From Gaming to Glory: PH MLBB Stars Recognized by the Senate
PH MLBB – The country’s top MLBB esports athletes were formally honored by lawmakers following their triumphant victories on the international stage.
Filipino esports athletes have received a significant honor after their recent victories in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the M7 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). Their achievements were formally recognized by the Philippine Senate during a special courtesy call, signaling the country’s growing acceptance of esports as a legitimate sport.
Through Senate Resolutions No. 34 and 35, the Senate officially honored Aurora Gaming PH for their championship win at the M7 World Championship in Jakarta. The MLBB SIBOL Men and Women teams, along with the entire Philippine delegation to the SEA Games, were also recognized for their “impressive medal haul.”
According to the Senate, success in esports is no small feat. It requires intense preparation, teamwork, strategic discipline, and mental conditioning, qualities comparable to those demanded in traditional high-performance sports.
Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, highlighted the impact of MLBB on the youth. “Marami na po sa kabataan ngayon ang naglalaro ng MLBB. Isang paraan iyon para ilayo natin sila sa masasamang bisyo. Ang ilan sa kanila ay naging matagumpay hindi lang sa bansa kundi sa international esports scene.”
He further stated, “Bilang chairperson ng committee on youth, ikinatutuwa ko po ito, sapagkat nagbibigay ito ng bagong oportunidad sa ating kabataan, hanggang sa pagbubukas ng career pathways sa esports, content creation, at digital entrepreneurship.”
He said, “Nagbibigay inspirasyon ito sa kabataan na linangin ang kanilang talento, at gamitin ang teknolohiya sa makabuluhang paraan.”
“This victory is not only a triumph for Aurora Gaming PH, but also a reflection of the country’s excellence in MLBB and esports, further strengthening our aspiration for the Philippines to be dubbed the Sports Powerhouse in Asia,” Senator Bong added.
Marlon Marcelo, Executive Director of the Philippine Esports Organization, emphasized the broader impact of this recognition: “The Senate’s recognition of esports as an official part of Philippine sports has paved the way for enhanced infrastructure, improved protection for athletes, and increased investments. Esports is no longer simply a pastime in a computer shop, it has become a source of national pride, with strong government support showcasing what Filipino talent can accomplish on the global stage.”
The rise of esports has also transformed lives. One inspiring example is Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz, who rose from being a street vendor to becoming the head coach of Team Liquid. Under his leadership, the team won the MLBB title at the Esports World Cup, secured gold at the 33rd SEA Games, and captured two MPL Philippines seasons last year.
As Lee Viloria, PH Esports Head of Business Development and Partnerships at MOONTON Games, shared: “Stories like Ar Sy’s reflect a broader reality across the Philippine MLBB esports scene. Many Filipino players and professionals have been able to responsibly support their families, invest in long-term stability, or start small businesses through their careers, not because of luck, but because of structured development pathways, discipline, and years of commitment.”
The continued growth of esports in the Philippines demonstrates how competitive gaming can serve as a positive pathway for the youth and an enduring source of inspiration for the next generation of Filipino athletes.
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