Rex Pillas, father of Duane "Kelra" Pillas, couldn't be prouder of his son's rise to MLBB stardom—all while keeping his humility after all the success he's had on the international stage.
From playing Mobile Legends on a small screen to becoming one of the most electrifying gold laners in the world, Duane "Kelra" Pillas has carved out a name for himself as a true force in professional esports.
Now a key player for ONIC PH and the reigning Esports Pro Mobile Athlete of the Year, Kelra’s journey is a story of talent, perseverance, and growth on and off the battlefield.
But behind his meteoric rise is a quiet but constant source of strength: his father, Rex Pillas.
In an exclusive interview with GG Network, Rex opened up about how he went from being a hesitant parent to Kelra’s biggest supporter, sharing the struggles, sacrifices, and standout moments that shaped their father-son journey in the world of esports.
“Siyempre bilang magulang, gusto mo makatapos ng pag-aaral mga anak mo,” Rex admitted.
Like many parents, he was initially unsure about Kelra’s dedication to gaming. But as he watched his son pour himself into the sport, everything changed.
“Noong una, hindi ko talaga suportado. Pero noong nakita ko na gusto talaga niya, at masaya siya sa paglalaro ng ML, sinuportahan ko na.”
That decision became the turning point, as Kelra soon rose through the ranks, representing the Philippines on global stages and proving that esports could be more than just a hobby — it could be a career.
“Ngayong kilala na siya, pati sa ibang bansa, bitbit ang watawat ng Pilipinas — sobrang proud ako.”
Despite Kelra’s success, one of the most emotional moments for Rex came long before his son turned pro.
“Isa sa tumatak talaga sa akin... noong hindi pa siya pro, nanalo sila. Nag-iwan siya ng 300 pesos sa bahay, may kasamang sulat. Naiyak talaga ako.”
Kelra’s rise hasn’t just brought glory — it’s brought tangible help to his family. From buying a motorcycle and renovating their home to supporting his siblings and cousins, Kelra’s earnings have become a pillar for their household.
“Pag may kailangang bayaran o bilhin, madali siyang hingian,” Rex shared.
While fans cheer for Kelra’s highlight plays, his father takes pride in something deeper: personal growth.
“Pinaka proud ako sa ugali niya ngayon,” said Rex. “Layo na sa rookie season niya. Alam mo naman siguro ‘yung mga pinagdaanan—trashtalker, di nag-iisip ng sasabihin kasi menor pa.”
Now, with more experience and maturity, Kelra has not only improved as a player but as a person, and to his father, that’s the biggest win.
As a housekeeping supervisor at a hospital in Muntinlupa, Rex continues to juggle work with his role as a guiding voice for his son.
“Pag nagkakaproblema siya, minsan 'di ako nakakapasok sa trabaho. Stress din, apektado syempre,” he shared.
Still, he offers simple but steady advice, especially during rough patches:
“Ganoon talaga, may natatalo, may nananalo. Bawi na lang next game. Basta bigay lang best kada laro.”
Through every tournament, every criticism, every victory, Rex remains a proud father, not just to a rising esports icon but to a son who has stayed grounded through it all.
“Masaya ako, Proud ako. Hindi lang dahil sa galing niya sa laro, kundi dahil sa taong naging siya.”
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digita/GG Network)