A Breakout Year for the Philippines in FaB
The past year has been one of milestones for the Philippine Flesh and Blood TCG scene. We celebrated our first Pro Tour Top 8 finisher through Nath Bea, defended home soil at Battle Hardened: Manila thanks to Poch Illana, and just last weekend came within striking distance of a second Calling title as Justin Cu battled his way to the Grand Finals of Calling: Shizuoka.
What was once a hopeful regional community has now begun to make its presence felt on the world stage. Filipino players aren’t just attending big events anymore—they’re pushing for trophies.
Justin Cu’s Incredible Run
Justin made the trip to Japan alongside fellow locals Marcus Javier and reigning National Champion Joniel Ibasco. By the end of Day 1, Justin stood as the lone Filipino representative to advance, finishing 7-1 and seeding into Day 2 at a solid 8th place.
If Day 1 was steady, Day 2 was explosive. Justin’s momentum carried him to the top of the standings, closing with a 10-2 record and first seed heading into the Top 8. His only setbacks across Swiss were against Oscillio in Round 4 and another Gravy Bones mirror in Round 12. Yet, what stood out most was his ability to take down Cindra—a matchup many consider heavily stacked against Gravy.
A Masterclass on the Big Stage
The Top 8 showed just how refined Justin’s game plan was. After dispatching Florian, he faced one of the toughest challenges in the semifinals: Soya Okuda’s Cindra. Early on, it looked grim. Justin trailed by a staggering 9 to 26 life deficit. But instead of folding, he demonstrated exactly how Gravy Bones could grind the matchup out—turning the tables in a comeback victory that left both the audience and his opponent stunned.
It was the kind of performance that reminds the community why high-level Flesh and Blood is so exciting: skill, patience, and grit coming together at the right moment.
The Grand Finals Heartbreaker
The final chapter of the Calling: Shizuoka was one play away from rewriting Philippine FaB history. Facing Takuya Kojima, Justin was once again rallying to take over the game when Kojima unleashed Draconic Art of the Dragon: Fire, dealing exactly lethal damage. Just like that, the dream of a second Calling championship for Justin slipped away.
Still, the run was extraordinary. Calling: Shizuoka marks his third Calling Top 8, his second Finals appearance, and yet another reminder that he’s one of the strongest names in the global competitive circuit. Importantly, he still remains the only Filipino to win a Calling—having done so in Taipei back in 2023.
Building the Scene Beyond the Table
Justin’s influence extends outside tournaments too. Together with his teammates, he co-founded The Homies TCG, a content channel that grew out of their fan-favorite commentary stint at Battle Hardened: Manila. Their YouTube and social platforms are filled with gameplay breakdowns, community updates, and good vibes—anchored by a lineup that includes some of the sharpest minds in the Manila FaB scene.
For players eyeing their own Pro Quest: Yokohama runs, Justin has also co-authored a comprehensive guide to Gravy Bones on Metafy with Jacob Clements, one of this year’s Player of the Year contenders. In his reflections, he expressed gratitude to his friends Jacob and Brodie for their belief in him, and to the Filipino FaB community for the support that has carried him across international stages.
What This Means for Philippine FaB
Calling: Shizuoka was proof that the Philippines can and will continue to punch above its weight in competitive Flesh and Blood. Justin’s near-miss may sting for now, but it also signals the depth of talent building here. With names like Nath, Poch, and Justin already leaving marks on the global stage, the next title could be right around the corner.
And when it comes, it won’t be a surprise—it will be the culmination of years of hard work from a community determined to show the world what Philippine FaB is made of.
Read More:
A New Era Dawns: The Story of Flesh and Blood TCG Philippine Nationals 2025 – VRSUS
One Year Later: Looking Back at the Philippine FaB Nationals 2024, And Into 2025 – VRSUS
