He had me at “Hello, Madam Alwin,” the cordial greeting from award-winning film and TV actor Paulo Avelino is just what I needed to stand the scorching afternoon and listen attentively to the Zoom announcement about his latest venture.
Avelino downplays all the teasing from some members of the entertainment media who could not contain their giddiness as they complement how great-looking the actor was during the press conference, which unveiled his partnership with LuponWXC.
The country's premier esports and streaming company is founded by local gaming icon, Nico "Kuya Nic'' Nazario in 2015.
“WXC is a gaming lingo that all gamers can relate to and understand. It means wambo ex combo. The term lupon I added because I want it to be community supported. I heard the term when I was younger, watching anime shows kung saan I heard Lupon ni Euguene, Lupon ni Taguro. I integrated the two,” Nazario explains.
“I am a die-hard fan of the esport scene, I put my focus in this, I started as a viewer and then I saw what they are doing abroad and I know we can,” says Nazario. “It took a while to realize this, loaned some money for my parents, and I really started it from scratch.”
The dynamic duo is building a company based on shared passion and collaboration. The dramatic actor is a longtime fan of Nazario before they met through a mutual friend. What Avelino is doing now, he says, “Binabalikan ko yung mga paborito kong ginagawa nung bata ako. I used to play a lot of Counter Strike during my high school years in Baguio. So, now that I feel I am in a better position to push this, it just took the perfect time and partner and now, na-realized. What I do right now is to make sure that we get the quality equipment and make sure that everything is doing well. I am learning a lot, and I hope that my presence helps to strengthen the visions of the company and realize what is needed to be realized.”
He carries on: "I used to order a lot of streaming products to improve the broadcast quality of streamers in the local field. One day our common friend asked me if I had any supplies lying around for a certain product that was out of stock everywhere. I asked who needed it, and he said it was Kuya Nic. Knowing who he was, I offered to give him the product for free. Nung una ayaw niya kasi takot yata siya na may favor akong hihingin. Eventually, I still gave it to him.”
Adds the actor: “The other companies are already established. What I saw in Lupon is they do their own productions. They buy shows abroad and they can broadcast in our language. The whole Lupon group is honest and good people. And I like the fact that they are all humble. When I saw that there was a hole wherein I can offer my expertise, I did not hesitate to reach out offer what I can offer.”
“What I love most about being part of Lupon is seeing people who never thought these could be actual jobs. Ang sarap tignan eh. Ten years ago this was not even possible. Seeing people do what they love to do,” Avelino goes on.
“I like seeing the promising talents become successful. I like seeing the improvement of people not only monetarily but also individually. It feels great that I am part of the process that paved the way for the people that became the leaders in the community,” Paulo declares.
Will he ever does a movie about the life of a gamer? The casual gamer replies reply: “Of course, I will not say no to that I just hope the script is great.”
The challenges of being part of Lupon, according to the esport aficionado” “There is a lot. We want to do much but we have to weigh and consider many factors and givens. S'yempre, may budget considerations, may pandemic restrictions pa rin. So we are taking everything slowly but surely. Nothing too grand and too ambitious basta ang dapat we see it that it flourishes and grow.”
Later this year, Avelino and Nazario look forward to the completion of their world-class gaming facility in General Trias, Cavite, with 11 broadcast studios, where they hope to further maximize their resources and take the company to new heights.
LuponWXC currently has 6 operational studios focused on original content, Mobile Legends, DotA 2, original show concepts with Kumu, event activations, and major broadcast productions. The creators of LuponWXC regularly stream on YouTube, Facebook, and Kumu. They have also released a line of gaming merchandise and clothing called D'Armory, which is currently available online through Shopee.
To learn more about LuponWXC, visit their official website at www.luponwxc.gg. Follow facebook.com/