"IS RSG BETTER OF with Demonkite than Irrad?" That was the question that was immediately given to Coach Brian "Panda" Lim after the Raiders secured a 2-1 series win over Omega Esports.
There was no hesitation from Coach Panda and his immediate response was, 'Yes."
He then calmly explained his reasons, saying: "More matured, more disciplined as a player sa laro. Plus he is more of a team player, more communication din."
And while it may seem like he is throwing shots at John "Irrad" Tuazon, Coach Panda reiterated that it wasn't the case.
"I'm not dissing Irrad, he has the best mechanical skills among all the junglers I've trained. That was really the strength of Irrad, his mechanical skills," said the RSG head coach in front of the press.
He further elaborated: "But yung kay Irrad, I really had to take a lot of efforts to train his discipline, his mindset, yung team play, yung communication of the team. That really takes a long process."
Now going back to Jonard Cedrix "Demonkite" Caranto, Coach Panda noticed how his experience playing overseas, molded the RSG jungler.
"Kaya thankful ako kay [Demon]Kite after he came back from Malaysia, and becoming the best jungler during that season. He really came back with confidence, tapos meron siyang willingness to make bawi kasi he came back to his hometown, plus he is reunited with his former teammates, so their chemistry is there pa rin."
And just like with Irrad, Coach Panda has a mission for Demonkite.
"So I'm going to do my best that this season, what I haven't finished with Irrad to be the best jungler, I will do it with Kite this season," a statement which drew a wave of clapping hands inside the media room.
Gigil na gigil si Demonkite
Then when he returned to action in Season 12, a sudden twist emerged as it was announced that he will suit up for RSG Malaysia.
In Malaysia, Demonkite emerged to be the star of the show as he lit up the scene with his mechanical prowess, giving him the regular season MVP award.
But all of his efforts were in vain as RSG MY failed to win the coveted championship, which could've landed them their M5 World Championship birth, an experience that serves as a motivation for Demonkite.
"Gusto ko talagang bumawi after noong nag-rest ako and pumunta ako sa Malaysia. Yung failure ko sa Malaysia, gusto ko siyang ibawi dito kasi sobrang confident ako noong time na iyon na kaya namin mag-dominate sa Malaysia and unfortunately hindi namin nakuha yung championship," Demonkite reflected to the media.
There were many factors that could suggest on why RSG MY couldn't capitalize on their regular season momentum as Demonkite further elaborated the differences between playing in the PH and in MY.
RSG PH more disciplined
In Malaysia, Demonkite admitted that he had to learn how to discipline himself given the overall circumstance.
"Siguro yung discipline kasi sa Malaysia, syempre bago pa lang kami as a team, hindi pa kami familiar sa isa't isa. Parang kanya-kanya kami, wala pa kaming leader," he explained.
It was a sudden shift for Demonkite who got used to the Philippines where he would rely on the coaching staff. In Malaysia, it was all on him to do the effort.
"Natutunan ko yung disiplina sa sarili. Noong nasa RSG PH ako, naka-base ako kay Coach Panda, na kaya niyang i-provide yung ganitong klaseng information, at i-apply sa laro."
"Sa Malaysia, ginawa ko siya sa sarili ko lang. Hindi ako umaasa sa coaches at sa kakampi."
Then when discussing what happens after scrimmages, the difference was night and day.
"Sa Malaysia, free silang gawin lahat, lalo na after practice. Sa RSG PH, strict e. Maganda yung pagka-strict niya kasi may matututunan ka....Yung sa PH, after scrims, meron pang review, meron pang tanungan kung ano pa yung pwedeng i-adjust sa laro."
"Sa Malaysia, after ng three scrims a day, wala nang gagawin. Tatlong scrim, tulog, kain, kayo na bahala kung anong gagawin."
Building trust
Given his overall experience with RSG MY, Demonkite somewhat struggled to gain the trust of his teammates.
The system as well as the bond he had with his teammates in the Philippines made things smoother for the smiling demon, but things were different in Malaysia as it was more of a learning curve.
"Sa Malaysia, nagbe-base rin ako kung gaano sila kasipag e. Pero noong time na nandun ako, parang wala akong nakikitang hardwork sa kanila, kaya nahirapan akong mag-build ng trust during and after the game."
In order to gain their trust, Demonkite had to slowly integrate the teachings in the Philippines to his new club.
"Shine-share ko sa kanila kung ano yung nangyayari dito sa RSG PH...Tina-try kong dahan-dahan na i-confront ko sila na para mas lalo kaming lumakas at magdagdag ng extra time para mag-review."
And now that he is back in the Philippines, where Demonkite has returned to the environment that made him an MSC champion, combined with the learnings from Malaysia, perhaps we could see a different version of the smiling demon this Season 13.
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