MANILA, Philippines – Moonton Games Philippines has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) Philippines to acquire former Tawag ng Tanghalan winner, Janine Berdin, to create and perform the new MPL Philippines Season 17 theme song.
After Moonton Games’ collaboration with the Sexbomb Girls, UMG and Janine Berdin are the latest entertainment partnerships for the season.
This move is the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) publisher’s strategy to bridge the gap between esports, music, and entertainment–specifically Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
“A cross industry partnership with a music label is something foundational for us,” said Lee Viloria, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Esports Philippines, Moonton Games.
“MPL Philippines is a sporting event, it’s an esports league, but we see ourselves moving beyond that. We are transitioning to become an esports/entertainment platform, so we can serve not only the niche audience of gaming.”
Viloria adds that for non-gamers to understand and be welcomed to the culture of MPL, music is able to translate the storytelling within the league.
Tied to community
The upcoming song entitled, “Palag Na ‘To” is based on the current season’s tagline. Combined with its longstanding battle cry “Lakas ng Pinas.”
“We believe that MPL Philippines is powered by the passion of the community,” said Jane Dela Cruz, Head of Marketing, Esports Philippines, Moonton Games. “We feel like OPM is the perfect medium because OPM is known to be authentic, it’s relatable, and deeply rooted in the culture of Filipinos, just like our (MPL) community.”
UMG Philippines’ Managing Director, Enzo Valdez mentioned that Janine Berdin was the right match for the partnership because of the community she’s already created.
“Janine is a perfect example of how she’s creating her own community. Mobile Legends has a very strong community here,” said Valdez “Gaming is one of the biggest things for the Philippines as much as music is as well, and the marriage of both with the right artist is going to hopefully propel us even forward.”
The track will officially be released on May 17, in time for the Playoffs.