In a system where opportunities and additional power-ups are given to those who pay, only the privileged stand a chance to play the game. A previously free game, now thrown victim to capitalism and monopolies, dreaming is no longer free—especially when you live in the Philippines.

Back then, when the childhood saying that “anything can be possible” still held its merits, nobody bothered to check where you came from, your name did not matter, everybody started at the same starting line.

But as monopolies grew bigger and people’s greed worsened, the only criteria that matters to the game now is how deep your pockets are.

Being a F2P citizen in the Philippines puts you in a deadlock that leaves you with no choice but to start paying as well. Money becomes power in this setup; without it, you are practically up for a ride to rock bottom.

When we dive deeper into the world’s mechanics, only a few can afford to eat three meals a day, only a number can be sent to quality education, and only a handful can reach adulthood with a way of income.

As a student nearing my graduation, I feel at a loss, grappling around the choices laid out for me. With very few to pick from, it seems like my decision will cost me my future. I have to strive for scholarships, part-time jobs, just to keep up with the pay-to-win world, just to be able to keep myself going from day to day.

In the battle of passion against practicality, one winner stands clear and already shows that dreams are no longer free. People set them aside to live a life suitable for the rules the world plays on.

It is already terrifying as it is, needing every cent to keep on dreaming, to keep on living. Your cash becomes your lifeline whether you like it or not, as long as monopolies control the game.

Will there ever be a time where students like me are not required to scrape for scholarships and opportunities just to get a grip on our future? Will the cycle of rapid capitalism and monopoly ever cease to lessen? The world will not adjust or wait for anyone, because ever since monopolies got a hold of the rules, we were no longer in free-to-play mode.

The Frontman