Light has some critical things to say both about himself and his experience overseas.
After taking one season away from home, Aurora’s Light is back in time for MPL Philippines S16, along with a new perspective.
Dylan “Light” Catipon was regarded as one of the stronger Roamers in the Philippines back in his time with RSG. Since moving to Indonesia’s Bigetron Esports, however, he’s mostly been out of sight until the latter part of the season. Their early exit in the playoffs was a lackluster end to their season, and Light is rather critical about the environment he experienced while working in Indonesia.
“Sobrang layo ng disiplina ng mga Pilipino,” said Aurora’s Light. This sentiment is something echoed by many Pinoy players who’ve come back home after playing overseas. From a lack of proper structure, commitment, or just plainly not taking the game as seriously as we do, this is a common complaint of many of our imported players.
“Kung ganun na yung culture, kailangan talaga respetuhin nila yung susundin nila para makabago sila.”
Yet despite their lack of discipline, Indonesia remains our closest rivals in MLBB esports. So what is it that makes them so strong?
“Nag-aaral din sila tuald ng pag-aaral dito sa Pinas,” explains Aurora’s Light. “Tapos sa mga naka-aangat, kitang-kita naman natin na may magaling na head coach. Yung mga teams na nasa bottom, wala silang foundation. Kailangan talaga may makapagturo.”
Light points out RRQ Hoshi as an example, as they’ve had exceptionally strong showings in the past few seasons. He believes that a strong leader who can properly guide a team is necessary for any team to find success.
Growing into the Role
Light is also not directing those criticisms just at his team. He also admits that he couldn’t be the leader that the team needed to bring the team together.
Of course, Light has no prior experience as a leader in his previous teams, so he’s been forced out of his comfort zone. It’s a big responsibility to put on someone’s shoulders. Add to that the difficulty of a language barrier, and it becomes an impossible task, but he still felt that he could have done a better job.
“Before naman inaamin ko na hindi yun yung role ko. More on support talaga ako,” said Aurora’s Light. “Pero ngayon, nung naranasan ko sa BTR maging leader, nagampanan ko kahit papaano yung role. So ayun, since nagampanan ko yung role kahit hindi Pilipino yung kasama ko, excited and ready ako mag-grow dito.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.