Rising Bicolana rapper XYVRL brought her signature “Swagapina” energy to one of Philippine basketball’s biggest stages on Friday, August 14, performing her tracks “Scottie T” and latest release “SBAPN” during the PBA halftime show at Smart Araneta Coliseum, as the Meralco Bolts faced Barangay Ginebra.
Known for her unapologetic personality, infectious energy, and effortless flow, XYVRL lit up the Araneta crowd with a dynamic hip-hop performance that added another layer of excitement to the highly anticipated matchup. Her appearance also marked a major milestone in the rising rapper’s journey—and a moment she had envisioned just months earlier.
In June, XYVRL attended a Ginebra Finals game at the same venue. While watching from the stands, she shared her hope of one day performing during halftime at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Just a few months later, that wish became reality as she took the PBA halftime stage and performed in front of thousands of basketball fans.
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The night became even more special when XYVRL came face-to-face with Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, the basketball player who inspired her track “Scottie T.” Thompson acknowledged the song and thanked XYVRL for creating a track inspired by him, turning the encounter into a genuine full-circle moment for the rising artist.
The connection between XYVRL and the Ginebra community has grown since the release of “Scottie T,” which quickly became one of the rapper’s defining tracks. Performing it inside the same arena where Thompson and Ginebra have created countless basketball moments made the PBA appearance particularly meaningful.
XYVRL also put the spotlight on her newest release, “SBAPN,” short for “Super Baddie And Pretty Naman.” The track showcases her evolving sound through an energetic fusion of budots and hip-hop, while staying true to the bold, playful, and unapologetically Filipino identity of her “Swagapina” persona.
With her PBA halftime debut, a full-circle moment with Scottie Thompson, and the live showcase of her latest release, XYVRL continues to make her mark as one of the emerging voices of Philippine hip-hop—bringing Bicolana pride, Filipino swagger, and a distinct new energy to the scene.
