SETSUNA "AKOSI DOGIE" IGNACIO did something in the offseason, which could make gamers lose their minds. He went on a trip in an isolated island in the Philippines and tried to stay there for 10 days.
Here's the catch, there's no internet, and food sources can only be attained through the environment. Basically it was like the reality TV show, Survivor.
By looking at the videos, Dogie, together with the rest of his crew made their own campfire from scratch, built their tents, and hunted for seafood. Not having internet meant that the crew couldn't just cheat their way and call a random Grab delivery.
Only two options were left, survive or suffer.
So how did Dogie fare? Here's what he said.
"Grateful ako doon sa survival namin, pero at the end of the day hindi namin kinaya. It was so tough. Tatlo yung reason doon e, walang internet, mabagal yung data, walang Mobile Legends, gigil na gigil ako, wala akong updates sa mga players," he revealed in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
The 10 days seem too much for Dogie and during the 4th day, he made the decision to backout. Based on his experience, it may seem like Dogie wouldn't last a single day in Survivor, and he even went as far as describing his experience as if he was doing it for a year.
Yet despite his shortcomings, it was an important experience in his journey.
Dogie needed to learn how to survive, so he asked helped from the local fishermen. His observations ultimately changed his life.
"Nagbago yung buhay ko doon, noong nakita ko iyon," he reflected.
The struggles of being a Filipino fisherman
To say that life as a fisherman in the Philippines is full of hardships is an understatement, and after seeing how much they're willing to sacrifice to keep their families alive, Dogie became inspired.
"Noong nakita ko yung mga tao doon, gumigising sila ng 4 AM, 5 AM, mangingisda hanggang 4 PM or 6 PM. Nakaka-stress lalo na kapag walang kang nakuha," he observed.
"Super laki like kasi nakita ko kung paano nagwo-work yung mga mangingisda. Doon ako naging driven na kailangan kong pagbutihan sa buhay, like yung ginagawa nila si super-super hard, just to earn a minimum amount, para makakain."
Eventually, Dogie had enough from living the hermit life and he decided to go back to the bootcamp. Upon returning, his family and his team's lifestyle changed. Learning from the fishermen who would grind for eternity, nothing should be wasted.
"Ngayon ayaw ko nang magsayang ng pagkain e, like kapag hindi naubos ng asawa ko, ako na yung umuubos kasi super sayang. Pinapagalitan ko rin yung mga players sa bootcamp."
"Sinasabihan ko rin sila na kumain ng gulay kasi nasanay din ako. Doon kasi naghahanap ako ng gulay kasi puro seafood yung kinakain ko."
But this experience not only shaped his lifestyle, as it likewise molded him for Season 13. Seeing the relentless drive from the fishermen, Dogie had an important message to the team.
"Doon ko na-realize na time-to-time, you might lose. It's not always a win, pero pupusuan niyo rin. Sinabi ko rin yan sa mga players na hindi tayo laging panalo, pero tandaan niyo, 'Enjoyin niyo tapos pagbutihan niyo pa lalo," recounted Dogie.
And given what he has witnessed, perhaps Dogie might invite others to experience the hibernated lifestyle. He did hint that Renejay "Renejay" Barcarse was interested to tag along.
"Gusto nga i-try ni Renejay e, pumunta siya sa bahay para gawin natin, pero sabi ko, 'Teka lang, chill ka lang men. Paghandaan natin yan ng mabuti, hindi siya madali.' Baka gawin namin ni Renejay, kung gusto ko, kasama yung mga players."
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