E-sports

What Was The Biggest Change in Falcons AP.Bren Player Pheww’s Career?

By Ramon Domingo - October 09, 2024

As one of the most decorated MLBB pros in the world, there’s one moment in Pheww’s career that sticks with him the most.

In the world of MLBB esports, there are very few pro players who have had the same success and longevity as Falcons AP.Bren’s Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel. He’s been around since the establishment of the Mobile Legends Professional League in 2018 and has two world championships. Recently he just played his 500th game in the MPL, the first player to achieve it, and he’s showing no signs of stopping.

However, there is a moment in his six-year career that will always stand out to him. A paradigm shift in his career.

Siguro yung biggest change para sa akin ay nung naging captain ako. Kasi nung una, inamin ko na sa sarili ko an hindi naman akong masyadong disiplanadong tao. Tapos nung naging captain ako, gusto ko ring patunayan sa sarili ko at sa mga teammates ko na kaya ko naman to. Dun ko talaga na establish yung personality ko as a player.”

What was the Biggest Change in Falcons AP.Bren Pheww’s Career?
Falcons AP.Bren’s Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel stands onstage during MPL PH S14. (Photo from MOONTON Games)

At first, it’s strange to hear someone like Pheww admit that he lacked the discipline needed to be a leader. But he was a different person back then with a different outlook on his life and career.

Hindi ko siniseryoso yung training, iniisip ko na naglalaro-laro lang ako,” said Pheww. “Tingin ko laro lang ginagawa ko, hindi ko nakikita yung bigger picture. Kung ano sa harap ko, kung masaya ako, ginagawa ko. Kaya hindi naging consistent yung nangyayari sa teams ko kasi kahit ano nangyari, hinayaan ko lang. Kahit natalo kami, wala talaga akong sinasabi.

Growing Into the Role

Pheww first took on the team captain role when he was part of Team Philippines during the 2019 SEA Games. It was pushed upon him by RSG Philippines’ coach Brian “Panda” Chang-rok who was coaching the team at that time. Coach Panda saw that Pheww had the potential to be the leader even though he was part of a last-place team back then.

What was the Biggest Change in Falcons AP.Bren Pheww’s Career?
Pheww and the rest of team Sibol during the 2023 SEA Games. (Photo from MOONTON Games)

Still, it would take some time for him to be fully comfortable in the role. Pheww only really felt his responsibility as a team captain in the current lineup of Falcons AP.Bren.

Kasi nung first time akong naging team captain, puro veterans yung mga kasama ko. Para sa akin, hindi ko na kailangan gabayan yung ginagawa nila.

Idol Ng Mga Kids

At 25 years old, Pheww is not just the oldest player on the team but also one of the oldest players in the MPL. His longevity in the scene has given him so much experience and insight that he’s become an anchor for his team.

He’s had such a long presence that there are pro players in the league who grew up watching him play. So much so that he earned the playful title of “Idol ng mga Kids.” When asked if that title had an effect on his view as a team captain, Pheww could only laugh. “Hindi ko naman iniisip yung title na yun kasi joke lang yun ni Manjean nung time na yun.” Manjean Faldas is a beloved Filipino caster and jokester in the esports scene but he might be onto something. 

What was the Biggest Change in Falcons AP.Bren Pheww’s Career?
Pheww poses with his second world championship trophy. (Photo from MOONTON Games)

Now, after two world championships and many more tournament wins, Pheww has learned one valuable thing as a team captain.

Di porket team captain ka, ibig sabihin shot caller ka o lahat dapat sumusunod sayo. Dapat ipakita mo sa team mo na magagabayan mo sila sa lahat ng bagay, di lang sa laro. Sa loob at labas ng laro, dapat maaasahan ka.

Banner photo by Excel Panlaque/The Game.

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