LOOKING BACK at that episode from Netflix's The Last Dance, playing in foreign territory can be a daunting task.
The Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan travelled to Utah for an away game against the Jazz where his team encountered a hostile crowd.
But the hostilities didn't just happen inside the stadium. Before Game 5 began, Jordan suffered from food poisoning after eating pizza which was suspiciously delivered by five individuals.
In MLBB esports, Filipino teams have felt the blunt force of the crowd as seen by both ECHO PH and Blacklist International in the M4 World Championship, or RSG PH in MSC 2022.
But here in MSC 2024, the Filipino teams are surrounded by their fellow countrymen.
In a country filled with Filipino OFWs who have sacrificed a lot, playing in Saudi Arabia is a blessing for these two teams.
Soaring high in Riyadh
For Falcons AP.Bren, seeing the horde of Filipinos was a heartwarming experience. Rowgien "Owgwen" Unigo admitted that their appearance was a massive surprise.
"We didn't really expect the support of the Filipino people here in Riyadh because it's really far away from our home country. So we really appreciate that they came to the venue to watch us play Mobile Legends and we are really thankful of what they've done," said the Bren roamer.
In Bren's first match in MSC vs. China's Xianyou Gaming, the crowd in the stadium seemed to sway towards the Filipino squad. With the support of the OFWs and tourists, Bren felt inspired.
"Really happy to see Filipinos supporting us in the stadium or venue. I think it was only on our side that there are Filipinos or fans in our side. To those who came to the opening match, we really appreciate the support. I hope you guys take care and get back home safely," expressed Coach Francis "Ducky" Glindro.
And after the game, Bren witnessed an overwhelming support from their fellow Filipinos.
"Marami ding Pilipino dito. Paglabas namin ng venue, sobrang daming sumalubong sa amin na Filipino fans. Lahat sila nagpa-picture kina Flap(Tzy)," revealed Coach Robert "Trebor" Sanchez.
Sanford loves his chicken skin
But it wasn't just Bren who has benefitted from the support of the Filipino crowd as Liquid ECHO's manager Mitch Liwanag posted a photo where her team was with the Filipinos in Riyadh.
Their appearance brought a lot of joys to the Cavalry.
"Sobrang saya kasi grabe yung support nila lalo na yung laban namin sa HomeBois. Sobrang ingay ng crowd. Nakakatuwa na kahit dito sa Riyadh, marami pa ring nanonood na Pinoy," stated Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz.
However the support isn't just limited to their appearance. Playing in foreign soil would mean that the players could feel homesick.
But with Filipinos around them, the team could experience a much needed buff. Just ask Sanford "Sanford" Vinuya who loves his chicken.
"Binigyan nila ako ng four packs ng chicken skin and sobrang nakakatuwa kasi minsan may mga ulam sa buffet na ayaw ko," highlighted the Liquid ECHO EXP laner.
And beyond that, there are relatives and close friends from within ECHO's ranks who would shower the team.
"Nagpadala yung kapatid (sister) ni EJJ from MDL namin (McDo) and yung friend din ni Boss Tic, nagpadala rin," added Sanford.
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