COACH RODEL "AR SY" Cruz' story, where he chose to take his talents to Myanmar's Falcon Esports over other teams in the Philippines and other countries could bring a lot of tears in our eyes.
In a country currently conflicted by a civil war, Coach Ar Sy decided to take the risk and coach a team honing with a lot of potential.
He was on the verge of tears during the post-match press conference after Team Spirit eliminated Falcon Esports.
"If ever MOONTON watches this. I'm a Filipino. Please I want to request, bring back the MPL in Myanmar. I can sacrifice my Filipino team just to go to Myanmar to represent Myanmar next year. Please bring back the MPL in 2025 please."
Prior to taking his talents to Myanmar, Coach Ar Sy coached a female MLBB team. Eventually he was convinced to grow out of his shell.
"Ako yung pinaka-underdog kasi ako yung newbie. From female scene tapos napunta ako sa ganitong international. One year lang tapos nag-two internationals kaagad ako."
He further elaborated: "Ni-recommend lang ako ng isang coach. Si Coach Josh, dati siyang Nexplay EVOS. Nakitaan niya lang ako ng potential. Gusto niya ako mag-grow, gusto niya akong lumabas sa comfort zone."
Coach Ar Sy emotionally moved by Myanmar's passion
Upon reaching Myanmar, Coach Ar Sy was overwhelmed by the sacrifices his players endured.
If the professional teams in the Philippines are blessed with an infinite level of resources, teams in Myanmar are the opposite.
"Sina-crifice nila yung family nila, yung pag-aaral nila para lamang maibigay yung full potential or full time nila sa pag-e-ML," narrated Ar Sy.
Seeing the level of sacrifice his players endured, this pushed Coach Ar Sy to put his best foot forward and serve as an important figurehead to the team.
"Siguro, una doon yung awa kasi nakita ko kung papaano sila maglaro. Minsan walang kuryente, naka-data, naka-WIFI, naka-VPN para lang makalaro. Sobrang hardworking nila, pinatunayan nila sa akin na gustong-gusto talaga nilang makapagmaglaro sa ganitong pwesto."
"Sa Myanmar kasi, sobrang hirap kaya sobrang mas na-enganyo kaming patunayan na deserve din namin na magkaroon ng MPL sa Myanmar ulit," Ar Sy Reflected.
Then when asked what made him emotional during the press con, Ar Sy looked back at all the decisions he made en route to reaching the world stage.
"Even though may mga problema kagaya nito, kami-kami lang yung nagtutulungan talaga. Sobrang emotional ko kasi sobrang daming offer din sa akin from Filipinos and other countries pero nandito ako sa Myanmar para i-represent sila."
Myanmar deserves an MPL
Given what he has witnessed, Coach Ar Sy was deeply driven and motivated to give his all in a scene that doesn't have a professional setting saying: "Gusto kong patunayan na deserve ng Myanmar na magkaroon ng MPL."
He added: "Mas magkaroon sila ng opportunity sa ibang country. Hindi lang laging Pilipinas, Indonesia, Malaysia kasi kaya hindi nakikita yung iba kasi hindi sila nabibigyan ng opportunidad kagaya ng Myanmar."
The recent success that Myanmar had during the ESL are signs that the region has a lot of potential and add the numerous dark horse moments it had in the M-Series, perhaps Myanmar was destined for something else.
"Actually kung makikita niyo from other tournament, yung ESL halos lahat ng Myanmar team nag-dominate sa ESL. Siguro yun yung pinakahint sa MOONTON na magkaroon ng MPL doon. Sobrang laki ng potential, M2 pa lang."
With Falcon Esports eliminated, what's next for Coach Ar Sy. Will he stay in Myanmar and fight for the dreams and aspirations of his players?
As of now the future has yet to be written and Ar Sy would like to keep his mind at peace.
"Gusto kung masulit yung pahinga ko sa Pilipinas. 10 months na nasa Myanmar ako, uuwi ako pero 2 weeks lang," he said.
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