Filipino players are highly-sought after as imports in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) scene. While they couldn't pass up the chance for a better life, there are still some things that can't be beat at home.
Competing abroad is not a walk in the park. Filipino players--known to be some of the best in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)--are highly sought after as imports in various professional teams, including those in Malaysia and Singapore.
Some of them even found their way in the M6 World Championship in Malaysia, the biggest MLBB stage, representing countries they were not born in.
Without a doubt, these players would often take the chance for better salary opportunities, even if it means leaving the comforts of home.
"I would say oo [nakakatulong ‘yung pagiging import financially], kasi sobrang big difference nung salary sa Pinas kumpara sa pagiging import," says Jaymark "Hadess" Lazaro, a jungler for MPL Singapire's NIP Flash.
Yet, with every decision comes sacrifice. Like any other professional far from home, these gamers yearn for the people, comfort, and culture they have temporarily left behind.
In different interviews with One Sports, Filipino imports from NIP Flash and Selangor Red Giants opened up about what they miss the most from home and the challenges that come with playing abroad.
Language barrier in comms
One of the most immediate answers is the language barrier, which impacts in-game communication. For John John "Innocent" Banal of MPL Malaysia's Selangor Red Giants, playing in an all-Filipino team has a unique dynamic that is hard to replicate overseas.
"Iba pa rin talaga kapag Pinoy kayong lahat, ‘yung kulitan, ‘yung kwentuhan, kung paano kayo mag-comms kasi minsan may comms na sobrang dali lang kapag pareho kayo ng language, pero minsan kasi parang ang haba siya sabihin pag tinranslate mo into English," the gold laner explained.
This sentiment is shared by his EXP laner teammate Mark “Kramm” Rusiana and midlaner Jankurt “KurTzy” Matira from NIP Flash.
“Siguro ‘yung sa in-game, comms; syempre ‘yung Tagalog comms,” they said.
Far from home
Playing abroad comes with the challenge of limited time to visit home. Due to hectic schedules, particularly in a lead-up to major tournaments like the M6 World Championship, these gamers typically have only a few days off each month.
"Siguro ‘yung nakakamiss sa Pinas [ay] ‘yung tuwing day-off, pwede kami umuwi ng sariling bahay namin," Hadess shared.
Kramm backed this sentiment: "Siguro ‘yung family ko tsaka ‘yung girlfriend ko [ang namimiss ko]. Nakakauwi ako every time na may break kami siguro, maximum three days."
Bonding and cultural differences
Another challenge is adjusting to a different culture. Innocent reflected on how Filipino-style bonding is something that he misses.
"Pinaka-namimiss ko ‘yung bonding. Kasi sa PH, iba’t-iba ‘yung bonding nila, after matches, nanonood sila ng movie magkakasama. And ‘yung iba pag may free time, naglalaro ng basketball."
"Magkaiba pa ‘rin talaga kasi pag nasa ibang bansa ka, ibang-iba ‘yung culture nila kaya minsan hindi nagmemeet ‘yung mga hobbies niyo kaya ‘yung ‘yung mahirap na part at nakakamiss," he said.
Culture was also a common theme within these players.
"'Yung mga ginagawa ko sa PH na hindi ko nagagawa dito sa Malaysia. Kumbaga iba ‘yung kultura dito sa Malaysia ‘eh. ‘Yung [mga] nakasanayan ko gawin sa PH, namimiss ko din." Kramm reflected.
KurTzy, meanwhile, misses the support of Filipino fans, "'Yung mga hype ng [Filipino] fans kada team."
After all, when a Philippine team is at the world stage--Filipinos would naturally flock to that squad more.
Filipino food
And of course, no Filipino experience abroad is complete without missing the food. When asked about what players miss as they play overseas, they all mentioned the meals they eat at home.
The price of pursuit
While esports is still fighting for recognition as a legitimate profession in sports circles, these Filipino MLBB players prove that gaming is no mere pastime. They make sacrifices in pursuit of greater opportunities that lead them to leaving the comforts of home.