JONARD CEDRIX "DEMONKITE" CARANTO has already forged a legacy in the Mobile Legends esports scene.
When he first entered the scene back in Season 8, Demonkite was awarded as the best rookie of his class. The following season, he made a huge leap to superstardom, bagging the MPL Philippines and MSC 2022 trophy.
He even made a name for himself by challenging Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno and also for being the star of the show in MPL Malaysia.
But none of this would've happened had it not for his grandfather's encouraging words.
The MPL Philippines posted a comic from Kapitan Tambay, which seem to hint on Demonkite's backstory.
In an exclusive with SPIN.ph, Demonkite narrated how his grandfather left an important mark in his career, for it was him who encouraged the Smiling Demon to play video games.
"Sabi niya palagi sa akin na, "Ipagpatuloy mo lang kung ano gusto ng puso mo," he revealed to SPIN.ph.
"Kaya kapag naririnig ko yan parati sa lolo ko, na-inspire ako na laging ipagpatuloy ko yung pangarap na maging pro esports player."
Following where his heart belongs
But not everyone pushed Demonkite to follow his heart's desire.
"Noong bata pa po ako, mahilig po ako sa video games. Against po yung mga magulang ko sa akin. Yung lolo ko lang yung nagsu-support sa akin during that time."
"Gusto po ng mother ko is mag-aral po talaga. Yung magiging course ko sana is IT," narrated the Smiling Demon.
Yet this didn't stop Demonkite from pursuing his dreams.
"Noong 12 years old ago, na-adict ako sa ibang MOBA tapos nafe-feel ko sa sarili ko na kaya kong maging pro player."
In fact, he tried his best to convince his parents that he can build a career in gaming.
"Ki-nonvince ko po yung nanay ko na para mag-fulltime player po, tapos mag-stop na sa pag-aaral. Noon hindi sila sang-ayon kasi during that time wala pa pong result e. Naglalaro lang po talaga ako."
The death of his grandfather
As Demonkite tried to prove his point to his parents, a tragic moment struck him. His source of inspiration passed away.
He then recalled his last moments with his grandfather.
"Below 15 years old po ako noong huling nakapag-usap ako sa lolo ko. Bali ayun yung last memory ko sa kanya bago siya mawala," he said.
The news left him shattered and Demonkite spent the rest of his time in isolation.
"Noong time po na nawala si lolo, hindi ako lumalabas ng kwarto noon e. Hindi ko po ma-imagine na nasa himalayan po kasi noong lamay po ng lolo ko, ayokong makita na nakahiga siya sa kabaon," recalled the RSG jungler.
A source of motivation
He may have departed, but his spirit remains inside Demonkite. As soon as he made the shift to Mobile Legends and entered the amateur scene, his parents slowly acknowledged that there is a path to become a professional player.
And now that he is in the professional scene, his parents are fully supportive of his career.
Wherever he goes, whatever competition he joins, Demonkite dedicates his performances to his grandfather.
"Every game po kahit saan ako maglaro, sa Malaysia, Indonesia, or whatever tournament, lagi po akong nagpre-pray para humingi ng guidance niya, energy po para palaging inspired ako."
Given what he has accomplished, one can imagine his grandfather proudly looking at him from the afterlife.
"Nakakatuwa kasi kahit papaano, nakikita ng ibang tao at na-appreciate nila yung backstory ko tsaka sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa gumawa ng comic kasi feeling ko masaya si lolo kung makikita niya lang."
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