Gaming

What went down at the NBA Rising Stars Philippines Qualifiers

NBA 2K gives us a glimpse of MyCareer in real life

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Last weekend, NBA 2K hooked us up with access passes to the NBA Rising Stars Philippines Qualifiers finals. It was held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

2K was among the partners who supported the event, which featured San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan. Sochan had been in the Philippines for several days prior to finals day (May 10).

The pro baller attended various press conferences and guestings. These including one for the NBA Store and another for the vivo 3×3 event. As you know, vivo is still the official smartphone of the NBA for its Philippines market.

Of course, as players of NBA 2K titles ourselves, it’s good to see actual hoops being played every once in a while.

Not that we don’t do that regularly for our smartphone reviews, specially those with telephoto cameras, but this event definitely had the NBA atmosphere — one you’d see on the simulation game whenever you hold even just a quick play session.

For one, the indoor arena’s basketball flooring was draped in NBA blue and red, along with the event’s official title at center court.

There were intermission numbers, fan interaction (dance cam, bongo cam, emoji cam, and more), and a lot more going on to hype the event up. Popular disc jock and events host, Tin Gamboa, or DJ Suzy, also graced the finals as its MC.

NBA 2K MyCareer in real life

As the name of the tournament suggests, the NBA Rising Stars is a one-of-a-kind global tournament that puts the spotlight on young ballers for a chance to compete globally against the best from other regions.

The Philippines qualifiers is just one of many launchpads, with the winning boys and girls teams getting boarding passes to the Rising Stars finale in Singapore this June. Best of all, it’s all-expense paid. Talk about playing MyCareer in real life.

The protagonists were then introduced before a packed crowd. Sochan also made his appearance, and gamely attended requests for autographs and photos throughout the afternoon. He even joined the broadcast panel during the boys finals.

Quite frankly, it’s one of those days where he felt like a superstar and a VIP throughout. It’s much like NBA 2K MyCareer players when they’ve progressed deep into their journeys.

The girls finals between National University Nazareth School (NUNS) and La Salle College Antipolo (LSCA) was held first. NUNS won big, 107-49.

As a major intermission, SB19’s Felip also had a live performance. This included a nine-minute medley of some of his hit songs.

Then, the boys finals between National University Nazareth School (NUNS) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) commenced. NUNS made it a sweep for their school with a 101-75 win.

Sochan joined both winning squads during the awarding ceremony and then partook in a final press conference backstage.

It was quite the weekend for him. If you were the young boys and girls looking up to him, there’s more to be done to be just like the NBA player. After all, they’re just getting started and they MyCareer stories have more blank pages waiting to be filled.

Gaming

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance’s SEGA Villains Stage out on April 3

Face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises

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The SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will release on April 3 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

The DLC lets players face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises: Like a Dragon and Yakuza, Golden Axe, and Sonic.

An animated trailer has been unveiled as part of the announcement. It features those franchises’ characters, Goro Majima, Death Adder, and Dr. Eggman.

There will be a total of five crossover stages, three bosses, and two Boss Rush modes featuring the bosses for the DLC.

In addition, there will be three more Ninpo, three new outfits, and six new music tracks. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is a free update for all players.

Aside from the crossover, players can also try out a new Hardcore Mode which features changes in enemy placement and stronger boss attacks.

Additional combat settings also lets players adjust recovery frames, the flash effect, and camera shake. Various quality-of-life improvements are also planned for the 2D action-platformer.

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Gaming

The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow

The Continent comes alive

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If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.

And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.

With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.

As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:

Relics from the Continent: official merchandise

For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.

This includes the following:

  • Event Tee (PhP2,200)
  • Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
  • Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
  • Beanie (PhP1,800)
  • Tote bag (PhP1,800)
  • Key chain (PhP1,400)
  • Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
  • Event magnet (PhP800)
  • Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)

It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.

The path to Solaire: getting there made easier

Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.

A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach

For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.

To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.

Answer the call

As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.

The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?

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Gaming

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11

Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game

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Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.

The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.

This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.

Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.

The full reveal will be on April 29.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.

The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.

Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.

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