Nelson Morales

Photo source: VALORANT Philippines YouTube Channel

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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175025093290406182025_KV1_Valorant 5th Anniversary.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: VALORANT Philippines YouTube Channel"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo source: VALORANT </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">How do you keep your edge in a game that keeps evolving?</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">You do it by grinding, learning every patch, and never forgetting why you play in the first place. From the clatter of comp shop keyboards to the roar of main stage arenas, Filipino VALORANT players have turned every round into a highlight. It is not just a game. It is a movement—a five-year journey filled with clutch moments, creative expression, and a community that keeps growing loud, sharp, and more uniquely Pinoy. #TaraVALO.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175025083680320250618130628_KV2_Valorant 5th Anniversary.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: VALORANT Philippines YouTube Channel"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo source: VALORANT</em> </span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>From lockdowns to legends</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">VALORANT arrived when the world was standing still. In 2020, just as lockdowns began, players across the Philippines found an outlet in the game&#x27;s fast-paced, team-based action. It was free, it ran smoothly on older PCs, and it brought together barkadas in virtual maps when real-world gatherings were on pause.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">According to Andy Ho, Executive Producer of VALORANT, &quot;We were pleasantly surprised, not just with the Philippines, but in general—all the players around the world, the types of players that came to the game, the stories that they told about how the game helped them get through that period of time and stay connected with people.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">He added, &quot;The Philippines has a pretty special place in our hearts, manifested in ways such as launching a Filipino Agent called Neon. We&#x27;re really happy with how we have been able to have such a positive impact on players&#x27; lives in the Philippines.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">From day one, Filipino gamers carved out their space. The launch of Neon—VALORANT&#x27;s first-ever Filipino agent—marked a cultural milestone. Andy Ho recalled, &quot;The memories definitely are very much associated with the Neon launch, and seeing all the different activations that we did and the community&#x27;s reactions. And beyond that, we really love the pro players that come out of the region.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175025078432120250618130628_KV3_Valorant 5th Anniversary.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: VALORANT Philippines YouTube Channel"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo source: VALORANT</em> </span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>How the game levels you up</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Every VALORANT player in the Philippines knows that ranking up is not just about your aim. It is about adaptability. It is about adjusting to the patch, mastering the meta, and most importantly—playing for the team.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">It is also about the comms. You do not just call the shots—you build the rhythm of your squad. Whether it is &quot;Push B, walang tao sa A!&quot; or &quot;Revive me, Jett!&quot;—these phrases have become part of daily banter among gamers.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Coach Gibo Sales of the Bren Esports VALORANT squad shared, &quot;The word &#x27;huge&#x27; is insufficient to describe the Filipino VALORANT community. It goes beyond that. I have been communicating with the community on Discord throughout the tournament, and the support has always been there.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Tactical growth from beginning to the future</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The competitive side of VALORANT in the Philippines grew just as fast. In the first year alone, Mineski Philippines partnered with Riot Games to launch local esports tournaments. Since then, Pinoys have stepped up—playing not just against SEA teams, but going head-to-head with global talent.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Riot Games&#x27; leadership has emphasized the significance of Filipino players in shaping the region&#x27;s esports scene. Players like Patmen of PRX are seen as trailblazers, not only for their skill and game sense, but also for how they inspire the next wave of talent. Their rise reflects the rapid development and growing influence of the Philippine VALORANT community.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Over time, comms got tight, strats got clean, and Filipino teams grew bold. VALORANT became more than just a shooter—it became a playbook for discipline, creativity, and leadership.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175025071544220250618130640_KV4_Valorant 5th Anniversary.png" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Photo source: VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo source: VALORANT</em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>More than just GG – VALORANT in Filipino culture</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">In five years, VALORANT has become part of Filipino youth culture. It is in the memes (&quot;Revive me, Jett&quot;), in the language (&quot;Ace mo na &#x27;yan!&quot;), and in the streets—literally. Just this year, Riot Games unveiled a vibrant VALORANT mural at the Tenement Basketball Court in Taguig, paying tribute to local players and the game&#x27;s cultural impact.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The said Neon launch brought in a wave of fan art, cosplay, and reaction videos. Local streamers and content creators turned their love for the game into platforms for storytelling and community-building. Even simple cafe setups evolved into barkadahan bootcamps and content hubs.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">What stands out most are the vibrant community moments. From cosplay contests and campus tournaments to creator collaborations, Filipino players have consistently found ways to express themselves through VALORANT. Their creativity and passion continue to shape a unique and thriving local gaming culture.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750320697092KV5_Valorant 5th Anniversary (1)-min.png" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em> Photo source: VALORANT</em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1;text-align:center"><em><br/></em></div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Eyes forward – What is next for PH VALORANT?</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The fifth year is not the finish line—it is a checkpoint. VALORANT&#x27;s roadmap for the Philippines continues to honor the community while opening larger stages and increasing support for players and creators.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">During a press conference in Seoul ahead of VCT Pacific, Jake Sin, Head of VALORANT Esports for APAC, stated, &quot;The growth of VCT has been tremendous over the past three years. It has already become one of the most viewed esports leagues in the world. VCT Pacific also aims to become the best esports [league] in the world.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">From expanded tournament presence to community-led events and unforgettable squad moments in local computer shops, one thing remains certain—the passion of Filipino players continues to burn, and the journey is only just beginning.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>#TaraVALO: Celebrate your story</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Five years in, and VALORANT has become more than a rank grind; it is a shared story—built by gamers, fueled by creativity, and defined by community.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Have a favorite VALORANT memory? Share it with the hashtag #TaraVALO and join thousands of Filipino gamers in looking back at the highlights—and looking forward to the next five years.</p>

<p>In the world of VALORANT, where every round tests your instincts and every update changes the game, Filipino gamers have not simply kept up—they have led the charge.</p>

In the world of VALORANT, where every round tests your instincts and every update changes the game, Filipino gamers have not simply kept up—they have led the charge.

#TaraVALO: Celebrating five years of Pinoy plays

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#TaraVALO: Celebrating five years of Pinoy plays

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Published Jun 19, 2025 04:15 PM PHT

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