MANILA - Amid the controversy surrounding the first Filipino character in "Tekken," producers released on Friday a closer look at the Eskrima fighter named after national hero Jose Rizal.
On its Tekken Facebook page, game designers posted a concept art of Josie Rizal as designed by Mari Shimazaki.
It notes details in Josie's outfit, such as patterns and accessories that appear to be designed after the sun symbol in the Philippine flag.
Shimazaki called the intricate embroidery on the sleeves as "sumpa-kita theme."
The Tekken lead character designer did not elaborate.
Katsuhiro Harada, director of the popular video game series, earlier threatened to delete Josie from the ninth installment of "Tekken," in light of the reactions to the character being named after Rizal.
Harada's statement on Twitter came after a certain Dr. Leodenito Cañete was reportedly dismayed with the game character.
However, the Philippines' National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) clarified that it has yet to issue an official statement on the matter and is still studying what actions it may take on the issue of the name "Josie Rizal." It also pointed out that Cañete is a neither an NCCA official nor a member of any of its national committees.
''The Commission shall issue an official statement soon on what actions it will take upon studying the legal aspect of this matter, in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines,'' the NCCA said.
On Friday, the commission also denied a report that it has requested a temporary restraining order on Josie in "Tekken."