Yasmine unlocked as ‘Street Fighter’s first Filipina character

“Street Fighter 6” unveils Yasmine as its first Filipina character, joining a growing roster of iconic Pinoy-inspired fighters across gaming.

Netizens are echoing “Uy, Pilipins!” pride as Japanese video game company Capcom launches its first-ever Filipina playable character, Yasmine, as part of its Year 4 DLC for “Street Fighter 6,” releasing on August 3.

Brave and gentle-natured, Yasmine cuts through the battle with her crescent karambit and silat, guided by her indomitable fighting sense honed by her lolo. Her outfit features the classic Philippine flag colors and emblems, draped with a belt embroidered with the word “Pilipinas” in the Baybayin script.

While further details about her character has yet to be released, an unconfirmed “Street Fighter” fan wiki entry suggests Kapuso actress Yasmien Kurdi as the inspiration of her name, as well as the 2024 Summer Olympics jersey jacket worn by Filipino Olympians for Yasmine’s battlewear.

Even if Yasmine is the first Filipina fighter in “Street Fighter,” there’s been a fair share of Filipino-inspired playable characters in video games all across the gaming world.

And she’s just one out of more Pinoy representation in mainstream culture that are sure to embody the true fighting spirit of Filipinos worldwide.

Josie Rizal (Tekken 7)

The first Filipino “Tekken” character, this fierce kickboxing eskrimadora sports a Philippine flag-inspired look and a name playing on national hero Jose Rizal. However, her introduction received mixed reactions regarding her cultural representation.

Talim (Soulcalibur franchise)

Introduced in “Soulcalibur II,” this Visayan shaman’s daughter is widely regarded as the first playable Filipino character in modern video games. The wind priestess wields twin elbow blades and deadly evasion tactics.

Lapu-Lapu and Paquito (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)

Introduced in 2017, Lapu-Lapu is a tribal chieftain inspired by the real-life historical figure, wielding twin kampilan-inspired blades and famously shouting, “Umalis kayo sa aming lupain!” Joining him is Paquito, a boxing-based fighter heavily inspired by boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, featuring an exclusive real-life counterpart skin.

Neon (Valorant)

Agent 19, Neon is Tala Nicole Dimaapi Valdez, a Manileña duelist and bioelectric speed demon. Voiced by Vanille Velasquez, she frequently shouts “Bilis!” and “Lintik kayo!” and is notably the shortest agent in the game.

Isabella Reyes (Call of Duty games)

This close-quarters specialist and arnis practitioner fights across several “Call of Duty” titles. Lore suggests she joined the real-life Hukbalahap guerrilla movement after losing her father in the Bataan Death March.

Conduit (Apex Legends)

Support Legend Rowenna Valentina Coffey Divina embraces her roots by using terms like “kapatid” in-game. Reflecting strong Filipino family values, she exposed herself to a radioactive battery to compete in the Apex Games and financially provide for her family.

Jose Astrada and Pham Luis (Front Mission 3)

The 1999 mecha RPG “Front Mission 3” features a Taal, Batangas storyline with two playable Filipinos. Jose, a Philippine Navy sniper and arguably the first-ever Filipino video game character, delivers devastating long-range strikes. He is joined by Pham Luis, a wealthy 17-year-old idealist who joined the Philippine Liberation Front as an aggressive melee combat specialist.

Santos (Def Jam: Fight For NY)

An underground kickboxer in “Def Jam: Fight For NY,” Santos resorted to illegal brawls after being banned from the professional circuit. His heritage shines through his Philippine flag fight trunks and his signature Blazin’ Move: “Filipino Pride.”

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