"IT'S FULFILLING TALAGA na naabutan ko siya."
These were the exact words from Ateneo de Manila University student Sean Jacob See when he finally realized that he will be given the chance to showcase his MLBB skills in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
And he'll do so in front of the home crowd as UAAP's esports debut will be held in the Arete.
Like many student athletes who have invested in esports, seeing the UAAP dig deep into the scene is like waking up from a dream.
"Super saya na magkakaroon ng esports sa UAAP kasi ever since may mga inside jokes kami na, 'Parang maganda kapag kasama ang esports sa UAAP' Tapos ngayon meron na talaga siya," See reflected.
Giving back to their alma matter
For the likes of See, being involved in the UAAP is a chance for him to scratch off a bucket list in his college journey, but not everyone involved are currently students.
Alumni who would like to give back to their universities can participate in the UAAP albeit in backend roles.
Back when he was in college, Patrick Carlo Balanquit competed in National University's League of Legends squad. Unfortunately for him, he never got a chance to play in the UAAP.
But the doors were opened for him when it was announced that the league will dig deep into esports. When NU was looking for an MLBB coach, he decided to apply especially since he had experience coaching in the pros.
"Yun kasi ang gusto kong tulong balik sa alma matter ko which is to coach these young people na magkaroon sila ng guidance. Naging collegiate player din ako, hindi sa UAAP kundi sa ibang tournament," started Balanquit.
He added: "I started venture into coaching sa MLBB two years ago, mga amateur teams. Nakuha din ako ng isang professional team dito sa Pilipinas."
It will be a struggle for Balanquit as he has to managed his coaching duties to his dayjob as a talent and road manager.
But he isn't the only one who aspired to return the favor to his alma matter. Adamson University's manager, Dio Robles decided to take a hiatus in running an amateur MLBB team to show his support to the Soaring Falcons.
"I'm already handling my own team in the amateur scene, called Daze Esports, so I reached out to Fr. Aldrin Suan, the Athletics Director of Adamson University and I told him that I can help them on running Adamson’s Esports Team," started Robles.
He further elaborated: "Yung amateur team ko is currently on hiatus, pinagpahinga ko muna, medyo stressful na rin kasi talaga maghandle ng team, pero because of my passion and urged to help Adamson, hindi ko mapigilan na hindi mag-handle ng team."
"This time I would like to do it for Adamson University kasi sobrang grateful ako sa Adamson because of what I am right now, and I consider helping them as my way of giving back to my Alma Mater."
So how is the transition from the amateur scene to the collegiate level?
"Sa amateur scene pwede kang mamili ng players kahit saang lugar at kahit sinong gusto mo na tingin mo magfifit sa playstyle ng team nyo, while in the Collegiate Level, especially for UAAP, though pwede ka pa rin naman mamili, but it’s very limited."
"You can only choose your players based on students who are enrolled within your campus. So kung wala talagang masyadong malakas, you really need to train them ng sobra sobra. For this season, hopefully, we can step into the next level."
And to make sure that his team stays competitive, he hired a consultant and a strategist to bring his team to the desired performance level."
Pouring in a lot of support
Robles' dedication shows the level of commitment that universities are pouring in developing their esports teams. The fact that universities are hiring individuals with experience in the amateur and pro scene are signs that esports isn't taken lightly.
In an exclusive with SPIN.ph, NU's coach Patrick Carlo Balanquit, revealed the benefits his players receive for being a part of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team.
The players are blessed with a 100% scholarship, while their dorm and food expenses are shouldered by the school. They also have a practice facility for esports.
However the students need to be responsible in making sure that they're benefits are well deserved.
"Since 100% scholar sila, they have to abide to some set of rules and may mga grades na kailangan nilang ipasa, on top of sa paglalaro nila. Student-athlete sila diba? Like any other athlete, kapag may bumagsak sa kanila, hindi sila papayagan na maglaro sa UAAP," as stated by Balanquit.
Lucky for him, his players are doing well in terms of academics.
Opening career opportunities
Now with the UAAP entering into the competitive gaming space, comes the opportunities that could potentially enhance a student's career.
Ateneo's Sean Jacob See considers esports as a career option after graduating college, though he is also open to look for alternatives.
"I'm not really sure as of the moment, it depends if may makausap man or may opportunity to delve into esports. If wala, I'm gonna focus on my studies. Possibly masters," he said.
If ever he ends up working in the esports scene, See hopes to be involved whether as a player or a coach. He even goes as far as contacting Aurora MLBB's coach Dexter "DEX STAR" Alaba.
"In my 2nd or 3rd year in college, mas nafe-feel ko yung passion ko sa esports. I really want to be a player or a coach. Shoutout kay DEX STAR kasi sa kanya ko nakita yung passion niya for being a coach, for being an analyst. Parang yun yung gusto kong i-pursue. Lagi ko siyang nakakausap."
But a career in esports isn't just centered on playing or coaching as there are other paths worth considering.
Upon watching Manjean Faldas light up the show back in the MPL PH Season 1 playoffs, Far Eastern University's Simon Agtutubo, is hoping that he could one day fulfill his dream of becoming a shoutcaster in the bigger stage.
"Currently I'm working on it na e. Sa caster, once you have the right connections and kapag may opportunities na darating, you have to seize it talaga e kasi sobrang kaunti yung mga opportunities," he reiterated.
"Right now nagiipon ako for my setup kasi may mga requirements na talaga pagdating sa casting. Pag-graduate ko balak ko talagang pumunta sa industriya ng esports."
And with the UAAP opening the floodgates, the road for esports to be recognized as a respectable endeavor is now on the works.
"Very happy din and very thankful din ako na nagpapakita sila ng support kasi it's about time na ma-recognize kami as a sport as well kasi may mga stereotypes na, 'naglalaro ka lang naman, hindi mahalaga yan, wala kang matututunan."
"In fact meron talaga kasi analytical-wise may decision making, yun yung maaambag ng esports sa atin," reflected Agtutubo.
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