Smart X Dark League Studios Coop in ESports and GIGA Arena

PLDT and Smart Chairman/CEO Al Panlilio

The folks at Smart Communications Inc. just inked a partnership with ESports Event Management and Production giant Dark League Studios in its aim to further grow ESports in the country. This is certainly the time to hone them from grassroots, to pros and eventually have them represent the country in international tourneys. 

This means they'll be working together through the Smart GIGA Arena platform and have folks needed tournament experience in games like Mobile Legends, PubG, CODM, League of Legends Wild Rift and many more. This will grow Smart's capability to host more tournaments especially for the 2 million users it already amassed in previous years. 

Smart President and CEO Al Panlilio says "Working with Dark League Studios means we will provide the best gaming experience for our customers including those in ESports. There are a lot of platforms for Filipinos to excel, it's something we could be proud of especially if they win in the local scene and globally. We offer technologies, bringing hosting locally and connectivity like no other, this is Smart's way of further developing the infrastructure and platforms." 

Alfrancis Chua of DLS says "Smart and Dark League Studios  share the same vision in the ESports industry. We will share our expertise especially in the gaming arena, in hopes to help Filipino ESports athletes to reach their dreams!"

Kelra and Ch4knu from Smart Omega

AC Valdenor, CEO and Co-Founder of Dark League Studios

This is just the start, if you want to know more about it, visit Smart's social channels and their site smart.com.ph.

Gwy Saludes Author of University Series "The Rain in España"

A couple years ago, I was scrolling on fandom Twitter posts when I suddenly found one that seemed to be a story. I went on opened the consecutive Tweets and saw how people have been reading it, getting obsessed, but no one knew back then that it was a 12 year old girl who wrote these things. Now, we finally got to meet the person who started it all. She's Gwy Saludes, a very talented writer and artist under OC Records.

Clad in a preppy shirt, this young lady is now 22 and taking up Legal Management at Ateneo de Manila University. Gwy says "It's about campus life, starting from a Twitter series which I likened to big 4 universities. When "Along Espana" became popular, I wanted to do a longer version of it hence the University series. Even then, there were a lot of people who took interest in it and wanted to know about the culture being in these schools. "The Rain in España" was made when I was already in college. It was all about my experiences, my friends and people around me during that time. It was in Wattpad when I started these all, but really blew up when I wrote book 3. I have 6 books in this series which includes "The Rain in España", "Safe Skies, Archer", then "Chasing in the Wild!", "Avenues of the Diamond", "Golden Scenery of Tomorrow", and "Our Yesterday's Escape". 

When asked about having her work become a series on television, she says "I'm very happy but at the same time, there is pressure because I know, there's a lot of people who are waiting for it especially the ones who read the books. I know they have a lot of expectations, I need to surpass this one when it gets shown when it gets adapted for TV. I act as a consultant for the show, I'm also very involved with the casting. I need to read and check the script, they listen to me if I wanted things to be changed since this is very collaborative." 

"The adaptation though does not include everybody else's thought bubble. We are a team and we need to meet in the middle for any decision. From auditions, to script reading, we really saw Marco and Heaven fit the role. The plot is very close to the book, you need to look at the value of friendship, love, academics, balancing it. Even if you don't read the book, you'll get to understand the story. It's up to you if you get hooked in the books, I've went twice while they were making the film."

Here's the rest of our chat with her over lunch a few days ago:

You may now stream "The Rain in España" on Viva One or watch it every Sundays on TV5 at 4PM. She also said that the next book might be coming real soon so if you haven't subscribed yet, you better do! Download the app on Google Play today!

TEAM Acquires Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan

It's quite amazing to see how Tyronne Escalante Artist Management managed to become bigger by the day each time they announce new talents joining their stable. With their already stellar line of artists, one could realize how he was able to put this from the ground up, and successfully put them into pedestals, in projects, TV shows and movies which they worked hard for and deserve.  Recently, they announced artists Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan will now be part of T.E.A.M. and will manage their individual careers. With his track record, the best days will certainly come.

Polo Ravales has been in the industry for years now, and has done quite well in the race. He's done roles left and right, from drama, action, support roles, he's already have had an established career. His goal in the next few years include winning acting awards now that he's under new management. Polo also revealed how his wife Paulyn Quiza (a pro fitness coach) became the key to a huge change in his lifestyle. He used to party a lot, but now involves himself in taking care of his son, having healthy food, travel and workout which he exclaims "blessed!" that they do it on a regular basis. This new chapter in his career is going to be different and he says "TBH I didn't really knew Tyronne, but with the work I do, he came strongly recommended by a Director friend (Cathy) who was under Director Joyce Bernal. I was looking for management that would bring me to projects that would get me to the next level. I immediately called him that same day, there was even a strong typhoon at that time. Now that I'm under Tyronne, I promise to be the best version of Polo Ravales that I can be. I am happy and thankful to be part of it."

Andrew Gan adds "I've been seeing Sir Tyronne a couple of times at ABSCBN projects. When we talked, I told him that this too will be a concerted effort on both our ends. He was recommended to me by a GMA executive. He's very hands on and I will look forward to do more work now that I'm under his management. I can promise intense dedication and commitment on the work I do. What I like about Tyronne is how he's hungry, thirsty for growth. You can all see how he does it and ask "What's next?!" which I'm so thankful for. I look forward to work with him even more now that I'm under his wings."

Chanel Morales on the other hand has been in my radar since Artista Academy days on TV5. Recently, she's involved in putting up a Bar/Salon in her hometown of Bacolod in Negros Occidental. She says "First, I want to thank Kuya Ty, as you may know I was in a different management agency before. We haven't really talked that much about our plans yet but what I can promise him now is that, I am not just here as an artist, I'm also here to help him to market myself, it's a 50/50 effort and work. We met while we were still doing Artista Academy and while he was introducing a lot of artists to different shows. When I approached him and asked for his help, he didn't hesitate especially after the pandemic. He really gave me a chance to become part of TEAM and I am extremely grateful for that. I already saw how aggressive in accomplishing his goals for his artists, his management, I only wish him success on our future endeavors. I'm really looking forward to it! I didn't really ask anything specific, but just help me when inquiries pour in so they could handle it. I closed so many deals in the past including work on social media. It's what I plan to do in the next few years. I can also do hosting stints, not just acting jobs." 

On a personal note, I really love Chanel. She's been very kind since Day 1. I can't wait to see her do big roles on the silver screen soon because her face is absolutely perfect on camera.

Tyronne Escalante says "For those who don't know, Chanel is Akihiro Blanco's loveteam in the past, so I was able to really get to work with her back then. I am very happy and grateful that we've added more artists to the pool of talented actors in TEAM. I mean who wouldn't be happy to see that you'll have Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan in our roster. It's a growing family, and I am glad to welcome them all here!"

This is just the start of big things that are about to happen in Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan's careers. I hope that soon, we'll begin interviewing them for the projects they are eyeing here, because these talented artists really deserve it.

Congratulations and welcome to Tyronne Escalante Artist Management!