THE TRANSITION from Mobile Legends to Honor of Kings (HOK) is truly a baptism by fire for Carlito “Ribo” Ribo Jr. Currently his team, Tropang Alab, is at the bottom of the standings of the Philippines Kings League Spring 2025 tournament, without a single win on their column.
Throughout his esports journey, Ribo has been included in GOAT debates in the Mobile Legends scene, but as he enters HOK he realizes that he is once again on the bottom of the barrel.
“Medyo stressful kasi yung last week namin 0-3 kami e,” he started in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
He added: “Wala pa kaming panalo. Parang baguhan kami. Yung mga kakampi ko kasi first time, kinakabahan pero todo practice pa rin kami. Nagste-step up kaming lahat. Kahit makapasok sa playoffs yun lang yung goal namin. Kahit hindi na muna mag-champion.”
Ribo considered retiring in esports
In the latter years of his MLBB days, the once prestigious player had to accept the realities of being an esports pro: not all careers could last an eternity.
From once being talked about in the GOAT discussions in MLBB esports, Ribo’s ceiling eventually faded.
Serving as a reserve player back in Smart Omega became a humbling realization for the once great player to the point where he even considered hanging his boots.
“Mas batak pa yung mga kakampi ko kasi sila tuloy-tuloy yung laro e ako ilang seasons na akong nag-stop e. May balak na sana akong mag-retire sa esports,” Ribo looked back.
Suddenly came a window of opportunity for the seasoned veteran.
“Noong last MOBA game ko reserve player lang ako e. Parang wala akong ginagawa sa bootcamp. Nag-try ako ng ibang games katulad ng HOK. Parang same lang naman din siya sa past na nilalaro ko. Tapos nagtuloy-tuloy tapos nakahanap ako ng mga ka-rank sa RG tapos madali na siyang laruin.”
Eventually another member from Omega’s MPL squad, Ronnel “Stronger” Tan, has also taken a keen interest in the rival game which ultimately pushed Ribo to discover a new purpose.
“Noong lumipat na si Stronger sa HOK, doon na kami nag-decide na kumuha ng mga player. Doon na tuloy-tuloy na yung paglalaro,” revealed Ribo.
HOK vs. MLBB
Upon honing his craft in the Honor of Kings, there were a lot of important insights that the Doctor discovered. Ever since the game arrived in Philippine shores, the community has often debated on the core gameplays of mobile MOBAs in the country.
So what does Ribo think of HOK? Is it harder compared to other titles?
“Sobrang hirap sa HOK kasi sa bawat minuto, kailangan mong i-comms or tandaan kasi yung mga camps doon o neutral creeps, talagang importante talaga sa game. Doon ka talaga kukuha ng farm tapos mabe-behind din yung kalaban mo. Kailangan mo silang i–invade,” reflected the Tropang Alab player.
When comparing the games he has played, there was one major difference that stood out. Currently HOK games run faster as the games could last around 12 minutes or less.
“Tapos kailangan planado lahat yung gagawin niyo tapos hindi siya masyadong play safe e parang more on aggressive dapat siya. Kailangan matapang ka talaga sa clash or sa lane.”
There’s no stopping Ribo
As a season veteran, there’s a lot of wisdom that Ribo can offer to his team. With Tropang Alab in a winless situation, the Doctor gave his own team a taste of their own medicine.
“Tinutulungan ko sila kung papaano mag-grow e. Para maipakita ko yung experience ko dati sa paglalaro. Kaso minsan hindi ko alam kung napre-pressure sila sa amin ni Stronger e kasi kami yung may experience tapos matagal na kami sa esports samantalang sila mga bata pa.”
Playing as a midlaner isn’t just his primary responsibility as he also needs to toughen his team up. It seems Ribo is likewise performing coaching duties.
“Iba yung way namin sa pagsasalita. Akala nila galit kami pero para na rin sa kanila ito. Kung bini-baby namin sila, walang mangyayari,” reflected Ribo. “Kailangan mo rin pagalitan o sigawan para matuto. Nakakapagod kung uulitin nila yung mali nila, parang nonsense yung practice.”
And while Ribo would certainly love to prove his point especially after a downward spiral in the MLBB scene, there’s still a lot that needs to be done.
“Mahabang adventure ito sana palarin para may mapapatunayan ako. Hindi ko na iniisip yun e kasi ang gusto ko consistent na manalo.”
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