G.A. Viray
Talk about video games and people would definitely mention “Tekken”. Talk about Filipino heroes and people would definitely say “Jose Rizal”. Now, let’s combine Tekken and Filipino heroes… What do you get? Tekken 7’s newest character: “Josie Rizal”. As if it couldn’t get much worse, the character actually weeps when she wins a game, typical Filipina, eh?
But, maybe, the explanation as to why she was name Josie would be enough for Filipinos. Mark “Markman” Julio, Global Community and Sponsorship Manager of Mad Catz Interactive was consulted for the new Tekken 7 character (Mad Catz is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products). Julio actually has Filipino roots and offered advice to Tekken project head Katsuhiro Harada. Julio talked to Harada about the Filipino culture and mentioned many character traits of Filipinos that shaped Josie’s traits, including her name. (That’s why she has tears of joy after she gets victory). She has brown skin too. She also resembles one of the almost nakedly clad dancers on noontime TV (Think: Sexbomb). Except for her short hair, she wears a gold top and a blue mini skirt, and sandals that are like of a goddess to complete her outfit.
But Josie isn’t just a typical Filipino heroine, she actually uses a combination of Kickboxing and Eskrima in her fighting skills. She looks really tough and says, “Got this!” before her game starts, which is a typical Filipino trait as well. This actually means “Ako ang bahala” in Filipino.
While some gamers are excited about this development, this could easily be an insult to Filipinos. But what do you think about this mini-skirt clad, brown-skinned, and crying “tears of joy” character in Tekken 7? Don’t you think it’s an insult to Filipinos? But, before you judge, watch the video of Tekken 7’s newest characters which includes, none other than our very own, Josie Rizal.
Another case of being way too sensitive. I’m Filipino and I don’t feel insulted at all. In fact I’m very much happy that they made a Filipino character in Tekken. It’s just a game, get over it. If you feel insulted over this gal’s wardrobe, tell that to a lot of femle Filipino celebrities who wear much more revealing outfits. And people don’t complain over that. Anyway thank you BANDAI!
Nope. It’s not insulting. Balat sibuyas lang mga pinoy or some Pinoys are just too sensitive. We should be proud.
The “Tekken” series has been going on for years now and Filipinos should be honored that they’re in it. Gamers should know (>_<). For me, a Filipino, am not really insulted by it instead I'm honored to have Josie Rizal as a character in Tekken series. When they made Josie there wasn't any bad thoughts into creating the character but instead they made it with creativity just like any other character they've made for the whole franchise. You have to understand first rather than judge ahead. Besides you can customize the things the characters wear. And as for the name, well… it's kinda creative in a way.
Change your mindset people! (and that includes you, writer).
Did the Negros even get offended when we say “Poso Negro”? Or the people in Macau because of “Lutong Macau?”
Duh!
Why should the writer change their mindset? She just put a question to the reader, with no conclusion. Fairly good topic I think…
i love ur reply
no, its a propaganda
the very first time the philippine would be in the history of gaming industry… we filipinos are so lucky to be a part of the gaming industry.. inspite of the stupidity and demise that is happening in our country right now.. “thanks to you president”
its a good character.. once na once they copy the real jose rizal… that would be a serious insult.. copyrights and would you be really happy if you see your national hero being beaten by others? hahaha lol that would be something.. and most of all.. the clothes and the name is the closest thing that would familiarize you to Philippines.. because most of all stuffs in our country has no originality… sad but true
well.. mokujin was the first filipino character in tekken and josie rizal will be the second one. ^^
You should check your gaming history, She is NOT the first Filipino in gaming history.
Talim of Soul Calibur 2 is the first.
Do we have to get insulted + butthurt for this? I mean, di ba dapat pa nga masaya tayo kasi extremely RARE na mapasama ang isang Filipino sa isang international game na bida ang alignment.
There’s one manga (Bloody Monday) wherein a Filipino female character is a minor antagonist (bioterrorist). Kung may Flip character na masasama, usually minor + bad alignment ang roles nila.
Ako nga tuwang tuwa nung nakita ko si Josie hehehe.
Regarding naman sa physique ni Josie, having that sexy body is kinda rare for a FIlipina pero Japan also applies the same thing. Di rin common sa kanila ang malaki hinaharap but they HAVE characters who got big assets. There’s Asuka Kazama for example lol.
Oh I just remember, there’s a manga called Cradle Of Monsters. There’s a Filipina character and she’s one of the major protagonists.
What are you saying?? This is another a very sensational post. /article. You are making this as a big problem, a big fuss.. Things change. We cope with that change.
I am a filipino. And I dint feel an inch of insult. I am happy they recognize philippines and had it part of a well known video game.
Bkt naggng issue pa to?,.hehe
Thos article is poorly written. It didn’t explain at all how this is insulting and is actually more insulting to Filipinos than the game character. I haven’t met any Pinoy who took offense in Josie yet this article has successfully made Filipinos look shallow based on the number of “mga Pinoy talaga..” comments here. Please don’t misrepresent Filipinos it’s annoying.
Lol how is being brown skinned and wearing a miniskirt offensive? Do you want her to be white instead?
Anong ka tangahan nanaman toh!!! hindi naman porket pinoy daw un character nirerepresent niya ang mga pinoy!!siguro idol mo si rizal un Nation hero na ANG PUMILI AY MGA AMERICANO!!!!
naoffend na kayo nyan? seryoso kayo? ano ba namang writer ito pinapalaki ang maliit na bagay, Wala ngang nagiisip ng ganyan eh. kayo lang
why make a big deal out of this? we should be happy everything about Josie are only the positive traits Filipinos have. Does that mean anyone who is named after our national hero is a great insult to us Filipinos?? i don’t think so i think its rather creative that they named the character after Rizal we shouldn’t over think stuff like this and just enjoy yishhh!
Game: No. This article: Yes.
could care less about insults or not, i want to play as a kali practioner though i wouldve prefered the character to be male
Seriously dude?? i’m also a filipino and i’m proud to see a filipina character in one of the best or maybe the best if i remember correctly this was the number one fighting game in history right now, even the creators of MK and street fighter series play this game why do you feel offended are you trying to say that we don’t have the right to be included in an international game?? You should be proud that they thought this carefully they even made her costume resemble the color of our flag…
its a game for crying out loud! When did this become an issue? The article is poorly written, and i think is a ploy just to get hits on his article and on this website..sheesh man! -____-
Well I am not offended about Josie. The surname “Rizal” could be anyone, and I think its great to know that our national hero inspired them to do this. Tekken did this legitimately.
I’m Pinoy btw and my uncle has “Rizal” as his first name. And Josie’s outfit does not look exactly like our flag, only used the colors, just to point out to people who starts whining about it. 🙂
There nothing wrong in this character because it Josie not Jose.
They could have named it Jane Luna or Andrea Bonifacio and it wouldn’t still insult me as a filipino.. WTH be happy that they included a Filipina character in this very iconic game… Why do we have to make a very small issue like this big?? Let us stop over-reacting!!! Come on!!
I play Tekken and I find your argument irrelevant. OOPS. YOU DON’T HAVE A POINT.
“WRITERS”
as a 3D model major I think this character is very good, well many people got offended, by the name, it means that Filipino are to close minded in things, why get offended? is it because of the name or the fact that you are ashamed?
All i can think of is her Finish Move/ Ulti: Clean up
I laughed when I heard about this “Josie Rizal” on tekken but tbh, I was Happy that they made a character that was inspired by Filipino Traits and values. to those who reacted negatively on this, they just know Rizal by name, not his background!
What kind of article is this!? What a total waste, the author is totally sensitive Tekken insulting filipinos? WTF? REALLY!? DID YOU KNOW THAT THE BEST PLAYER OF TEKKEN IS A FILIPINO KID MOSTLY ALL PROFESSIONAL TEKKEN PLAYERS RESPECTED THAT KID AND TEKKEN STAFF RESPECTED THE FILIPINO KID ALSO. SO HOW DID THE NEW CHARACTER “JOSIE RIZAL” IS BEING USED TO INSULT FILIPINOS?
You going bananuts on the ‘INSULT AGAINST DA PINOY MASTER RACE’ or whatever is more insulting than this character. Nobody even gave a shit about EPIC RAP BATTLES, people actually just enjoy it.
You should have written an advice to Jejemons and “mandirigma” that this is just FINE. Not fuel their stupidity, like we are really being insulted. Grow up brothah!
i think they over reacted quite a bit. Duh? it is a tribute, instead of complaining, maybe we should be more thankful? isn’t it an honor for us that our hero is being known throughout the world? maybe it is time for us (by us i mean US FILIPINOS) to set our pride and being conservative aside for awhile and see their(the developers) real intent. come to think of it, a filipino, i dunno, somehow or somewhat or whatever, gave or made the opportunity for such a character to exist. A FILIPINO TRYING TO PROVE SOMETHING FROM THE WHOLE WORLD, and yet we filipino’s try to bring his idea down. tee hee :3 and by the way, her new costume seems way more less filipino than the old one.
well i think, This is not an insult. anyways, this hero doesn`t look like Jose Rizal at all. i think it would be insulting if they copied the whole physical attribute of our Jose Rizal and put a skirt on it!!!! i would be more proud if they add more pinoy heroes in their next update like Lapu-Lapu!!!!
we should be proud since we are part of the new characters in tekken lol. nothing to be shamed of. this was not an insult. this was a proof that we can are above the rest 🙂