Smart Siklab Saya Manila Champions bring home P1 million
With bigger esports events, Filipinos have a fighting chance in the global online gaming arena
MANILA, Philippines — More than 60 teams of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang players gathered recently at the SM North EDSA Skydome to test their mettle towards winning the P1-million top prize at the final leg of the Smart Siklab Saya tournaments. After the virtual dust settled, Team Trabaho, composed of Juan Benoza, Robert Sanchez, Ehnoc Raynera, Aaren Palomo, and Wilson Bagayawa walked away with the cool million, while second placer Team KNP won P500,000 and Team NXP.AE received P200,000 in cash prizes.
Aside from the elimination and championship games, there were sidelights at the event that showcased the popularity of the online game with Filipinos. Booths, games, and raffles allowed visitors to collect points in exchange for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang merchandise, Smart prizes, and RealMe mobile phones. Celebrity cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa took time for a meet and greet with fans and an exhibition match pitted the talents of top gamers Akosi Dogie, Chixmiss, Fhrea Jaimil, and Inzaiplays with select members of the audience.
We’ve got game
Sarrosa, an avid gamer herself, commented on the growth of gaming in the Philippines particularly with the support of companies such as Smart. “I remember back when I was just starting with cosplay and there were only a handful of gaming events. The prizes were not so big back then. Everyone can see how big the community has grown; today, we have 64 non-pro teams competing and I am happy to see all these people join in the fun. Mobile games are about bringing people together.”
She comments on how mobile games have become a level playing field, as anyone can access the games on their phone especially with data packages such as Smart’s Giga Games. “It gives anyone the opportunity to play the games on their phones even the ones in the provinces where we also have so much talent, which we saw with the Siklab Saya events outside of Metro Manila.”
Influential gamer and streamer Akosi Dogie is a legend among Mobile Legends: Bang Bang players, with three million followers on his Facebook account. He sees so much potential in Filipinos and has actually started investing in young talent through his boot camps. “I think we are in the top 3 or top 4 globally when it comes to esports. Through Siklab Saya, we get to discover up and coming amateur gamers who can represent us internationally.”
He says that what sets the Filipino players apart is the dedication that they put into the game. “Not just in esports, but in any aspect, the Filipino is known to be hardworking. We don’t make excuses. If you give them work, they will work. Kahit wala masyadong talent, they can beat anyone in the game kasi hardworking sila.”
Teamwork wins
Winners Team Trabaho had only two days to prepare for the competition, they reveal. The 20-somethings had to look for a new Mage to join the group. Their win was brought about by not only strategy, but also “tiwala sa sarili” and a positive mindset. “Yun talaga ang nagpanalo sa amin. May place na natatalo kami sa play pero we just kept moving forward hanggang na-overcome namin ang challenge,” says Team Trabaho member Juan Benoza.
They are thankful for the Smart Siklab Saya event because pocket competitions like these are good training grounds for amateur players. Their advice for aspiring esports athletes: “Maglaro lang kayo nang maglaro, pero huwag kalimutan ang kalusugan. Kapag naapektuhan na ang kalusugan mo, yung pangarap mo na maging pro player, maaaring hindi na mangyari.”
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang developer Moonton’s marketing manager reveals that Filipinos are the biggest supporters of the mobile game worldwide. “It did not surprise us that we have events like Smart’s Siklab Saya to recognize and support esports athletes in the Philippines.”
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