Even pro players need to think about their future and they can look to Benthings for a little inspiration.
During the MPL PH S15 playoffs, we spoke to former MLBB esports player and now content creator Ben “Benthings” Maglaque about his newly-launched cafe business. During an interview with the media, he shared his business journey and how a conversation with other professional players helped him start budgeting, investing, and setting financial goals.
“Nagsimula akong maging aware nung nakasama ko yung mga players noon sa isang tournament abroad. Nakukwento nila yung struggles nila – na ‘sayang, sana dati minaximize namin yung pag-stream at pagnenegosyo,’” recounts Benthings. “Lagi kasi nilang sinasabi sakin noon, ‘may oras lang ang pagiging professional player.’ Sa pagiging content creator naman, nagsasawa ang tao. Kaya naman nag-start na ko ng pagbu-business.”
That’s what led him and his wife to open Beanday Cafe, their own little cafe at Macaria Street, Phase 1, Milagrosa, Carmona Cavite. “Mahilig talaga ako ng coffee ng wife ko,” continued Benthings. “Tapos siguro na-inspire talaga ako sa pinsan ng wife ko na successful yung cafe nila, na sila mismo yung nagtitimpla. Parang yun din naging pangarap namin, na kami yung nagtitimpla, nagse-serve, nagtitikim ng kape.
Of course, entering the food and beverage market is no simple task. It’s a saturated industry where even an influencer like Benthings can struggle to stand out. Yet he and his wife started this venture aware of its struggles and are ready to face them head on.
“Yung risk, tiwala na lang sa research na ginawa namin. Pinagusapan na namin yan at sinabi namin ‘try naitn.’ No regrets kami and at least may matututo kami.”
Building and Investing for a Future
Benthings shared how becoming a pro player can open up opportunities to earn more. Besides from competing professionally, pros can also earn through content creation, livestreaming, and collaboration with brands. “Ine-encourage ko sila na gumawa ng ibang bagay na pwedeng pagkakitaan, tulad ng paggawa ng content at pag-stream, para din makilala sila sa possible na brand partners.”
He also had his fair share of financial challenges when starting as a pro player. But he knew he had to prioritize saving money despite expenses piling up. In 2017, he bought his brother a jeepney to earn more and build his savings. “Binilhan ko yung kuya ko ng jeep. Nag-invest ako sa kanya at dahil don, unti-unti akong nakaipon.”
“Dati, walang napupuntahan yung pera ko. Na-realize ko na, hindi pwedeng sasahod ako tapos mapupunta lang lahat sa gastos.” Since then, Benthings was able to save money through banking, until he invested in business. He confessed that saving his money through having a savings account helped him track expenses and monitor earnings.
However, there are still those who find financial management difficult. “Yung mga naging ka-team ko noon, nagkaroon talaga sila ng struggles. Halimbawa, yung se-swelduhin nila, nakapila na sa mga bayarin at utang. Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila noon na kapag pro player ka, hindi mo masu-sustain 100% yung buhay kung yun lang yung source ng income. Lalo na kung wala gumagabay sayo sa pag-manage ng pera.”
Financial Literacy is Key
The MPL PH has always been pushing for financial literacy and education among the MLBB esports community. Its partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Inc., came at a perfect time as both aim to bring banking tools closer to the community in order to help them create informed financial decisions.
“At MPL Philippines, we strongly believe in the importance of financial literacy and education. It is a key area of focus, and we believe it is crucial to spread the knowledge of how to manage their money at a young age. Most of our pro-players have various streams of income, but we want to emphasize the importance of making smart monetary decisions,” said Lee Viloria, PH Esports Head of Business Development and Partnerships.
“We thank BPI for bringing banking closer to the gaming community. We share the same goal with them in pushing for financial solutions that encourage our gamers to save up and make a habit of saving,” Lee added.
“At BPI, we believe that financial empowerment should start early, especially in fast-growing communities like esports and gaming. Stories like Benthings’ show how financial education can transform lives, create new opportunities, and unlock long-term success. Through our partnership with MPL Philippines, we aim to bring banking closer to a new generation and market of Filipinos, helping them save, invest, and build a future beyond the game. When the youth is equipped with the right tools and mindset, they can truly Do More—not just in their careers, but in life,” said Ginbee Go, Head of Consumer Banking at BPI.
Banner photo from Benthings and MOONTON Games.