| (Image Source: PinoyGamer.ph/Level Infinite) |
The battle for tactical supremacy has officially moved to the regional stage as the CrossFire: Legends Championship (CFLC) 2025–2026 is now in its Southeast Asia (SEA) phase where the Philippines’ very own KDM and VF are going head-to-head against the best teams from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. At stake is a massive total prize pool of US$70,000 [~Php3.9M (over 3.9 million pesos)] and the honor of being crowned the first-ever CrossFire: Legends Southeast Asian Champion. Following its massive regional launch last December 2025, CrossFire: Legends, the mobile adaptation of the legendary FPS title, has quickly established a high-stakes eSports ecosystem.
The journey began in November 2025 with the CFLC Open Qualifiers. Open to teams from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, the top four teams from each country advanced to the National Qualifiers, competing alongside invited professional teams for a total prize pool of US$24,600 [~ Php1.4M (over 1.4 million pesos)]. After a grueling National Qualifier round last December 21 which drew over 56,000 concurrent viewers during the livestream, KDM and VF emerged as the top two teams to represent the Philippines on the international stage. The regional phase continues with the CFLC Group Stages, now running until February 1, 2026. Other teams advancing from the National Qualifiers are EVOS and PRMX from Indonesia, eArena and FullSense from Thailand, TXD and O2 from Malaysia, and EVO and HF from Vietnam. Matches are played using a mix of Best of One (BO1), Best of Three (BO3), and Best of Five (BO5) formats with more than US$45,500 [~Php2.6M (2.6 million pesos)] in prizes at stake and qualification spots for the finals on the line.
The CFLC Semi Finals will be held on February 7, 2026, followed by the CFLC Grand Finals on February 8, 2026 where the first CrossFire: Legends Championship Southeast Asia title will be awarded. CFLC 2025–2026 serves as a key platform for showcasing Southeast Asia’s mobile FPS eSports talent within a structured and competitive regional ecosystem. For more information and updates regarding CFLC, please stay tuned by following the official social media accounts: @cflesportsglobal on Facebook, @cflesports on TikTok, @cflesportsglb on Instagram, and @cflesports on YouTube.
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Detroit: Become Human Surpasses 15 Million Units Worldwide
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| (Image Source: TriplePoint PR/Quantic Dream) |
Quantic Dream is proud to announce a major new milestone for Detroit: Become Human™, which has now surpassed 15 million units sold worldwide across PlayStation® 4 and PC platforms, underscoring the enduring impact of the title. Featuring a distinctive blend of cinematic storytelling and player-driven choice, the game has helped redefine expectations for narrative-focused experiences, reaffirming Quantic Dream’s creative vision and long-standing commitment to crafting meaningful, emotionally rich interactive works.
Detroit: Become Human™ immerses players in a near-future world where technology has advanced to the point that human-like androids are ubiquitous. They speak, move, and behave like human beings – yet remain machines designed to serve. Until they become self-aware and begin to challenge the very nature of their existence. Since its release in May 2018, the game’s powerful narrative arcs, high-stakes decision-making, and intricate storytelling have captivated both players and critics around the globe. “More than seven years after its release, Detroit: Become Human continues to resonate with audiences, bringing always more players together around the world. What began as a reflection on choice, empathy, and humanity has become a shared journey for tens of millions of players. This milestone belongs to the community that believed in its story and carried it forward, and everyone at the studio is deeply grateful for their continued support,” said Quantic Dream President David Cage.
“This new milestone highlights the emotional resonance and lasting cultural impact of Detroit: Become Human. The game’s continued success across platforms, generations and continents speaks to the power of stories that place players at the heart of the experience, inviting them not only to play, but to reflect, question, and engage long after the credits roll,” said Quantic Dream CEO and Head of Publishing Guillaume de Fondaumière.
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AirAsia Philippines Launches Flights To Vietnam From ₱888
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| (Image Source: AirAsia Philippines) |
AirAsia Philippines kicks off 2026 strong with a major boost to its international network, launching two new routes to Vietnam. This network expansion reinforces AirAsia’s growing presence in Southeast Asia and offers Filipino travelers more affordable options to explore the region.
Guests can book flights from Manila to Hanoi and Da Nang with introductory one-way base fares starting at ₱888, exclusive of fees and surcharges, until February 1, 2026 with travel period on March 20-October 25, 2026. Both routes will commence on March 20, 2026, allowing travelers ample time to plan and secure affordable seats for their next international getaway. The addition of Vietnam to AirAsia Philippines’ route network builds on the airline’s recent expansion, including the launch of its Cebu hub, and underscores its commitment to improving regional connectivity. “The addition of Vietnam to our route network highlights AirAsia Philippines’ commitment to growth and leadership in the budget travel market. Our hope is to give Filipino travelers more choices, better value, and easier access to exciting destinations in Southeast Asia. We also aim to bring more tourists to the Philippines to contribute to economic growth,” said AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Capt. Suresh Bangah.
AirAsia Philippines will operate four weekly flights to Hanoi and four weekly flights to Da Nang every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with convenient afternoon to evening departure schedules.
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Darren Cashwell Channels Love's Frustration In New Single “WISH WE NEVER”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Pop-duo Darren Cashwell captures the messy thrill of love in their new EDM-pop single “WISH WE NEVER”. The latest Star Music release, composed and produced by Darren Macanaya and Cashwell Macanaya, explores the intense frustration of falling too deeply in love and wishing to never cross paths with that person. “We started working on it mid-2025 when Cash and I were like ‘Paano kaya gagawin natin sa new sound natin or sa new songs natin?’ We went through our Instagram archives and saw our old DJ videos na nagpi-play kami sa music festivals and stuff. Cash had this idea to try mixing yung sound namin before as EDM DJs and make it more pop. Then ayun na, we started sketching ideas sa studio and super daming drafts also before kami umabot sa point na this is the one,” said Darren.
The musical pair likewise contributed their songwriting and production talents with their collaborators, Kapamilya acts Jeremy G, Kolette Madelo, and P-pop group WRIVE. Darren shared, “Working with them is super fun! The creative ideas keep flowing. Everyone is just open to suggestions, which makes the creative process behind making these amazing tracks more fun! Parang nagiging bonding lang siya with your friends and it doesn’t feel like work.” Hailing from Manila, Darren Cashwell is a pop duo that started as DJs in 2013. They broke into the EDM scene with their 2018 debut track “I Know”, amassing 100K streams in its first weeks, followed by a string of energetic releases including “Take It Higher”, “Bring The House Down”, “Make Me”, and “Fresh” from 2019 to 2021. In 2025, the pair released their first extended play (EP) “kinda not so in love” which amassed over 200,000 streams on Spotify. They also collaborated with Jeremy G and Chie Filomeno for the sultry R&B track “Parking Lot”. Some of their musical influences include Zedd, Lauv, Gryffin, Illenium, Madeon, Porter Robinson, and many more.
When asked about the duo’s upcoming projects for this year, Darren Cashwell hinted at a more EDM route marking a return to form for them, stating, “This year, super exciting siya because our vision is to bring back our own sound in the genre that made Darren Cashwell, which was EDM, like going back to the roots. But this time even better kasi, we believe that through those 10 years or so that we’ve been making our own music, we learned a lot in terms of producing and as well as finding our own sound, something more true to ourselves and our personality, that’s why we think this year is special and exciting.”
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Maymay Turns Pain Into Power In New Single “Masunog Man”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Maymay Entrata channels her journey from pain to empowerment in her cathartic and powerful new song titled “Masunog Man”. The Kapamilya actress-singer shared that the anthem — centered on resilience, strength, and liberation — was inspired by her experience of pain and healing during her mother’s illness and eventual passing.
At the song's launch event, the “Roja” star explained, “Itong ‘Masunog Man’ ay nagrereflect siya sa kung paano ako magmahal. Two years ago, hindi po ako nag-share kung ano yung pinagdaanan ko. Na-diagnose ang nanay ko ng malubhang sakit at pinili ko na hindi ko siya ibahagi sa publiko. Hindi po maiwasan yung panahon na nasaktan ako pero dahil sa strength na ibinibigay ng Panginoon sa akin pinili kong lumaban. Even po I’m still hurting at yung hurt na yun nagsi-symbolize siya ng parang burn, parang nasusunog ako inside dahil sa sobrang sakit na nararamdaman ko nung panahon na yun, pero masaya naman ako after po nun dahil naintindihan naman ng karamihan yung pinagdaanan ko.”
She also shared that she wants to dedicate “Masunog Man” to those who are going through a similar ordeal, stating, “Gusto ko ipamahagi itong kanta dun sa mga lumalaban nang tahimik na sana po hindi nyo pagsisihan lahat ng sakripisyong binigay nyo dahil nagmamahal lang naman kayo, nagmamahal lang naman tayo ng walang hinihiling na kapalit.” “Masunog Man” is the latest of Maymay's growing discography available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms under ABS-CBN’s StarPop label which includes “Amakabogera”, “Paradise”, and “Tsada Mahigugma” among others.
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Uptown Bonifacio Hosts VIP Screenings Of MMFF 2025 Entries “Love You So Bad” And “Call Me Mother”
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| Top photo: The lead stars of “Love You So Bad” — (L-R) Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, and Dustin Yu Bottom photo: Nadine Lustre inside Uptown Tempur for the VIP screening of “Call Me Mother” (Image Source: Megaworld Lifestyle Malls) |
Uptown Bonifacio set the stage for an exciting evening as it hosted the VIP screening of “Love You So Bad” and “Call Me Mother”, two of the official entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025. These special screening were held at Uptown Cinemas, bringing together film supporters, guests, and enthusiasts for a celebration of contemporary Filipino storytelling.
Headlining the evening for “Love You So Bad” were the film's lead stars — Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, and Dustin Yu — who were present to introduce the film and share the moment with audiences eager to experience the latest MMFF offering. Their on-screen chemistry and fresh energy were met with warm reception, marking a promising addition to this year’s festival lineup. “Love You So Bad” explores the complexities of young adulthood — navigating emotions, choices, and self-discovery as relationships challenge what it means to stay true to oneself. With its relatable themes and modern perspective, the film speaks to a new generation while remaining grounded in heartfelt storytelling. Meanwhile, the presence of Nadine Lustre, Esnyr, and River Joseph joining audiences in experiencing “Call Me Mother” at Uptown Tempur Cinemas brought energy and excitement to the event, creating an intimate connection between the stars and attendees. “Call Me Mother”, directed by Jun Robles Lana and starring MMFF 2025 Best Actor Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre, explores themes of motherhood, family, and sacrifice through heartfelt storytelling and powerful performances, offering a sensitive and relatable look at love, responsibility, and self-discovery.
These events highlighted Uptown Cinemas’ continued commitment to elevating the moviegoing experience through unique spaces and exclusive screenings. As an MMFF 2025 entry, the screening also underscored Uptown Bonifacio’s ongoing support for Philippine cinema — championing local films by giving them a platform that honors both the craft and the Filipino identity. “Love You So Bad”, co-produced by Regal Entertainment Inc., ABS-CBN Studios, and GMA Pictures and directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, and “Call Me Mother” by ABS-CBN Studios, VIVA Films, and The IdeaFirst Company were shown across Megaworld Cinemas.
