Filipino CODM casters prove PH not only a source of good players, but for shoutcasting as well
The first-ever CODM Garena Masters ended over a week ago, with Filipino team Blacklist International Ultimate declared as champions. The squad, backed by MLBB franchise Blacklist International, took home the lion’s share of the 25,000 USD prize pool to cement the nation’s place in producing top-level talent.
However, the Filipino players were not the only stars who shined throughout the competition. Making their mark as well was the Filipino shoutcasting talent for the playoffs of the tournament. Jericho “Jericho” Ambulo, Alliana “BeefMami” Liongson, and Carlo “Cali” Salcedo graced and delivered the event with poise and hype much to the delight of the people watching the live streams.
The trio, which comprised 3/4 of the casting talent in the playoff dates, went on a roll the whole production. It was a debuting moment for Cali and a reunion for Jericho and BeefMami.
Carlo “Cali” Salcedo
“Casting for CODM Garena Masters was my debut to the mainstream shoutcasting scene. I was very excited and I kind of felt a little bit of pressure because I was that new caster in town but overall I really enjoyed how the stage is set, the casters really would just sit down, talk, shout and hype the game. Having the chance to cast all the best teams in MSP was heaven for me. This was the dream and it just happened,” Cali said.
“It’s really great all the hard work and dedication is finally paying off. I’m getting the recognition and at the same time, I’m enjoying every moment of it. I really miss BeefMami as one of my three favorite partners in casting (BeefMami, The Mustachio AJ, and MissAir). It was a long time coming ever since she moved to the U.S. and we haven’t really cast together that much,” Jericho shared.
BeefMami echoed Jericho’s sentiments. “Jericho and I ever only cast once together before getting picked to cast the MYSG qualifiers going into CGI 2021. During that time both of us had barely any experience as casters but it was apparent that we had synergy already. Although after MYSG, there would only be a few times within the year that we actually cast together because I would always be partnered up with The Mustachio AJ, and Jericho wanted to focus on coaching at the time. I’m glad coach J decided to get back into casting full time late 2022 and that gave us an opportunity to cast together again. What I think is so special about our pairing is that we have grown into such close friends that when you hear our cast, it’s just like a couple of friends hanging out and having fun but also delivering world-class shoutcasting. But we would not be here today if not for the amazing production team of Garena. Shout out to Jann, Ai, and Megat! I’m so glad these people saw something in us, they definitely changed our lives for the better.
“Jeribeef” duo
With the performance they showed on the game’s highest level, the trio believes it can only go up from here. They showed the Philippines could not only produce top-tier players but casters as well.
“Casters can be just as good and shine in their own field as these professional players do if they put the passion and the work to improve their craft. Successful people put a lot of time to be where they are right now,” Cali bared.
“I’ve been a pro player before (console) and from what I can see both jobs are equal in the way wherein you put the same amount of effort and dedication to show the world what are your talents,” Jericho added.
Photo courtesy of Jericho Ambulo
Moreover, BeefMami thinks casters have a more crucial role than most people think. Being able to entertain as well as analyze the game at hand seems easy to some people, but in reality, it is not. “I believe hosts/shoutcasters should definitely also have the same spotlight as the pro players because they are essential to the community as well. We are the bridge between the games and the audience. We are the storytellers that ignite the imagination of the viewers.”
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Catch BeefMami, Jericho, and Cali in action once again as they light up the mics this CODM Garena Invitational (CGI 2022) starting March 24. All games can be watched through Garena CODM’s Facebook and YouTube respectively.
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