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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Predator Gaming) |
The Asia Pacific Predator League held last January 7-11, 2025 in New Delhi, India saw 24 VALORANT and DOTA 2 teams from 14 territories across the Asia-Pacific region competing to become the best of the best being crowned with the Predator Shield. The rising Vietnamese squad Fancy United outdueled fan-favorite BOOM eSports to the surprise of many, lifting the trophy and a $65,000 cut of the prize pool. Young gun Hoàng “Twilight” Minh Dũng was an unstoppable force for the Vietnamese, racking up an impressive 40 kills throughout their series against BOOM eSports. Twilight’s performance earned him the tournament MVP award and a nifty $10,000 cash prize.
In DOTA 2, Myth Avenue Gaming defended their Predator Shield against in-form REKONIX, who had earlier on Day 2 bested the Philippine squad InterActive Philippines. The series went all the way as the two squads proved equal in skill and mettle. The deciding Game 3 was a 41-minute brawl that showcased Myth Avenue Gaming’s dominance, allowing them to take home the Predator Shield anew and $65,000. Myth Avenue Gaming racked up 44 kills in the deciding game, with offlaner ‘egxrdemxn’ showing everyone why he deserved to be the MVP and take home $10,000. Philippine teams came out swinging throughout the LAN event in South Asia. Xipto eSports, led by former Team Secret stalwart Emmanuel ‘Emman’ Morales, was key to the VALORANT team’s run, carrying the flag all the way to a Top 4 finish. Meanwhile, in DOTA 2, InterActive Philippines turned in some surprise performances despite being a late call-up. Xipto eSports outperformed APAC Predator League Philippine Champions Oasis Gaming in the tournament. Oasis Gaming fizzled out after a 1-2 record in the Group Stage while Xipto eSports topped their tough Group C assignment. Xipto eSports lost to BOOM eSports in the semifinals which featured international VALORANT superstar and former VCT Masters winner Nikita ‘d3ffo’ Sudakov. While they couldn’t lift the Predator Shield this time, Xipto eSports showed everyone a glimpse of their untapped potential.
Indonesia’s REKONIX was InterActive Philippines’ (IAP) obstacle to reaching the grand finals. REKONIX was the team that sent IAP to the Lower Brackets, so IAP didn’t need any extra motivation to send the Indonesians packing in New Delhi. The match was a tightly contested affair that went all the way to three games. In the Winner-Take-All Game 3, a Slardar and Anti-Mage draft misfired for IAP, and REKONIX secured their Grand Finals slot. At the conclusion of the tournament, it was officially announced that APAC Predator League 2027 will be held in Vietnam. For more information and updates about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook (@PredatorGamingPhilippines) or visit the league's official website at www.predator-league.com.
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Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub Reshapes Personalized Play
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| (Image Source: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.) |
Samsung Electronics recently revealed the first phase of the next evolution of its Mobile Gaming Hub, establishing a more personalized experience for mobile play and outlining a long-term vision to serve as the central destination where players discover, share, and connect through games on Galaxy devices. With the new update, Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub, a platform that attracts 160 million monthly active users, now brings all games from the Galaxy Store into one place, making it easier for players to explore their libraries and uncover new favorites. Other updates include a redesigned interface, personalized content suggestions, and video integrated directly into the application to help players explore and enjoy the gaming experiences that matter most to them.
“Mobile game discovery is broken. Convoluted interfaces and overly promotional content make it harder for players to find the games that match their interests. With this update to the Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub, we’re addressing these pain points and offering a frictionless, organic, and personalized discovery experience. By surfacing content based on genuine preferences, we’re creating a more intuitive and engaging way for players to explore, watch, and enjoy their favorite games from one entry point,” said Samsung Electronics Vice President of Game Business Jong Woo. Building on the expanded content from the Galaxy Store, this new phase of Mobile Gaming Hub introduces a redesigned interface that makes it easier for players to find new and relevant titles based on their library. Recommendations will adapt to individual play patterns, creating a more intuitive discovery experience. The update also integrates videos from YouTube, surfacing gameplay clips, guides, and creator content directly to players based on their activity. The latest version of Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub is now available on all Galaxy smartphones and tablets globally.
This is just the beginning. Samsung is building a connected, frictionless gaming platform that will continue to evolve alongside its players. Future updates will introduce new community-driven features, player profile customizations, and support smarter discovery, helping players engage more deeply with the content they love. With these updates and long-term investment, Samsung is turning Mobile Gaming Hub into a key destination for players, publishers and developers of all kinds. For more information and updates on the Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub, visit https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/gaming-hub/.
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Hi-Fi RUSH Opens Pre-Orders For Three Physical Console Editions
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| (Image Source: GAMEVU/KRAFTON Inc.) |
KRAFTON Inc. officially opened pre-orders for the physical console editions of Hi-Fi RUSH, the critically acclaimed rhythm-action game celebrated for its style, music-driven combat, and standout animation. The physical release is available in partnership with Limited Run Games, the premier publisher of collector-focused physical video games. Hi-Fi RUSH blends fast-paced action with rhythm-based combat and exploration, syncing every punch, dodge, and environmental beat to its energetic soundtrack. The game has earned an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam and received major industry recognition, including Best Audio Design at The Game Awards 2023 and the Animation Award at the 20th BAFTA Games Awards.
The physical console release will be available in three distinct editions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, each designed to appeal to fans and collectors alike:
• Rhythm Edition: Includes the physical game disc, standard case, booklet, three DLC costume packs, and additional in-game character costumes.
• Smidge Edition: Includes everything in the Rhythm Edition, plus a three-disc soundtrack featuring developer liner notes and a custom storage box themed after the character Smidge.
• Project Armstrong Edition: The ultimate collector’s set, featuring everything in the Smidge Edition alongside a miniature replica of Chai’s guitar, an 8-inch plush of the robot 808, a 90-page hardcover art book, a spinning MP3 player pin badge, and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Pre-orders for all three editions are now available until March 1, 2026 exclusively via the Limited Run Games official website. For more information on Hi-Fi RUSH and its physical editions, visit limitedrungames.com and follow Hi-Fi RUSH on social media (X | Instagram | YouTube).
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Christian And Arvery Soar To Victory As "TNT Duets 2" Grand Champions
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The OST Dreamers duo of Christian Tibayan and Arvery Lagoring were finally crowned the new grand champions of “TNT Duets 2” after their second attempt at the Huling Tapatan finals last January 17, 2026. The former “TNT School Showdown” grand finalists earned the highest combined judges’ score of 99.6%, besting fellow duos JezzIan — Ian Manibale and Jezza Quiogue — who scored 95.6%, and PangmalaCousins — JR Oclarit and Mark Justo — with 95.4%.
The Huling Tapatan hurados, composed of Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Jonathan Manalo, Nyoy Volante, Darren, Sofronio Vasquez, Kyla, Bituin Escalante, JM Yosures, and Louie Ocampo, gave a standing ovation to Christian and Arvery’s final-round performance where they delivered a powerful rendition of Jolina Magdangal’s hit single “Kapag Ako Ay Nagmahal”. Their victory did not come easy as JezzIan impressed with their emotional take on “You’ll Be Safe Here” while PangmalaCousins showcased their vocal strength with “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo. As the new grand champions, Christian and Arvery take home ₱500,000, an ABS-CBN Music recording contract, a Star Magic management contract, and a special trophy designed by Toym Imao. JezzIan received ₱200,000 while PangmalaCousins won ₱100,000. The competition was equally intense during the first round of Huling Tapatan where duos Dugong Bughaw (Miah and Eunice), In 2 U (Isay and Nowi), and TNT Bestmates (Thor and Pia) gave standout performances to advance to the next round. Each duo received ₱50,000. From the start of the competition, the hashtag #TNTDuets2AngHulingTapatan quickly claimed the top spot on X, reflecting the show’s strong online buzz. The episode also trended worldwide, securing the seventh spot globally.
Meanwhile, “It’s Showtime” has officially launched the tenth season of its iconic singing competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan” (TNT) with The Voice USA season 26 champion Sofronio Vasquez as the newest hurado, bringing international experience and fresh perspective to the country’s longest-running noontime singing contest revival. The milestone season fires up a nationwide search across 18 regions, as contenders from each area face off weekly. Regional winners will advance to the finals where 18 representatives will compete for the Season 10 Grand Champion title. Don’t miss “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” Year 10 on “It’s Showtime”, airing Monday to Saturday at 12:00 noon on GMA, Kapuso Stream (GMA Network YouTube and Facebook), Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (ABS-CBN Entertainment on YouTube and Facebook), iWant, and TFC IPTV. The hit online show “Showtime Online U” is also available on the It’s Showtime YouTube channel.
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WRIVE Unveils Self-Titled Debut Album
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
WRIVE members Asi, Drei, Ishiro, Matthew, and Russu take their first bold step together with the release of their self-titled debut album, a musical journey that captures stories of love, ambition, and growth, echoing the promising P-pop group’s evolution from trainees to fully realized artists.
Now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms, the 10-track album includes “Hollywood”, “Hakbang”, “Pangkalawakan”, “Panaginip Na Lang”, “Pano Kung”, “Color Cash”, “Don’t Make Me Hate You”, and previously released singles “Ooh La La” and “Señorita”, created in collaboration with ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo, Jeremy G, Kiko “KIKX” Salazar, ALAS, Angelo Macanaya, Derick ‘OC-J’ Gernale, and Willie Cuevas. “Hakbang” serves as the album’s key track, which speaks about having the courage to take a step forward towards chasing dreams.
Fans were able to enjoy WRIVE’s all-out live performances at “Unang Hakbang: The WRIVE 1st Album Showcase” at SM North Edsa Annex Atrium, a free event celebrating the group’s debut release last January 17. WRIVE made their debut last year with the songs “Ooh La La” and “Señorita”. Since their debut, they received recognition from PPOP Music Awards 2025 where they won as New Group Artist of the Year as well as Biggest Rising P-Pop Group nominee in NYLON Manila’s Big Bold Brave Awards 2025. The group also performed in big stages as guest performers in BINI’s “Grand BINIverse”, Maki’s “KOLORCOASTER” concert, and “PBB Collove” concert in Araneta Coliseum.
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Rapper Neeyong Opens Up Raw, Soul-Searching Debut EP "Personal Inventory"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Up-and-coming rapper Neeyong lays bare his story in “Personal Inventory”, a debut extended play (EP) shaped by his process of healing from substance abuse and rediscovering his identity. He shared, “Dumaan ako sa buhay na magulo, buhay na puro bisyo, yung buhay na walang pakialam sa mga tao sa paligid ko. Noong ipinasok ako ng daddy ko sa rehab, doon ko na-realize ang lahat at nakipag-reflect ako nang maayos para baguhin ko yung sarili ko. Habang nandoon ako, ibinuhos ko yung mga pinagdaanan ko sa mga sinulat kong kanta.”
Now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms “Personal Inventory” features five tracks “Yellow Corner”, “Programa”, “Recuperation”, “9/21”, and “Neon” which were all written by Neeyong and produced by Michael Cursebox under the supervision of StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos. “9/21” serves as the EP’s key track, which focuses on his perspective on the country’s harsh realities. Neeyong made his music debut in 2024 with the empowering single “Agos Ng Tubig”, a song about rising above negativity. The 15-year-old rapper has since shared his talent through school performances and concert guestings, drawing inspiration from artists like Gloc 9, Shanti Dope, Flow G, Hellmerry, Eminem, Tupac, Michael Jackson, and Snoop Dogg.
