven back surgery in April 2014, which eventually led to having his lower back fused in 2017. A year later, he won the Tour Championship and then captured his 15th major and fifth green jacket at the 2019 Masters.

Now his back is only part of a body that has been broken over the last five years. Most serious was a car crash in February 2021 that shattered his right leg and ankle, which Woods has said nearly led to a decision to amputate.

He managed to return a year later at the 2022 Masters.

Since the car crash, Woods has played only 15 times in the last four years, four of those at the PNC Championship where he can use a cart for the 36-hole event.

The government’s peace office has honored Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, archbishop emeritus of Cotabato, for his lifelong mission of ‘healing divisions and inspiring hope.’

Quevedo, 86, was among this year’s recipients of the Gawad Kapayapaan award of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

The cardinal was recognized as the agency culminated the observance of this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month at a hotel in Taguig City on September 30.

He was joined by two other awardees: Maria Veronica Tabara, a former revolutionary leader turned peace advocate, and the provincial government of Basilan.

In his message, Quevedo emphasized that peace is not merely the successful implementation of agreements and laws, but ‘the presence of mutual trust, respect, and understanding.’

‘It is born in the heart,’ Quevedo said. ‘Let us continue building bridges-not only between communities, but between hearts-for only together can we truly walk the path of peace.’

He dedicated the award to the countless individuals-Muslims, Christians, and Lumads-‘who have labored quietly for peace.’

From his early days as bishop of Kidapawan to co-founding the Bishops-Ulama Conference in 1996, OPAPRU said Quevedo has worked to build bridges of understanding, respect, and solidarity among Mindanao’s diverse faith communities.

Now a member of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Council of Leaders, the agency said Quevedo continues to play a key role to help address conflict and promote dialogue, justice, and empowerment, the agency said.

‘His decades of service to the Church and communities in Mindanao show us that peace is built not only through institutions, but through compassion, unity, and faith in humanity,’ OPAPRU said.