# data[].attributes.body
I’m a 2nd Year BS Psychology student currently studying at MMCM, and I’ve grown up deeply immersed in Philippine Pop Culture. My family has always been rooted in traditional Filipino practices, from celebrating vibrant festivals like Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan to bonding over teleseryes and weekend noontime shows like ASAP. I fondly remember my lola glued to her "Korean Novelas," my titas fangirling over their idols on TV, and my titos hyped up by the epic fight scenes in anime aired on GMA. These experiences have shaped my understanding of Filipino culture, making it as natural to me as breathing. Philippine Pop Culture has not only influenced my humor, perspectives on issues, and lifestyle, but it has also connected me to the heart of what it means to be Filipino. From the shared joy of festivals to the emotional rollercoaster of teleseryes, these cultural elements have become a significant part of who I am today.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose the trend of PC and online gaming in the Philippines because it represents a transformative cultural and technological phenomenon that has significantly shaped modern Filipino society. This trend is significant as it reflects the Philippines' rapid adoption of technology, starting from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.The rise of internet cafes in the late 1990s introduced PC gaming, creating social hubs where communities bonded over games like Counter-Strike, StarCraft, and Warcraft III. By the late 2000s, the explosion of MOBAs like DOTA and League of Legends fueled a competitive gaming culture, culminating in the Philippines' embrace of esports in the 2010s. Filipino teams like TNC Predator gained international recognition, defeating powerhouse teams from Western and European countries, and putting the Philippines on the global esports map. Beyond entertainment, gaming has fostered social connections, created economic opportunities in game development and content creation, and influenced pop culture through memes, references, and gaming personalities. Today, gaming remains a unifying force, bridging generations of Filipinos who continue to maintain a strong passion for gaming, making it a cornerstone of modern Philippine society.

# data[].attributes.headline
PC and online gaming in the Philippines in the lens of Uses and Gratification Theory

# data[].attributes.subject
PC and online gaming in the Philippines in the lens of Uses and Gratification Theory

# data[].attributes.body
The trend of PC and online gaming in the Philippines can be analyzed through the Uses and Gratifications Theory, which explores how individuals actively engage with media to fulfill specific personal or social needs. For Filipinos, gaming has become more than just a form of entertainment; it serves as a platform for social connection, self-expression, and achievement. The rise of internet cafes in the late 1990s, where communities gathered to play games like Counter-Strike and Warcraft III, fulfilled the need for social interaction and belonging. These spaces became hubs where friendships were forged, and a sense of community was built around shared interests. It also addressed the need for competition and recognition. Filipino gamers, such as the renowned TNC Predator team, gained international acclaim, fulfilling the desire for national pride and global representation.

Moreover, gaming has become a means for escapism and stress relief, especially in a fast-paced and often stressful society. The immersive worlds of games allow players to temporarily escape real-world challenges and experience a sense of control and accomplishment. Additionally, Gaming has also influenced identity formation, as players adopt gaming-related humor, memes, and references into their daily lives, creating a shared cultural language. In conclusion, PC and online gaming in the Philippines fulfills a wide range of personal and social needs, making it a deeply ingrained and significant aspect of modern Filipino society.