For years, MPL Philippines needed no validation; it set the standard.
A league built on talent, grit, perseverance, and resilience, one that proved to the world stage time and again that champions are made here and dynasties begin here.
The arrival of Indonesian imports Sultan “Aeronnshikii” Muhammad and Clayton “Savero” Kuswanto did more than reshape team rosters; it challenged a long-held belief that we can win without imports.
READ: TLPH names Indonesian Aeronnshikii as Oheb's replacement
For the first time in history, the world’s strongest MLBB region has opened its doors to imports from regional rival Indonesia.
And that raises a question once considered unthinkable:
Do we actually need imports over at the MPL Philippines?
Technically, no. But the real conversation goes beyond whether it’s necessary or not; it’s about accepting that the times have changed, embracing an era once thought impossible, and recognizing the value imports can bring to the league.
“Downgrade,” “unnecessary,” “AI,” “feeders,” and “bad trade.”
These were among the few scathing reactions that flooded social media following the arrival of Indonesian imports.
The response was unfiltered—but unfair.
The narrative has already leaned toward disrespect and judging the imports solely based on where they came from, rather than granting them time to grow in the "home of the champions."
Perhaps the reaction says less about the imports themselves and more about the pride we have built.
READ: Savero joins ONIC PH as country's first ever Indonesian import
Yet Filipino pride should never be defined solely by trophies. It lives in the culture of respect, humility, and growth that built those victories in the first place.
After all, Savero and Aeronnshikii are players chasing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—choosing to pursue a dream far from home.
They deserve a chance.
Imagine leaving your country, your family, and your comfort zone and adapting to a new culture while navigating a language still unfamiliar.
Critics say imports take away chances from rising Filipino players, and in a talent-rich region like ours, that concern is valid. Yet Season 17 also features MDL promotions and returning Filipino exports, proving that opportunities have not disappeared—they have expanded.
We can gain just as much from Aeronnshikii and Savero as they do from us—they may push the league forward, raise the competition, bring strategies and playstyles from Indonesia, challenge Filipino greats, and draw in fans from different regions.
There is one more question worth asking: If other regions can welcome Filipino players with open arms, shouldn’t we extend the same respect in return?
Aeronnshikii and Savero are just doing exactly what countless Filipino professional players once did abroad: taking a leap of faith to make their dreams into a reality.
Greatness does not build walls; it thrives on embracing change without losing identity.
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