EVERY year, the world celebrates International Women's Month by commemorating females' social, political, and economic achievements. This year's theme: "We make change work for women," resonates with the call for gender balance in leadership and preparing women to reach their ambitions.
Many notable Filipino women have pushed the boundaries in their chosen careers from different industries such as economics, politics, education, and entertainment. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, for one, became the first-ever athlete representing the Philippines to win a gold medal in the Olympics.
However, in esports, women continue to face prejudice and struggle to make it to the forefront. Going by the numbers, the industry is widely dominated by male users. Wide-scale competitions are mostly organized for male gamers, and only a rare few are part of the professional scene.
As one of the leading international game developers and publishers, Moonton Games goes one step further for female gamers, to produce equal opportunities to have professional careers in esports and make an environment where they are able to thrive.
Earlier this year, Moonton kickstarted the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) in partnership with One Esports to invite top female teams in Southeast Asia to compete, as well as create opportunities and promote inclusivity amongst the community.
But beyond the female pros we got to know in the MWI, here are three more kick-ass women who are making their own mark in the world of Mobile Legends.
Mara Aquino, MPL-PH Host
Aquino began her reporting career as a courtside host. Last year, she was one of the masters of ceremonies (MCs) on the 3x3 basketball event in the Tokyo Olympics Summer Games. She took a giant career leap and started her hosting at Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League - Philippines (MPL-PH) Season 7, her first foray into esports.
As a female host, Mara shared that it gives more flair and feel to the broadcast. "I love that I can give a different perspective to the show. Now, it's not just men that people get to see in the esports scene, and women can also be role models, and that is empowering."
Mara revealed that she has been receiving messages from girls asking for tips in hosting and getting rid of their stage fright.
"It's nice that I can give these girls an idea. Everything starts from a peg — and to be that inspiring woman that opens their eyes, that's empowering to me," she said.
Seeing a bright future for women in esports, Mara shared that the industry is relatively young and growing, and so are the people taking interest in it as a future career.
"I can see women not just as hosts and casters, but also as players. They can be their own girl boss."
Chantelle Hernandez, MPL-PH Caster
Chantelle is currently the one and only female caster in MPL-PH. She joined MOONTON Games as a freelance female commentator on screen in Season 8 of the MPL-PH.
Before, Chantelle would feel inferior because of not seeing enough females in the industry. As a woman in esports, she shared that the inferior perception of women was the challenge she experienced in the past.
"If you are a woman, people think you are weak. They will not give you the same opportunities they give to men — and that's hurtful," she reflected.
“Every time I felt that I was not given the same, equal respect and opportunity just because I am a woman, I would stand taller. For me, you can never ever let a strong woman down," she went on. "I should know because I learned and witnessed this through my mother.”
Chantelle broke all the biases as she joined Moonton in 2021.
"To all the women out there, believe in yourselves. Never lose faith and hold on to your dreams. You are stronger than you think. You are you, and no one can take that away. Stand tall and break those walls. It is normal to make mistakes along the journey, nourish it, learn, and grow from it."
The shoutcaster added, "[I'm] grateful to MOONTON Games for opening opportunities to Filipino women. With this we could achieve the equality and diversity that we have been longing in the field of esports." she added.
Pam Maloles, MPL PH Logistics Manager
When it comes to production, it is Pamela Maloles who calls the shots along with fellow manager Aislinn Soriaga. She joined Moonton Games to lead the MPL-PH logistics, executing all all the leg work needed to ensure Filipino fans witness seamless matches that are broadcasted online.
Prior to joining the company, Pam was organizing large-scale corporate events and concerts.
According to her, the path for women in esports might not be easy, but it is important to take the first step.
"Break the barriers or stereotypes and think that you can do it. Women can be streamers like Chantelle or a host like Mara," she said.
Speaking about her own role behind the scenes, she said, "In the professional side, women can handle planning and events like me. We can do great because we handle pressure so well. Our impeccable attention to details is also innate.
"'Im grateful to Moonton Games for making the environment equal for women. In and out of the game, they recognize our hard work," she added.
Mobile Legends continues 'Tear It Off' campaign
This month, Moonton also launched the "Tear It Off" campaign to defy stereotypes experienced by Filipino gamers whether they are women or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The company also celebrated International Women's Day by allowing female employees to take a half-day off as a breather.
"Women representation is important to us, so we make sure to provide opportunities for Filipinos regardless of their gender. We do this by making sure that we create an environment free of prejudice toward women and always recognize their valuable contribution to mobile esports," said Jason Li, Esports Marketing Head, MPL Philippines.
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