MPL Philippines launches new league anthem
MANILA, Philippines — The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) Philippines in launching a new league anthem — “Palag Na ’To” — marking the first major output of their five-year collaboration.
The anthem, written and performed by UMG Philippines artist Janine Berdin, will serve as the official theme song of the MPL Philippines Season 17 Playoffs and forms part of a longer-term partnership between the league and the global music label.
“With its own new soundtrack, MPL Philippines becomes more than an esports league. It now becomes a cultural experience brought to life by the entire MPL PH community across players, fans, and supporters,” said Jane Camille Dela Cruz, head of marketing, esports, Philippines at Moonton Games.
The collaboration reflects how MPL Philippines understands the continuous evolution of the esports league alongside its audience.
“Technically, at its core, MPL Philippines is a sporting event. It’s an esports league. But we see ourselves moving beyond that,” said Lee Viloria, head of business development and partnerships, esports, Philippines at Moonton.
She added that music plays a role in how the league communicates its identity to a broader audience.
“One of the languages that is very common to us Filipinos is music. There’s so much storytelling that can translate that experience through writing, through releasing a certain song or anthem,” explained Viloria.
She also noted that this approach allows the league to be understood by non-gamers and may introduce esports and gaming to a wider audience.
The anthem takes its title from MPL Philippines’ Season 17 battle cry, “Palag Na ’To”, a phrase already used widely in Filipino conversations and gaming communities.
“I think as Filipinos, we are known to be fighters, right? No matter the circumstance, we are always ready to fight. And the song is able to capture that. That’s why it’s called ‘Palag Na ’To’. It means stepping up,” said Dela Cruz.
But this message isn’t solely about esports.
She added, “No matter what circumstance you are in, it doesn’t have to be on stage. It doesn’t have to be like you just playing. It can be no matter what circumstance you are in, it’s like a reminder for us Filipinos that you can move beyond your comfort zone. It’s also a reminder for you to believe in your own game, literally or figuratively.”
Viloria agreed and sees the anthem resonating beyond MPL PH itself.
“It’s like leaders of two industries partnering up together. Palag Na ’To, is not only a battle cry but an anthem for the esports fans. When we send our Philippine champions to the global stage, this is an anthem that we can sing as Filipinos. This is something that we can own. It’s a battle cry for every Filipinos, not just for the fans,” said Viloria.
For UMG Philippines Managing Director Enzo Valdez, the collaboration was rooted in both parties’ shared community values.
“Honestly, it’s really the sense of community of both music and esports. Even as a Filipino nation, this song is so powerful. It’s more than an anthem, it’s a battle cry for us to be proud of something that’s ours,” Valdez said.
It had been an easy choice for UMG Philippines to choose artist Janine Berdin for the anthem as she was a fan of both MLBB and MPL Philippines.
“Janine is really a Mobile Legends player. Ever since nakilala ko siya, she’s been talking about gaming. The anthem is really special because it's coming from someone who loves the game” explained Valdez.
Berdin’s familiarity with the game helped make the collaboration organic.
Valdez added, “Mobile Legends has a very strong community here. 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.”
On her part, Berdin said writing the anthem came naturally as she was drawing inspiration from herself.
“I think it flowed naturally because the esports audience is also me. I just asked myself, what do I want to hear? Because I play all these games and this is what I play when I’m in a match.”
She said the creative process allowed her considerable freedom after an initial briefing and it only took her a day to come-up with a demo.
“They did give me a deck of the feel, where they wanted it to go. I had so much freedom. It was so collaborative. [MPL and I] were so aligned. I think that's what helped because we had the same vision for what the game and the song needs,” explained Berdin.
With the anthem set to be released on May 17, MPL Philippines hopes it becomes as much a part of Filipino esports as the many trophies and championships Filipino MLBB players have brought home in the past 17 seasons of the league.
“MPL Philippines is not just a tournament. It’s a platform for rising talents. Pro players, traditional athletes, artists, [MPL Philippines is where] they can showcase what and who they can be,” said Dela Cruz.
Viloria echoed that positioning.
“Palag Na ’To is about abolishing the thought na hanggang dito ka lang. Like I said, it’s a battle cry, an anthem for all Filipinos, gamers or not,” added Viloria.
- Latest
- Trending
