On June 10, 2025 at SMX Convention Center Hall 1, Day 1 of Nexus Academia 2025 lived up to its promise of blending fun with future-ready career exploration. As tackled in our preview article, Nexus Academia “connects education to industry” by transforming the venue into an interactive career playground. The lineup mixed back-to-back pop and hip-hop acts with gaming events and hands-on exhibits.
Live Performances & Music Acts
True to its billing, the afternoon pulse was set by “live performances by rising OPM artists”. Local talents ruled the stage: Singer XTNOfficial kicked things off with a song and followed by a Nexus Academia dance performance. Pinoy indie band Stela came next with a heartfelt set, followed by duo Marie & Laori. After the showmatches, the music continued with Saintvvi singing some R&B. Some powerful vocals hit the stage with Cleon and R&B with Cozyivy. Later in the day, hip-hop and alt-pop took over with Eyji.
After a quick showmatch, we return to music with some hip-hop and rap with freestylers Icy D followed by Jerome Banaay. The Ridleys closed out the program with soulful, anthemic performances. We can’t forget the afterparty’s DJ Jon Jon. Throughout the day, fans posted clips of their favorite acts on social media (often tagging #NexusAcademia2025), sharing praise for the artists’ energy and stage production.
Esports & Showmatches
Gaming fans had plenty to cheer about. The official schedule featured friendly showmatches in Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Notably, Blacklist International’s Honor of Kings squad faced off against the UST Teletigers club in a high-profile friendly face-off. After, MLBB pros and popular streamers teamed up to take on Jollibee & Friends in their own showmatch. Later in the afternoon, we return to HOK and Team Jollibee to face-off against Tencent Games “Creators” (streamers). These quirky face-offs – livestreamed and commented by onsite casters – drew loud cheers, and attendees flocked to the stage between games.
After matches, fans lined up at the Meet‑and‑Greet corner to snap photos with players; for example, attendees on X (Twitter) noted the chance to meet Blacklist HOK stars like Chammy and JUSCHIE. Overall, the showmatches balanced competitiveness with entertainment – Jollibee’s mascots even jumped on stage to dance with streamers – and kept the crowd engaged throughout the afternoon.
Booths & Interactive Exhibits
Beyond the stage, Nexus Academia’s hall buzzed with sponsor and community booths. The event truly functioned as a “career playground” where “industry leaders and partner communities host interactive booths”. Students could wander through tech demos, career booths, and fun activities. Gaming brand Pixel by Eplayment ran a booth where attendees could try out peripherals and enter a raffle for exclusive merch. English‑learning platform 51Talk had a colorful corner stocked with free stickers, notepads, journals and bookmarks – a stationery giveaway to inspire language learning. Jollibee booth promoting their GameJoy Combos and offered fun games and photo ops with its mascots.
Even the Tier One booth itself hosted a small Tekken tournament (crowning both a “day 1” champion). There’s even an Art Galllery, emphasizing Nexus Academia’s creative theme. In short, each booth was themed to its sponsor: tech companies demonstrated their products. Meanwhile, university orgs held activities for their clubs, and non‑profits showcased opportunities. These interactive stations gave students a clearer picture of future paths. Attendees were seen queuing up for freebies and demos or chatting with mentors at sponsor tables. These activities underline Nexus Academia’s goal of making education and career exploration feel lively and accessible.
Looking Ahead
With Day 1 wrapped, #NexusAcademia2025 was already trending online. Students and creators tagged each other in posts celebrating favorite moments, from recalling their favorite music bands to HOK matches. The positive buzz on social media suggests that Nexus Academia delivered on its promise: a space where campus life, creativity, and future careers collide in fun and interactive ways.
Day 2 (June 11) promises another explosive roster, headlined by the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Showmatches. Plus, more music performances, more booths, community panel talks, and raffle giveaways.
For more information on Nexus Academia, visit their official website. To keep up on news and updates, visit Tier One Entertainment’s official website or follow them on their social media: Facebook, X(Twitter), Instagram, Tiktok.
