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As a little kid, most of my cultural interests have been shaped by the people that surrounds me and the environment I have been exposed with.

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The rise of electronic games, or e-games, has transformed the contemporary pop culture in the Philippines, becoming an essential part of many young Filipino’s lives. Games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact have really changed the youths gaming experience from a hobby into a popular social activity. It brings people together as it offer a shared space for entertainment and connection, regardless of their backgrounds. And with the rise of local game development, it enabled Filipino creators to share their unique stories and cultural experiences, and this foster pride in their identity. And with this cultural shift, local e-games tournaments gains popularity and offer Filipino gamers new opportunities for competition and recognition, fostering a vibrant gaming community.

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Streaming supported the rise of electronic games in gaming industry in the Philippines, allowing gamers to broadcast their gameplay live on platforms like Facebook Gaming, Tiktok, Twitch, and YouTube. This become a trend and enabled a new generation of content creators to share their gameplay and engage with their audiences in real-time, fostering community through live chats and giving tips. Many Filipinos, especially the youth, saw this phenomenon as an economic opportunity, as successful streamers can monetize their content through sponsorships, donations, and merchandise, impacting Philippine pop culture.

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Blacklist International Become Two Time MPL PH Champions

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Blacklist International took the championship title in the MPL PH Season 8 after defeating ONIC PH in the grand finals.

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There’s a lot of OPM artist I know but my top favorites are Parokya ni Edgar, Eraserheads, and Gloc-9. The way they compose and deliver their songs has influenced my taste in music and also inspired many contemporary artists.

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As someone who tried to play most of the popular games, the aspect of contemporary pop culture that captivated me was the rise of online gaming here in the Philippines. Playing online games became a source of entertainment while strengthening social interaction, creating a bond with friends and strangers alike. Several of the popular games that I played includes games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and Roblox. And with stable internet connection, I can easily access these platforms.

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Just like any other kids, I also used to play outdoor games like patintero with my elementary classmates and neighborhood friends. Patintero one of the popular traditional Filipino street game, a game that requires

physical agility and teamwork.

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Taho is one of many traditional snack I used to eat during my childhood years. Everytime there’s a “taho” vendor roaming near our house, my father would call him just so we can eat taho. It is served warm and has sweet taste that we enjoyed eating together.

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Mural painting is known to be a form an artistic expression. I have been always amazed by it, appreciating its uniqueness every time I see it in public spaces. It reminds me of the artwork of what we used to have on our school walls during my elementary years.

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One of the historical films I enjoyed watching was Heneral Luna. Through watching, I have learned the history of the Philippine-American war and seen both the beauty and brutality during that period.

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As the interest in e-sports is growing, e-games has its own category in local tournaments and are becoming a popular event. I once joined a Mobile Legends tournament for our fiesta where I compete with skillful players and made acquaintances with them. This kind of event is not only about showcasing skills, but it can also create a sense of community and excitement while competing for recognition. It’s inspiring to witness the talent and passion of these gamers, as their journey begun from being a local player and then making it to be one of international competitors representing for our country.

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According to the Uses and Gratification Theory, individuals actively seek out media to fulfill specific needs, and e-games serve this purpose. These games provide an enjoyable escape from everyday pressures, allowing players to relax and unwind. Other than a source of entertainment, e-games encourage social communication, enabling Filipino gamers to build communities where they can collaborate and compete with both friends and strangers. Here in the Philippines, our culture values relationships, and these social interactions happening during playing strengthen the bonds and creates shareable experiences. As gaming continues to grow and change, it will continue to shape our culture becoming a way for Filipinos to connect and engage with one another and the world around them.