RSG PHILIPPINES has officially welcomed Zeke “Bai Luci” Himaya, joining the Raiders’ quest for the MPL Philippines Season 14 crown. But how did he find his way to RSG?
Bai Luci hails all the way from Cebu and was a civil engineering student from the University of San Carlos, but his heart tells him to chase his esports dreams.
In the recently concluded MSL Collegiate Cup (MCC), Bai Luci showcased his talents while playing for the first-runner-up USC Warriors, not realizing this would pave the way for his future as a professional esports player.
RSG Philippines' team manager, Lexie Yambao, noticed the standout performance from the EXP laner during the MCC.
“Aside doon sa gameplay na nakita namin noong MCC, I think sa personality rin niya. The way I talk to him before noong nag interview kami. Nakitaan ko siya ng potential na pwede siya i-groom to be a future talent,” Yambao reflected on Bai Luci's noteworthy performance and the potential she saw in him.
Yambao also felt that Bai Luci’s maturity could potentially be the missing component needed for RSG's success.
“Kapag binelend mo siya sa players, medyo mature siya mag isip, so I think ‘yun ‘yung lacking sa team ngayon. So I chose him na ipasok siya mid-season,” she said.
Sobrang duda si Coach Panda
Meanwhile, Coach Brian "Panda" Lim had reservations about what Bai Luci could offer to RSG during the screening phase.
“Sa totoo lang, sobrang duda ako sa choice ni Lexie. Kahit we worked for a long time; alam niya naman na sobrang maarte ako talaga sa players. I usually scout ‘yung mga players na magaling, super talented, bata, ‘yung mga trainable,” coach Panda said.
“When Zeke was introduced to the team and then we had a discussion, I felt a gut that this player is not like the other player na na-handle ko before na batang isip pero may talent,” coach Panda expressed, listening to his gut feel that overcame his skepticism.
Eventually, Bai Luci earned Coach Panda’s trust with his initiative as sixth man, providing the team with much-needed brilliant ideas.
“Kahit sa draft minsan, I’ll ask him, “Ano Zeke, what do you think?” When we do scrim, when he watches, he gives me mga review notes din na sometimes I miss din. I really like the way he’s efforting sa team right now. I’m really thankful na nandito siya,” coach Panda said, commending Bai Luci’s contributions to RSG.
Education or MLBB career?
Bai Luci once stood on the crossroads of destiny, where life and career decisions could alter the trajectory of his life. Taking a leap of faith, he left his hometown and put his studies on hold, trusting only his dreams to lead him forward.
“About my studies naman, actually mahirap kasi iniisip ko rin talaga, what if i-reject ko ‘yung offer ng RSG sa akin? Sayang din naman ‘yung opportunity. I was thinking, if i-reject ko, mapupunta ‘yung opportunity sa iba."
"Parang namiss ko yung life-changing opportunity para sa akin. Willing naman ako mag break from my studies,” Bai Luci said on seizing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in esports that demands to put his education aside for a while.
Bai Luci views life not as a race, as he remains hopeful about returning to his education in the future.
“I decided na to stop; I mean, I don’t think iso-stop. Hindi naman kasi mawawala ‘yung pag-aaral tsaka ‘yung school nandiyan lang ‘yan always. I don’t think nag ma-matter din ‘yung age kung male-late ka grumaduate,” Bai Luci said.
With esports gaining recognition both locally and internationally as a viable career, Bai Luci persuaded his parents to believe in his journey, trusting that his dedication and sacrifices would eventually pay off someday.
“Sinabi ko lang sa kanila na trust the process, believe [in] me, have faith in me, kasi hindi naman ako bata. Being an independent person, parang gusto kong suklian ‘yung mga efforts na ginawa ng parents ko. So hopefully sa following days, following months, makikita ng parents ko na worth it ‘yung decision nila,” Bai Luci said, determined to prove himself and show his parents that they made the right choice.
A new beginning awaits
As Bai Luci starts his journey with the Raiders, he is still in the process of finding his groove and achieving synergy with his new teammates.
“So far, sa experience ko naman sa buong team, syempre unang una sa lahat nag-aadjust pa rin ako. Kailangan ko makuha ‘yung attention nila and [mabuo] relationship namin. So far, nag e-enjoy naman ako, they are guiding me naman,” Bai Luci explained.
“Sa tulong naman ni coach [Panda], parang marami akong natutulong sa kaniya rin. I can say that, and marami rin akong natutunan sa kaniya. Sa team naman nakikita ko ‘yung bonding nila, although medyo hindi pa ako nakakapag fit in doon, pero I’m hoping na maging kaclose sila,” he added.
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