TNC! TNC! TNC!
Ah those were the glory days when TNC stunned the Dota 2 world by eliminating OG back in TI6, which marked the ascencion of the Phoenix.
But the flames didn't last long as TNC was announced to take a hiatus in competitive Dota back in December 2022.
However there are posts from TNC's CEO Eric Redulfin that the org might be planning for a return to Dota 2.
He posted a photo with the caption: "Ang hirap mag-isip," which then saw him thinking thoroughly on his next course of action. At the background are TNC's collection of trophies during their Dota 2 glory days.
Rise from the ashes?
But he wasn't just done there as Redulfin likewise posted a video, which seem to hint on the Phoenix's return to its roots.
"Ready na po ba yung team?" that was the main theme of the video.
As the question was given to Mr. Redulfin, he responded by saying that he is open to expanding on the org's business venture.
"Ang ni-ready ko yung computer para sa franchise natin, kasi diretso na tayo sa business franchise. Ready na tayong tumanggap ng mga fra-franchise ng TNC," he stated.
But then he reverted the attention back to assembling a Dota 2 team.
"Ang mga Pinoy player malalakas yan. Huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Ang TNC pangarap din yan. Sasamahan din natin yung mga player natin para makamit nila yung tagumpay."
And the hints went on especially when he mentioned the prize trophy of Dota 2, the Aegis.
Many Filipinos have dreamt of achieving the Aegis, something that remains in Redulfin's mind.
"Ako rin gusto kong i-uwi yung Aegis na yan. Huwag tayong susuko, huwag natin sukuan yan. Labanan natin yan, pero hanap tayo kung meron tayong malalakas na loob na player diyan. Okay comment niyo at i-try natin ulit," he started.
"Hangga't nabubuhay tayo at hangga't nandiyan ang TNC, laban lang nang laban at hangga't may gustong sumuporta sa TNC at may mga player tayong makukuha lalo na yung mga Pinoy player na yan, laban lang tayo."
"Huwag tayong titigil na abutin ang pangarap natin. Aegis na lang ang hindi natin nauuwi, susukuan na ba natin yan?"
Who are available to play?
While these are still speculations, there are names that could come to mind when talking about TNC's return to its Dota glory days.
Carlo "Kuku" Palad, who has been a hearbeat for the team during the haydays, could come home.
Then there other prospects like Kim "Gabbi" Villafuerte Santos and Jinn Marrey "Palos" Lamatao who could potentially leave Blacklist Rivalry.
Plus there are other names who could appear and suddenly re-emerge with the Phoenix.
And at the end of the day, the big question remains: What is in the mind of Mr. Redulfin? Is TNC really going to return or is his video open to interpretation?
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
