Playing for the national team is a dream come true for these MLBB superstars.
The recently announced SIBOL MLBB men’s team is one of the most star-studded rosters yet, with decorated players holding world championship titles. But getting the opportunity to represent your country in an international competition is a rare honor and can mean so much more for a player.
That’s definitely the case for Team Liquid PH’s Sanford Vinuya and ONIC Philippines’ Grant “Kelra” Pillas. These two have played in numerous international tournaments, and both have won a world championship. Yet for them, being part of the SIBOL MLBB men’s team means they’ve achieved one of their dreams.
The two started their MLBB pro journey when they witnessed the Philippines win their first MLBB gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games. “Sobrang high level ng galawan nila, sobrang inspired ako that time,” said Sanford. “Naging dream ko maging ganun, to the point na sinabi ko ‘sana ako din someday.’”
“Yun talaga isa sa mga inspirations ko,” echoed Kelra. “Nung narining ko si [Manjean Faldas] sumisigaw ng ‘Nepomuceno!’, parang kinilibutan ako kasi gusto ko rin masigaw yung pangalan ko sa ganyang tournament.”
It’s a different level, representing your country on the international stage. Both are world champions yet the gravity of carrying the Philippine flag is not lost to them.
A Long Road Getting Here
Getting a chance to be part of the SIBOL MLBB men’s team is not easy. For every major international event, SIBOL holds an open tournament where the winners will become the pool of players that the national team will be made out of.
For Kelra, he and his teammates have been constantly trying out for SIBOL but have always fallen short. Now that he and ONIC Philippines are the M6 world champions, it seems that he’s finally made it over that hurdle that’s prevented him from joining the national team.
“Siguro ito talaga yung perfect time,” reflects Kelra. He’s certainly at the top of his game but hesitates to call himself the best Gold Laner in the Philippines. “Hindi ko masasabi ito yung peak ko kasi naghahanap pa rin ako ng mas-magandang laro. Pero ito talaga yung perfect time para sa SIBOL.”
Sanford, however, is coming off a two-year ban after he passed up an opportunity to be part of the team in 2023. It may seem harsh, but SIBOL expects everyone who applies to be ready to fully commit to the team. Back then, joining the SIBOL MLBB men’s team meant that Sanford would have to split time with his original team. Sanford chose to pass on the opportunity before, but now he’s not turning away from his second shot.
“Sine-select yung mga players so feel mo talaga na nag-excel ka sa role mo,” said Sanford. “Malaking bagay ito kasi naa-appreciate nila yung laro ko so mas lalo ako motivated to keep going.”
Looking Forward to the Experience
Now that they’re part of the national team, Sanford and Kelra are excited to get to work but are keeping their expectations in check. The core of this year’s SIBOL MLBB men’s team is the 2023 SEA Games gold-medalist roster. That team already has its own synergy established, so they’re not expecting any major changes to that lineup.
“Di ako nage-expect maglalaro agad ako,” said Kelra. “Kumbaga ang pinka-look forward ko is may makatulong ako sa kanila at siyaka may makatulong sila sa akin.”
“Yun talaga yung pinaka-exciting part, yung makalaro ko yung bagong teammates ko,” adds Sanford. “New experience talaga. Tapos ayaw ko rin magpabaya so lalo ako motivated to work with the team.”
Banner photo from SIBOL.