THE M5 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is looming nearby with Filipino representatives Blacklist International and AP.Bren hoping to continue the dynasty left by their predecessors in their conquest in the world stage.
So far, the Philippines has been a dominant force in the MLBB esports scene that even a slight blemish from the MSC 2023 wouldn't deter the Pearl of the Orient.
Heck it can even be argued that the Philippines did have the last laugh during that tournament as Indonesia's Onic Esports benefitted from the arrival of Filipinos Kairi "Kairi" Rayosdelsol and Coach Paul Denver "Yeb" Miranda, however the two of them needed the backbone support of their four Indonesian teammates, which ultimately elevated the Hedgehogs.
But the dominance of the Philippines isn't the primary storyline, as the personal lives of the players were highlighted by the MPL Philippines in their recent Zero-to-Hero stories, where each Filipino player looked back at their highs and lows in their journey, en route to M5.
Here are some that could inspire you to chase your MLBB dreams.
From volleyball to MLBB - YUEEEEE!
"Ang mga pangarap ay nagbabago at lumalago," as said by Kenneth "Yue" Tadeo in his 'Letter to You' video.
Upon watching the video, one may get a glimpse of Yue's past as someone who aspired to be a professional volleyball player...until his dreams were shattered by an injury.
"Alam kong mabigat yung nararamdaman mo dahil nagka-injury ka. Gusto mo pa naman maging professional volleyball player," as stated in the video.
However that never deterred Yue to stop dreaming as a new door was open, as Yue discovered the Land of Dawn. Luckily for him, his family supported his decision.
"Hindi ka man naging pro sa volleyball, magiging daan man yan para mapadpad ka sa esports. Dahil sa suporta ni mama at lola, magiging player ka sa Mobile Legends."
But that wasn't the only message that Yue had to his younger self as his decision to take that risk propelled him to a bigger scene.
"Mula rito, huwag kang matakot na mag-risk sa bagay na talagang gusto mo kahit mukhang malabo, subukan mo pa rin. Hindi mo malalaman ang mga kaya mong gawin hangga't hindi ka humahakbang," he reflected.
What happened next was history. From the outskirts, Yue evolved from a nobody to an intergral piece for Blacklist International and Team Sibol.
Naglayas ng bahay para maging MLBB player - Oheb
Most kids would dream of becoming doctors, lawyers, bankers, and other notable professions, but there are those who have yet to discover who they truly wish to be.
Kiel "Oheb" Soriano was one of them, and in fact he never had any aspirations during his youth.
"Alam ko kung tinatanong ka nila kung anong gusto mong maging, wala ka pang masabi kasi hindi mo pa naisip yung ganon. Hindi mo pa alam kung ano yung pangarap mo," he revealed.
However when Oheb started playing Mobile Legends, a new purpose emerged. He became obsessed with the game to the point where Oheb suddenly made a bold move that would later define his career.
He chased his dreams of becoming a professional player, by running away from his house, leaving his family hanging.
"Darating yung time na tatakas ka sa Tarlac, pa-Manila para lang masunod ang gusto mo. Magso-sorry ka na lang kapag nasa bootcamp ka na. Galingan mo doon kasi mapro-pro ka," he recounted.
From a young kid without ambition, Oheb is now fighting for the dreams of his teammates.
From the Piggeries to MLBB Pro career - Renejay
Prior to his arrival in the professional scene, Renejay "Renejay" Barcarse started his career selling fruits and carry butchered hogs to a wet market. He was only earning around Php150 per day.
Php50 was given to his father, who works on electrical materials in malls, while the rest was used to load up mobile data to play Mobile Legends.
It was his resilience in the face of poverty that pushed him.
"Kamusta yung pagbebenta mo ng prutas, tsaka pagtatrabaho mo sa babuyan, para makapag-load ka at makalaro ng ML? Kahit pa dalawang oras yung biyahe papuntang Bagac, para maghatid ng baboy sa palengke, hanga ako sa iyo kasi kaya mo magtiyaga," as said in the video.
Eventually those hours spent on Mobile Legends led to his career as a professional player. Renejay's M5 run is his first world series birth.
"Huwag kang mag-alala dahil lahat ng sinakripisyo mo, magiging worth it. Dahil sa Mobile Legends, magbabago ang takbo ng buhay mo tsaka ng pamilya mo," he reflected.
A real life tank/support - Owgwen
"Call center agent ka sa gabi, estudyante sa umaga, tapos sumasali ka sa ML tournaments tuwing weekends."
That was Rowgien "Owgwen" Unigo's schedule before he became an MPL pro. it was a massive struggle for Owgwen to balance all of this, but he was constantly reminded of the hardships his family endured.
It was further revealed that Owgwen was the breadwinner of his family.
"Maaga kang namulat sa hirap ng buhay. Pito kayong magkakapatid at walang maaasahan mama mo kung hindi ikaw."
And due to his family's situation, Owgwen became a martyr who just accepted the blows directed to him.
He was left with no choice but to help his family survive, like a true tank/support in Mobile Legends.
"Kahit minsan, ang sakit-sakit na. Tangkehin mo muna, tibayin mo ang loob mo para makatulong sa pamilya mo at mabigyan sila ng maayos na kinabukasan."
Given what he has been through, there's more to Owgwen than just the smiles and jokes that he normally displays in front of the cameras.
Hindi makakalakad to lakad matatag - Coach Vren
Former TNC Pro Team head coach Vrendon "Vren" Pesebre entered Season 9 suffering from Potts Disease and he thoroughly recounted what happened from behind the scenes in MPL's video.
Season 9 was supposed to be his breakthrough season, but the dream that he once fought for, devolved into a nightmare.
"Kung kailan ka nabigyan ng break as a head coach sa pro scene ng Mobile Legends, doon ka pa nagkaroon nang malubhang sakit. Hihintayin mo ng isang buwan, itatago mo kasi akala mo ngalay lang naman."
"Hanggang sa isang gabi, hindi ka na makatayo, hindi ka na makalakad, wala kang choice kundi dalhin ka sa ospital kasi grabe na yung sakit na iniinda mo."
Stuck in the hospital while his team competed, Coach Vren struggled with depression.
"Magsisimula na yung season, wala ka sa tabi ng team mo. Sobrang lungkot at depression yung mararamdaman mo. Muntikan ka nang sumuko sa buhay. Buti na lang may mga nurse, mga doktor, mga physical therapists, at mga kaibigan na magpatibay ng loob mo. Huwag mong kalimutang pasalamatan."
It was through their efforts where Vren gained the resilience he needed to carry on in life. He was given a second chance when he traveled overseas, but this reached full fruition when he met a new friend in his life, Coach Francis "Duckey" Glindro.
From there, Coach Vren miraculously defied the odds and coached a team who brought pride and honor to the country.
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