Good morning. Yesterday, I attended an exciting Networking and Learning event organized by Kickstart Ventures. It featured heads of Google, good food & drinks, and a great way to meet people interested/in the startup scene! They got plenty more lined up!

Take note: The Philippine startup ecosystem is expected to grow to $35 Billion by 2025.

-Tobias Bautista

Local News

💖 Until Then: Filipino Gaming Flair na may Puso

By Tobias Bautista

While reviewing the game Until Then for Eurogamer, the game’s mention of the Philippines, especially the Taal Volcano Base, was a pleasant surprise (cue the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme).

Enter Until Then, a visual novel by PH-based Polychroma Studio, packed with Filipino culture and themes. From vendors yelling “TAHO!” to minigames in jeepneys and videoke machines, it’s a cultural fiesta. The game even nods to local shows and movies like Ang Probinsyano and Shake, Rattle, and Roll.

The story revolves around high schooler Mark and his friends, capturing the essence of Filipino youth, albeit with all dialogue in English. While this aims for a broader audience, it does lose some local flavor.

Despite some qualms, Until Then delivers an emotionally rich narrative with clever twists, encouraging players to explore multiple playthroughs for new experiences and endings. It’s a game that celebrates Filipino culture while urging you to keep playing—and living—through life’s challenges.

What really stands out in Until Then is its clever storytelling. One key narrative arc involves characters experiencing déjà vu and false memories, with people disappearing without a trace. Though not fully explored in one playthrough, this intriguing device adds depth and keeps players hooked.

Sports

🏀 Day 1 of the 2024 NBA Draft was held today, let’s have a look at the most note-worthy picks

By Koby del Rosario

In a new format for the annual NBA Draft, Day 1 was held yesterday morning PH time which had the top 30 picks selected for the first round with the last 30 being selected later today for the second round.

With the Atlanta Hawks possessing the first pick, they surprisingly chose lengthy guard, Zaccharie Risacher, instead of projected first pick, Alex Sarr, who went second to the Washington Wizards.

Both Risacher and Sarr hail from France much like last year’s generational first pick in Victor Wembanyama. Expect both to make their own splash in the league as the game continues to develop great players from Europe.

Kentucky sharpshooter Reed Sheppard went third to the Rockets while Stephon Castle now joins the aforementioned Wembanyama in San Antonio as he was selected fourth. Swingmen Ron Holland II and Tidjane Salaün were picked five and six, respectively, to the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets as UConn big man was chosen at seven to Portland. 

Shifty guard Rob Dillingham went eight to the Spurs but was immediately traded to the T-Wolves as he now potentially pairs with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. Two-time NCAA D1 POY Zach Edey would then go ninth to the Memphis Grizzlies as he now bolsters their frontcourt.

OKC’s Jalen Williams is all smiles as his brother, Cody, would round out the top 10 to the Utah Jazz. Duke freshman (and resident Tiktok star) Jared McCain will be taking his hot hands to the Sixers as he was selected 16th overall while the underrated Dalton Knecht joins the Lakers after he was taken at 17th. 

USC’s Isaiah Collier would fall down to the 29th pick to the Jazz as we’ll have to wait if his running mate, Bronny James, will be selected much to the success of Lebron James’ ultimate goal.

For the rest of today’s results, check out ESPN’s full coverage on the 2024 NBA Draft.

Lifestyle

🇵🇭 Check out this clean Nike Kobe 8 concept based on the new Gilas Pilipinas jerseys

By Koby del Rosario

The other day, Nike revealed the new Gilas Pilipinas jerseys that will be worn in their 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament a couple of weeks from now.

Naturally, our basketball-centric country would have someone conceptualize on potential customs to pair with the primarily baby blue kits.

AJ Custom Kicks took it to their Instagram to release their own concept of what a Nike Kobe 8 colorway based on the jerseys would look like and we think they’re clean!

It’d be really cool to see these brought to life and have one of our Gilas players rock them on the court.

But, what do you think of them? And the newly-designed jerseys in general? Whatever the case is, the fresh threads will surely have an impact on the morale of our team as we hope they snag a slot into the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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