Pandora’s work takes place behind the scene but that doesn’t make him less valuable as a member of the team.
Many fans are already quite familiar with Falcons AP.Bren’s starting five but no matter where they go they always have Vincent “Pandora” Unigo with them. Calm and dependable, Pandora has been with the team through their ups and downs. In fact, he even joined Falcons AP.Bren back when they were the worst team in the MPL.
“Yung [Falcons AP.Bren] ay isa sa pinaka-gusto kong orgs nung dati pa. Ang ganda ng former HQ nila, tapos sila yung champions ng M2,” said Pandora.
He was initially brought in by David “FlapTzy” Canon and even though he joined them at their lowest, Pandora felt that he had something to offer the team. “Na-feel ko na kaya ko tulungin yung record nila or tulungin sila mag-champion. Yun talaga yung naging goal ko sa sarili.”
Pandora did get his time to shine back in season 10 when he was in Falcons AP.Bren’s starting lineup. To him, this is where some of his fondest moments with the team come from.
“Rebuilding pa rin kami nun. Nananalo kami pero dami pa rin nagdo-doubt samin kaya sobrang saya maglaro nung season 10. Yun yung paangat na yung [Falcons AP.Bren]. Yun din saan nakompleto yung final six.”
The Unseen Hero
Eventually, it would be FlapTzy who would take the spot of Falcons AP.Bren’s starting EXP Laner. From season 11 onwards, Pandora has been the team’s one and only sixth man. He’s been with them since they started traveling across the world, winning tournaments and establishing their names.
While he may not be playing the games directly, his contributions to the team go beyond what happens in-game. “Tinitingnan ko talaga yung mood ng team. Tumatayong kuya lang din, na maaasahan kung may kailangan sa kahit anong bagay. Madali akong kausap.”
“Nakakatulong din ako sa pag-draft at sa gameplay nila. Isa ako sa nagtatanong at nagbibigay ng opinion sa laro ng team,” continued Pandora. “Feel ko yun yung secret sa [Falcons AP.Bren]. Di kami successful dahil lang sa isang player. Pagdating sa gameplay at draft, isa kaming collaboration. Kami mga anim na players at dalawang coaches, talaga naming pinaguusapan yung strengths at saan nagkukulang yung team.”
There’s no denying that Pandora is a valuable member of Falcons AP.Bren. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s ever entertained the thought of becoming a starting player again, maybe even for a different team. When asked about this, his response was rather inconclusive. “Masaya ako dito,” Pandora said with a smile. “Comfort zone ko na sila.”
Still, there may come a time when Pandora might decide to venture out of his comfort zone. Whatever happens, there’s no doubt that Pandora is a boon to any team, whether that’s in-game or outside it.
Banner photo by Excel Panlaque.