As
we are entering a new year and a new chapter in every trubist's life, it is fitting
for any of us to continue reminiscing the breakout stories that rocked and
defined the year that was.
Throughout
the past year, we have bore witness to many interesting and enjoyable events
being held in our own surroundings such as the great selfie war and memorable
pop culture standouts. With that in mind, let the neighbor of good news and fresh
stories share the rest of icons, stories and events that has made 2017 one in any
imaginary book written by people's thoughts.
Kwentong Jollibee
We
have seen many of us watching videos that make waves on social media such as
the energy gap dance, Baby Shark, and others. But if there is one or any of the
binge-viewing viral videos that have stood out on their own, it would have to
be the Kwentong Jollibee series of inspirational and heartwarming short videos
especially in celebration of Valentines' Day. These may be different from the
ones we usually watch on Facebook and YouTube where most are for fun, but each
video has a story that has completely captured the hearts of Filipino netizens.
To prove my point, here is one which I thought to be the most emotional among
the three.
ESPN5
TV5
has surprised millions of Filipino viewers with what is seemed to be the most
unthinkable announcement that is rarely seen on local television - the rebranding
of its sports division which is now known as ESPN 5. Its forged partnership
with the Worldwide Leader in Sports has truly cemented the network's new fully-pledged
focus as a sports channel. On the other hand, many television critics are
assured that what was once dubbed as the happy network is taking on a different
direction away from the ongoing network wars. Nevertheless, what can you expect
from a Philippine media company currently managed by a legendary basketball coach?
Mr. and Ms. BPO
2017
is no different year for the Philippines when it comes to international beauty
pageants, especially when it kicked off the new year with the successful
hosting of the Miss Universe pageant last January. Within the world filled with
beauty and brains, perhaps what really rocked and defined 2017 was the first ever
Mr. and Ms. BPO which is a celebration of the overwhelming boom of the BPO industry
in the Philippines and the millions behind its continuing success. Last
November, the first recipients of the prestigious pageant for call center
agents were crowned - Lee Bueno and Micca Rosal of Teletech - which are the
living examples of a Filipino call center agent's dedication and hardwork
against all odds. Despite receiving less traction and lack of media coverage, this
unique pageant is something that any critic and enthusiast should look out for
in the near future.
SNES Classic Edition
The
Nintendo Switch may be the biggest gaming story of 2017, but what surprised any
gaming enthusiast is the release of the SNES Classic Edition which will remind
any young and old retro gamer of the NES Mini back in 2016. What makes it a
must-buy is that it will bring out the nostalgia in you with a vast lineup of
20 of the best games from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System that have
ruled their generation on their own. Let's not forget the incomparable Starfox
2 which you can only get it after beating the first stage of its predecessor.
Its reception was as overwhelming as the Switch that it is regarded by TIME
Magazine as the third best gadget of the year. If you want to relive your 90s
childhood memories, then the SNES Classic Edition is the right one for you.
Global Wrestling Network
(Image Source: Anthem Sports and Entertainment) |
I'm
sure that many Filipino sports enthusiasts and fans are reliving their own best
moments that shine in 2017. For me, one that deserves to be in what truly
rocked the year that was is no less than the Global Wrestling Network. Why? It
is because it will give any wrestling fan wherever they are a glimpse and even
a look back at many of the best moments in professional wrestling that you
didn't know they have happened. The best thing about the on-demand streaming
service is that you have the chance to watch the latest episodes of Impact
Wrestling and Xplosion for free and even the episodes before only if you sign
up.
And
that is all the breakout stories that have made 2017 a year that any trubist
should never forget, and I can't wait for a new dose of good news and fresh
stories that will make waves throughout 2018. With that in mind, I would like
to thank the hundreds of readers and subscribers who have been keeping an eye out
for the past ten months.