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| A spectator's roar behind the energetic crowd inside the REV Major Philippines 2019 stage (Image Source: Inquirer eSports via REV Major Philippines/Gariath Concepts) |
REV
Major Philippines, the premiere fighting video game tournament in the
Philippines, lived up to its own expectations when it staged its third season
showcasing action and prowess from the best fighting game players in and out of
the country competing in a wide range of major and side events on a larger stage
such as The Tent at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City. Adding flavor
to the affair was no less than the legendary Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada whose
presence awed many spectators since his first time visiting our shores more
than a decade ago.
Harada
first stepped foot in the country back in 2006 to witness a fighting game tournament
presented by a renouned amusement center. REV Major Philippines, SIBOL eSports,
The Nationals and Playbook eSports were never materialized at that time
considering that the fighting game community (FGC) in the Philippines was still
in its long infancy stage much like the country's transition from old analog to
digital free TV with a strong dedicated fanbase of fans and enthusiasts in the scene.
Thirteen years later, The Nationals and REV Major Philippines showcase the
evolution and resilience of the Filipino FGC with more fans and enthusiasts
starting to train their prowess and showcase them in a variety of local and
international competitions.
While
the Filipino FGC continues to evolve, fighting game fans and enthusiasts in the
Philippines have welcomed and embraced a bit of local flavor in one particular
fighting game franchise and that would be Tekken. A Filipino island inspired beach
front called Coastal Road with logos of Timezone and Quantum on a store facade
was among the featured stages in Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Then there was Tekken
7's Josie Rizal, a Southeast Asian female fighter who learns the art and style
of traditional Filipino martial arts, which received a more positive reception
from fans and players as well as doubts from several concerned parties. Though
these were just literal minor gripes, more Filipino fighting game fans never
cease themselves to sport and improve their skills that would surely be their
strength in the foreseeable future.
When
I learned from Mr. Harada during his speech at the REV Major Philippines that
he is thinking of developing a Jollibee character and adding it to the
franchise, it was a bit surprising but unimpressive in my case but the loud
cheers from the audience state otherwise though it is only an assumption.
Nevertheless, I never imagined that the Filipino fighting game community would
be as resilient as it was back when Harada first visited the country but I believe
that its resiliency would possibly become the community's strongest point in
keeping its flames lit. Someday soon, there will be a time when the Filipino
FGC will be recognized around the world not because of the resiliency and
prowess but most importantly the heart and fighting spirit of the gamers themselves.
And if you don't believe me, you just have to see it for yourself.
