The competition in the MPL PH may be tough, but as the saying goes: steel sharpens steel.
ONIC PH’s Kelra and crew have been challenged heavily in the MPL PH this season, but despite that, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
While ONIC PH ended the first half of MPL PH S16 tied for second, it was quite a tough road. One would think that the reigning M-series world champions would have a more dominant showing, but star Gold Laner Grant “Kelra” Pillas sees this as the norm for MPL PH.
“Napapansin ko talaga sa MPL PH every season pahirap talaga ng pahirap,” said ONIC PH’s Kelra. “Ako, di naman ako nage-expect na lagi kami sa taas. Kumbaga lahat kaya manalo ngayon – yung eighth place team kayang talunin yung first place team. Pahirap ng pahirap yung MPL PH at paganda ng paganda yung laro ng lahat ng mga teams.”
ONIC PH as a whole seems to share this mindset. Even though they’re world champions, they don’t put themselves above the other teams — and it’s not like the other teams would let them get away with it either. ONIC PH has been challenged every step of the way this season, and instead of getting frustrated, they’re actually even more motivated to play their best.
“Hindi kami nakakampante, kahit sa run namin sa season 14. Never namin na-feel yung kampante na ‘bugbog sa amin ito’ o ‘dudurugin namin ito,’” said ONIC PH’s Kelra. “Kaya feeling ko na kailangan namin ipagpatuloy yung mindset na hindi pwede namin maliitan kahit anong team kasi lahat ng teams ay nandito kasi deserve nila yun.”
The Sky Force Maverick
Speaking of things that people deserve, MOONTON Games recently revealed Kelra’s M6 Finals MVP skin. Similar to David “FlapTzy” Canon last year, Kelra is receiving a skin for being the most distinguished player in the M6 grand finals.
For his choice of hero, Kelra chose his signature Marksman Beatrix. From head to toe, she’s emblazoned with ONIC motifs plus a few details from Kelra himself. The name of his child, “Slake” can be seen on the design as well as his unmistakable mullet.
“Sobrang happy ako na ginawa ni MOONTON yung ganito, na may chance yung player magkaroon ng sariling skin,” said ONIC PH’s Kelra with a smile. “Lalong-lalo na linagay nila yung pangalan ng baby ko sa skin. Dun talaga ako natuwa kasi na-approve yung request ko ilagay yung pangalan niya at buhok ko.”
No doubt this will serve as added motivation for him moving forward in the season.
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.