Symbolic mural highlights MPL Philippines’ latest campaign launch
MANILA, Philippines — The Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Philippines officially kicked off its bid for a historic sixth consecutive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) world title with a send-off event at Pop Up Katipunan last Saturday, January 3. The event was highlight by the unveiling of the M7 mural, a striking artwork symbolizing national pride and unity.
The event served as a rallying point for Team Liquid and Aurora Gaming PH, the country’s representatives to the M7 World Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia. Both squads will face each other in their opening match during the Swiss Stage on January 10, carrying the nation’s hopes under the battle cry “Two Teams, One Flag”.
The mural, created by Filipino artist Melvin Rodas, captures the essence of the Philippines’ dominance in MLBB esports while incorporating the colors of the national flag.
For Rodas, the project was an unexpected but a welcome challenge.
“Actually, it came out of nowhere. Siyempre, I was expecting na parang December na, it's holiday, [wala ng magcocommission, pero] parang random message lang—na-recommend. Gusto ko lang malaman yung project brief bago ako mag-say yes, kasi it's going to be holiday, medyo tricky na din yung schedule. So, dun siya nagsimula. It was just a random message,” Rodas told Philstar.com.
Despite the tight timeline, Rodas embraced the opportunity to contribute to the country’s esports legacy in MLBB.
He added, “Walang hesitation kasi never ako nag-hesitate lalo ng pagbago. Gusto ko laging i-try yung something new and lagi ko siya nakita yung esports. I've worked with brands na related sa athlete, basketball and other sports. So, I treat them as athlete as well."
Taking roughly three weeks from conceptualizing the design to creating the mural, Rodas described his vision for the mural as a fusion of festive energy and the chaotic aesthetic of esports.
“I wanted to capture the festive chaos and energy of MLBB. I want fans to feel what I felt—that I contributed something to the history of winning. I want them to feel that they’re part of it as well,” shared Rodas.
Working within the timeline and across the holiday season posed significant challenges, according to Rodas, along with the task of integrating Filipino elements in a modern way.
“Dalawa yung naging challenge. First of all, is syempre timeline. The main parang project details was given within a month. So, meron lang kaming three working weeks and may holidays in between. Second naman is how I would incorporate yung Filipino elements. I tried to be unique as possible na wala yung mga usual na stars. Pero at the same time, may resemblance from afar doon pa rin,” said Rodas.
The mural features prominent depictions of the athletes and in-game skins, with subtle nods to the Philippine flag woven into the composition.
“From afar talaga, parang, yes, makita mo yung color ng flag pero tago siya, tapos naka-blend siya dun sa mismong artwork. And the way na yung aesthetic naman ng MLBB is very magulo and chaotic. So, gusto kong pagsamahin yung dalawang thought na festive and chaotic,” Rodas said.
Ultimately, Rodas hopes the artwork conveys pride and confidence as the teams head to Jakarta.
“I really wanted to do something more youthful and creative na in a way na pag nakita na mas batang ano, oh, it's relevant to them. Gusto ko silang ma-overwhelm na parang, ‘uy, panahalo to ah’. But, at the same time, yung meaning dun is, we already won. Na parang pupunta tayo sa competition na yun, panalo tayo, that essence of pride and confidence."
The wildcard stage of the M7 World Championship is ongoing in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the Swiss Stage set to begin on January 10.
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