For Pheww, it’s not enough to play your best, you also need to play with the right people.
There are only a few who might deny that AP.Bren had a blow-out year in 2023, least of all the Esports Athlete of the Year, Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel. Very few among the Philippine’s Mobile Legends pros are as decorated and deserving as him to win the prestigious award. And what’s funny is that he didn’t even know he won until a few days before the awarding ceremony itself.
“Di ako masyado tumitingin sa email, eh. Parang bihira lang,” said Pheww with a sheepish laugh. “Ganun akong tao, sobrang focused ako sa paglalaro na napansin ko lang pagkatapos nila in-email ako ng dalawang beses na nanalo ako.”
That’s always how Pheww has operated; every time we get to talk to him after every success and championship, he always says that winning a trophy was not in his mind. He’s always been laser-focused on playing better and improving as a player. This time, however, the Esports Athlete of the Year award really made Pheww think about his time with AP.Bren.
“Pinagisipan ko talaga kung bakit ako yung nanalo,” said Pheww. “Nakita ko yung 2023 run namin. Para sa akin, yun an yung pinaka-peak ng career ko as a pro player. Sobrang saya ako na na-recognize ng Philippine Esports Awards na ako talaga yung best athlete for that year.”
An Environment That Breeds Champions
One thing that Pheww did notice was that he owes a lot to AP.Bren for winning the Esports Athlete of the Year award. “Sa lahat ng mga team nasalihan ko ito talaga yung pinakagusto kong team. Sobrang ganda ng vibe namin, nagcli-click kami.”
2024 marks his fourth year playing for AP.Bren and he’s not just saying this because it’s the team where he’s found the most success in. He’s gone through many ups and downs in his career with AP.Bren but he’s never lost faith in his team. “May makulit, may maingay, pero lahat sila disiplinado. Nakikita mo na gusto nila talaga manalo. Kahit hindi kami nanalo yun yung nararamdaman ko sa team namin.”
This is how Pheww is able to remain focused and continuously improve as a player. With a team environment that knows how to play together and stay together, it’s little wonder why AP.Bren are considered to be the best Mobile Legends team in the world.
And even after winning the Esports Athlete of the Year award, Pheww’s mindset has not changed at all. To him, it’s a reminder of his achievements so far but also a motivator that he and his team can still do great things in the future.
Banner photo by MOONTON Games.
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The 2023 Philippine Esports Awards: Celebrating a Year of Success
A Quick Look at Pheww and Icey: AP.Bren’s Very Own Power Couple