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.

Put Livestream Talent to Use with SUPERNOVA MANILA

Just had a chat with good looking actor, commercial model, and very spirited dancer Ryle Santiago this week as he embarks on a new venture with his team under an agency called Midnight Suns. We discussed more of their live stream arm which they properly call "Supernova Manila" which has kept him and his associates busy these past few months.

Ryle says "Supernova is our live-streaming branch which is under our mother company, Midnight Suns. We hire anyone who has a phone and is of legal age and they can earn up to 1.5M monthly via digital gifts which can be withdrawn into cash. We also market our talents as influencers (we have micro all the way to mega influencers) to brands for posting. I have plans on turning it into a full talent agency in the future, but we’re taking things step by step. We formed Midnight Suns with 6 other people. But right now, Supernova is being handled by me, my brother who is our COO and Janzen, one of my supporters that I trust. She's our Graphic Designer and Online Event Coordinator. Aside from her, we have Pam Castro, our Data Analyst and Edwina Salvador our Client Success Representative."

Recently, Ryle Santiago joined VIVA Artists Agency and told us the circumstances of his showbiz work. Since leaving his previous network, he sent intentions joining another network's artist agency but felt he didn't fit the part. Ryle quips "VIVA made me feel the urgency in signing with them because everything was quite swift. Just like what Michelle Yeoh said, "Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re past your prime.""

Currently, Supernova Manila has over 700 people onboard. Ryle says "Most of them are actually marketable influencers which makes it easier to give them over to our partner brands. All of them are live-streamers because the live-streaming we do doesn’t really need experience or training. Anyone can pick up their phone and start earning with us. We have people from all walks of life, all industries and all ages. We have Nurse Jentz who is a full time nurse in Dubai who makes a 100k extra with us on her free time. We have Maria who is an 18 year old student that watches her parents’ sari-sari store in during the day, studies, but makes 200k a month by live-streaming. It may sound intimidating, but all everyone does is respond to the comments they get on the live or talk to each other in a zoom meeting-like live where you and up to 11 of your friends can earn simultaneously while talking to each other."

They're quite happy to note that Supernova Manila has already changed lives and Ryle says "We plan to expand to different countries so that we may contract hosts from all over the world because currently we host those that are in the Philippines. We want to give OFWs a chance to earn extra as well. I also want to turn it into a talent agency in the future and maybe with the help of my future projects from Viva, that can be a reality. I believe that other than the monetary, we find success in seeing our talents live completely new lives. It feels good seeing their success stories, seeing where their money goes, like some of our hosts got married with what they earn, give birth, put up houses for their parents and lots more. But it gets really heartwarming when we all get together and you see that they’ve all become such great friends."

There are different posts currently available on Supernova Manila. You can be a Host, a Manager, Affiliate or an Influencer. They don't even require a résumé, experience or  fees to get involved. He says "Anyone can join us provided they’re of legal age, have a phone and a valid ID." They see a huge potential in livestreaming and help their talents score brand deals. He adds "The brand partnerships are a bonus for the hosts. Of course, it’s the client’s discretion on who they pick for their campaigns. We at Supernova Manila also aid in the creation of the content to ensure that the quality of posts are always top-notch."

For those interested, you may get in touch with them via ryle.midnightsunagency@gmail.com or their official IG accounts @midnightsunagency or @supernova.mnl on Instagram. Ryle says "If you’re ready to break free from the office and the 9-5 grind, join Supernova Manila by The Midnight Suns and earn big your way! You can get the freedom to work, whenever, wherever, the sky’s the limit! Come start living your life on your terms today!"

ALLTV Welcomes Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla

Looks like the talents keep pouring in for new TV station AMBS2 as talented host Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla signed with ALLTV. It's been on test broadcast in the last few days and programs are still being conceptualized, but thinking about what she's done in previous shows, it'll be easy to add in her hosting skills among other things she can do.

She was welcomed by AMBS President Ms. Maribeth Tolentino and says "She will be fun to see especially by our entertainment viewers. I could see how she's been loved by Moms as she's someone they can relate to. All I can say is welcome to ALLTV Mariel, and we're looking forward to work with you!"

The event was held at Mella Hotel last September 8 and she will be part of several talents that ALLTV has acquired over the past few weeks, ramping up their programming to start operations in the next few days. She was also with Boy Abunda, AMBS CFO Maryknoll Zamora and AMBS General Counsel Atty. TJ Mendoza during the short program. For those who don't know, Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS Channel 2) is under Prime Assets Ventures, Inc. which is headed by Manuel Paolo Villar. This is under the Villar Group.

Mariel was ecstatic and says "I am so grateful for the opportunities given to me by ALLTV, and be assured I'll be part of shows that will certainly make people happy. That's all I want to do!"

She has also worked with Willie Revillame in previous shows, so her addition will be something familiar. Recently, Ciara Sotto, Toni Gonzaga, Paul Soriano and Anthony Taberna joined the network. ALLTV also is partnering with CNN Philippines to work on News Night their primetime news program airing weekdays.

As of this writing, AMBS has started operations on free to air TV. They are also available on digi boxes and Cable channels across the country.