With fans and supporters behind them, the national team is looking to keep the Philippines in the lead for esports.
The 33rd SEA Games are in full swing and the Philippines’ national team for esports, Sibol, is ready to go with the fans behind their backs. In their sendoff party last Tuesday, they emphasized the importance of the ‘6th Man.’ These are the friends, family, and fans whose support they’ll be carrying with them as they compete in Thailand.
MLBB Men’s will start first for esports in the 33rd SEA Games on December 13. The team is comprised mostly from the MPL PH S16 champions, namely 2019 SEA Games Gold Medalist Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, 2022 IESF Silver Medalist Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, Sanford Vinuya, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, and Jaypee Dela Cruz. Joining them are Carlo “Caloy” Roma and coaches Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz and Archie “Tictac” Reyes.
MLBB Women’s starts on December 14 with our veterans from last SEA Games looking to get the gold. They are Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto, Rica “Amoree” Amores, Gwyneth “Ayanami” Diagon, Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, Mery “Meraaay” Vivero, Clarisse “CLA” Cordova, with coach Salman “KingSalman” Macarambon.
Last but not least is Arena of Valor on December 18. Closing out the 33rd SEA Games esports event will be our hopefuls Harold Cabaguing, Jovani Ejercito, Michael Carlo Gonzaga, John Fernand Mariño, and Argie Odtuhan.
All esports events will be held at the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
Together with Sibol as “Ka-6th Man”
“Ikaw na nanonood, kayo po ang official na 6th man ng Team Sibol,” said Sibol Correspondent Manjean Faldas. “Alam naman natin, pagdating sa sports, kapag ikaw ay ang tinawag na 6th man, usually ito yung support sa likod. Tayo [as audience], parang tayo ang nasa bench at sumosoporta. We are representing the 6th man ng Team Sibol. So pag tinawag kang 6th man, parte ka ng Team Sibol. Fans, family, everyone that supports Team Sibol is Ka-6th man. Lahat part ng team.”
To our MLBB Men’s team in particular, the pressure is fierce as the Philippines are three-peat gold medalists. Expectations are high but whatever happens, all the teams know that the Philippines is supporting them all the way.
“To our athletes, you carry the Philippine flag representing not just your own dreams but also representing the dreams of those who look up to you,” said Business Development Head and Partnership Lead for Moonton Games Lee Viloria. “Yung mga umi-idolo sa inyo, yung gusto maging tulad niyo in the future. Remember that you’re not just playing a game, but telling a story of what we can achieve if we work with discipline, humility, and purpose. Trust your preparations, play with passion and confidence, and raise our flag with pride.”
Banner photo from Sibol.