Faces both old and new are coming together to take over the MPL.
RSG Philippines is looking revitalized and is ready to make a deep run in the MPL PH S13. After a rollercoaster end to their season last year, RSG wants another shot at the MPL PH trophy.
At first it looked uncertain for the team when key players such as John “Irrad” Abarquez left for international opportunities. Coach Brian “Panda” Chang-rok was initially upset with not being able to keep last season’s roster, but he wishes nothing but the best for his former players. “I hope they adjust well and they use this opportunity wisely. It’s a golden moment for them. For the new players, I will do my best to make them better, to really make them not regret joining RSG.”
Ironically, his new players involve old faces. Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto and Clarense “Kousei” Camilo have returned to their old home in RSG after a stint with international teams. Demonkite is looking especially invigorated to play after his outstanding performance in last year’s ONE Esports MPL Invitational. That’s in large part due to his excitement to play in a Philippine team once again.
“After yung experience ko sa Malaysia, naalam ko yung worth ng country na pinaglalaruan ko. Mas na-feel ko na deserve ko maglaro dito sa Pinas. Kasi iba yung passion sa laro yung ibang countries, unlike sa Pilipinas,” said Demonkite. “Yung naranasan ko dito sa Pilipinas, halos lahat ng mga teams parang workaholic. Gina-grind talaga nila para lumakas sila.”
Kousei shared similar reasons on why he decided to return. “Language barrier, una sa lahat. Namiss ko talaga yung pagco-communicate gamit ng Tagalog. And same din kay Demonkite, feel ko na mas deserve ko maglaro sa Pilipinas pagdating sa passion sa laro. Iba talaga sa Pinas. Ranked lang sobrang lakas, sobrang competitive.”
Money and Motivation
It’s an open secret that many international teams have been looking to get Filipino imports to buff up their own rosters. These international teams often offer larger salaries than local teams, in some cases it’s double or more. Yet there are players who still decide to stay or maybe even go back to the Philippines. Demonkite was no stranger to those offers but he decided to return to RSG because “mas pinili ko yung love at passion ko sa game over money.”
“Of course I’m grateful,” says coach Panda on his player choosing to stay despite getting better offers overseas. “We have a good roster this season. I know I said this last season but this time we’ll really be stronger than last season.”
Of course, money is still a motivator for RSG Philippines as the MPL PH S13 is a stepping stone to MSC 2024 and its three million USD prize pool. When asked about this, coach Panda simply said “it brings more motivation to the team. And this time I’m not missing any more international tournaments.”
Banner photo by Moonton Games.
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