Familiar faces return in MPL PH Season 18
MANILA, Philippines — Familiar names will be making their comeback to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines when Season 18 opens on Friday, August 21, at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City.
After a season in Indonesia, Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel returns to the Philippines but no longer as a player. The veteran midlaner, who owns multiple MPL Philippines titles and world championships, will begin his first season as a coach with ONIC Philippines, which also added Czedrick “Super Yoshi” Romero and Dan “Dann” Yambao to its roster.
Also making a homecoming is Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo, who is back in MPL Philippines under the banner of Aurora Gaming Philippines. The former RSG Philippines player previously suited up for Cloud9, The Valley and Alpha7 during his time abroad. Aurora also brought in Kyle “Koyl” Reyes, who won the Cambodia League with PRO Esports last season.
Locally, former M4 World Championship Finals MVP Benedict “BennyQT” Gonzales is set for a change of scenery as he moves from TNC Pro Team to Twisted Minds. He joins a revamped roster alongside Kurt “KURTT” Recto, who returns from a stint with Indonesia's DEWA United, under new head coach Hendrich “Lyrick” Clahi, formerly of Twisted Minds MENA.
Elsewhere, AP.Bren unveiled a revamped lineup featuring Jomearie “Escalera” Santos from Twisted Minds, Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan from TNC and Jhon “JMPINKMAN” Sebastian from VSG, along with new head coach Christian “Bitoy” Casten, who previously coached in MPL Singapore.
TNC, meanwhile, added Nowee “Ryota” Macasa from ONIC Philippines, MDL standouts Ervin “Vinnn” Franco and Zehnder “Zehn” Fabugais, as well as returning gold laner Jomari “Jowm” Pingol, who comes back to the Philippines after stints abroad.
Omega Esports also underwent roster changes during the offseason, adding Louis “Louis” Ariola from Cambodia's Galaxy Legends and Wilburt “Cull” Salinda from Team Liquid Philippines' MDL academy team.
Team Liquid Philippines and Team Falcons Philippines, though falling short in the recent Mid-Season Cup (MSC), retained their full roster from the previous season.
MPL Philippines Season 18 begins Friday, with ONIC Philippines facing Aurora Gaming at 5 p.m., before defending champion Team Liquid Philippines opens its title defense against Team Falcons Philippines at 7:30 p.m.
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