Single mother reaches GTCC finals through Tongits

For 46-year-old Erlinda Jarito, playing Tongits on the GameZone app was more than a hobby. It became a path to a life-changing opportunity. The single mother from Valenzuela City recently emerged as a finalist in the GameZone TableGame Champions Cup (GTCC) Tongits Plus Championship, walking away with P1,000,000 in prizes.

Jarito joined the tournament on 20 to 21 September 2025 as a substitute, completing the top 36 finalists. “I started playing with just 20 pesos bets,” she said, recalling how her small wagers grew into a strategic skill that earned her a spot in the competition.

The two-day tournament, held at the Filinvest Tent in Muntinlupa, tested players’ expertise and endurance. Jarito navigated long rounds with patience and careful decision-making, reaching the finals and taking the lead in the first game. Fatigue eventually affected her performance, but she finished as 1st runner-up, trailing by only 500 points.

The prize money had an immediate impact on her family. Jarito used it to cover her mother’s hospital bills, purchase a new phone, and support her child’s education.

“Maglaro sila ng tama. Halimbawa kung malas sila ngayon, may bukas pa, kasi paglaro ka ng laro, mabuburyong ka. Kapag wala ka disiplina sa sarili mo, ‘di ka marunong magpigil, talagang matatalo ka,” she advised on responsible gaming.

(“Play responsibly. If you lose today, there’s always tomorrow. Without discipline and patience, you will lose.”)

She also shared tips for winning: “Huwag silang sumugod, sa Tongits kasi meron mga bluffer diyan na laban lang ng laban. Kailangan mong basahin yung laro para magtagumpay sa laban.”

(“Don’t rush. Some players bluff round after round. You must read the game to succeed.”)

Jarito’s journey demonstrates how perseverance and strategy in gaming can translate into real-life lessons. She encourages fellow players to stay calm, understand their opponents, and make smart choices.

“May mga naglalaro na kinakabahan, hindi pa nila gamay sa phone kaya tinuturuan ko sila, sinasabihan ko sila na lumaban, tignan nila yung baraha at huwag matakot sa laro. Lumaban lang sila kapag tingin nila alam nilang maganda ang baraha para mapagtagumpayan ang laro,” she said.

(“Some players are nervous and unfamiliar with the phone interface. I teach them to fight, check their cards, and only play when they have a good hand.”)

Erlinda Jarito’s story is a testament to courage, discipline, and the impact of opportunity. DigiPlus and GameZone are set to continue the GameZone Tour, with an offline stage scheduled from 7 to 8 March 2026 at the PNB Event Hall in Pasay. The tournament will feature 36 players competing for a P10,000,000 prize pool.