By Mikee Natinga Norico
Congratulations Jose Arron Franz Suoberon on emerging as the Grand Champion of AI Game On. CPU is so proud of you!
Central Philippine University (CPU) student Jose Arron Franz Suoberon emerged as the Grand Champion of AI Game On! IV, held as part of the 2026 AI Fest on August 3–5 at the Iloilo Convention Center.
Representing Team “team-name-here,” Suoberon, a member of the Philippine Society of Software Engineers, developed Gagambattle, a 2D multiplayer physics party brawler inspired by the Filipino cultural tradition of “paupas-damang.”
The game incorporates Filipino heritage through its custom characters, localized maps, unique weapons, and historical artifacts. Through these elements, Gagambattle demonstrates how game development and artificial intelligence can be used to preserve, promote, and celebrate Filipino culture through interactive digital experiences.
Suoberon’s entry secured the top honor in AI Game On! IV, while also receiving two special awards—Best in Gameplay and Best in Score/Music.
AI Game On! IV was one of the activities of the 2026 AI Fest, organized by various technology, education, government, and industry organizations, including the Global Shapers Community – Iloilo Hub, Tech For All, Innovate Iloilo, Iloilo Business Club, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter, DEVCON Iloilo, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines, West Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, West Visayas State University, Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges VI, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology Western Visayas, Iloilo City Government, Province of Iloilo, Department of Economy, Planning and Development VI, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry VI, Iloilo Science and Technology University, UMWAD, BINHI Technology Business Incubator, Red Gutz Trading, Cornelius Magnate, PrimeAxis Technology Corporation, and Mulave Studios.
The event was conducted in partnership with DOST Western Visayas, DepDev VI, RASUC VI, ISAT U, WVSU, WVCIEERD, UMWAD, GDAP, MRSP, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo Chapter, Iloilo Business Club, and DEVCON Iloilo.
Suoberon’s achievement reflects the growing capabilities of CPU students in integrating technology, creativity, and Filipino culture in developing innovative digital solutions.
