ARVIE “Aqua” Antonio is finally back in the MPL Philippines, this time on a new mission: leading AP.Bren as team captain for Season 16. He brings not just years of competitive experience but also a leadership style that goes beyond the game.
But first, what happened to Aqua after RSG Philippines bid farewell to MPL Philippines and the Kingslayers went separate ways?
“Nung time po na yun, focus lang po ako sa family ko, sa work. Pero palagi pa rin po ako nag-ga-grind kasi po nage-expect po ako na makakabalik pa po ako. Gusto ko pa rin patunayan sa sarili ko na kaya ko pang maging champion,” Aqua told SPIN.ph in an exclusive interview.
Despite being the newest member of the Hive, Aqua quickly settled into the team. His calm demeanor, veteran insights, and natural leadership instincts allowed him to integrate seamlessly, becoming a steadying presence for the younger players.
“Ang natutulong sa amin ni dad (Aqua) ngayon ay yung confidence. Pinapalakas niya yung loob namin. At yung mga experience niya sa past team (RSG) niya, sinasabi niya kung ano pwedeng gawin,” rising star jungler James “JamesPangks” Mendoza said during a post-match interview, sharing how Aqua’s presence has already given them a much-needed morale boost this season.
Now, as captain, Aqua is the most experienced member of the roster, someone his younger teammates look up to both inside and outside the Land of Dawn.
And based on how he disciplines his teammates, it seems he has taken a page from his former coach, Brian "Panda" Lim.
“Coach din siya in real life. Tinuturuan niya kami ng good manners. Dapat may respeto ka sa kapwa mo player,” JamesPangks said. For Aqua, leadership is not only about strategy and calling the shots—it’s about helping his teammates become better players and better individuals.
Could Aqua be the key to AP.Bren’s redemption this season?
“Yun ang kulang namin last season, yung leader in game. Feeling ko dun kami nagkulang last season since pumasok yung full lineup ng MDL going to MPL, nakulangan kami ng leader na kapag wala na yung mga coach sa stage eh may titingin pa sa kanila,” Coach Jeffrey “Jeff” Manforte explained.
AP.Bren underwent a major roster overhaul last season, bringing in rookies from Lazy Esports to carry forward the organization’s storied legacy. Despite their best efforts, the Hive ended their Season 15 campaign with a disappointing 7th-place finish.
“Isa sa maganda kay Aqua yung pagiging veteran niya as a mage and leader, ginagampanan niya inside and ganun din outside the game. Malaking factor talaga yung pagpasok niya ngayong season,” Coach Jeff added, emphasizing the immediate impact Aqua has made on the team.
Now, the responsibility falls on Aqua to steer AP.Bren in the right direction. But does the weight of the responsibility faze him?
“No pressure naman po kasi since ako nga po yung may pinakamalaking experience, siguro kailangan ko talaga mag-step up para sa aking team. Ngayon, iniisip ko na kung magagawa ko yung ginagawa ko dati sa RSG, mas i-improve ko na lang po at yun po ang magiging kontribusyon ko sa team,” Aqua said.
Aqua’s leadership bridges gameplay discipline and personal growth, setting a high standard for professionalism within the team. With him taking the lead, AP.Bren has a veteran they can rely on both in the Land of Dawn and beyond—a factor that could define their Season 16 journey.
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