After a one-season hiatus that provided him with a fresh perspective on the game, Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog is making his comeback with Omega Esports, this time infused with a renewed sense of maturity.
Following Season 10’s disappointing outcome for the Smart-sponsored team, Ch4knu made the decision to step away from the competitive scene during Season 11 in order to take a break.
“Balak ko lang talaga mag-pahinga tapos babalik na next season. Pahinga lang talaga,” said Ch4knu, who has been playing non-stop since Season 4.
“Nung [nag-break ako] nasa bahay lang ako, lagi lang akong nag-iisip. Kumbaga, naisip ko nga yung mga sinabi nila,” he added.
This much-needed break allowed the MPL PH Season 6 Mythical Team member to divert his attention towards other facets of the game. According to team captain Patrick “E2max” Caidic, this was quite evident when the star roamer finally rejoined practice.
E2max mentioned that Ch4knu, whose work ethic and dedication had often been questioned, now comprehends the need to invest additional effort and concentrate on the task at hand in order for Omega Esports to finally reach the pinnacle of the MPL PH.
“Yung maturity talaga. Before kasi ano e, may pagka-isip bata pa. So may times na mahirap siyang ano katrabaho minsan. Ngayon nagfo-focus na siya sa mga kailangan niyang gawin, madali na siya makinig, madali ng maturuan,” said E2max.
“Kumbaga, tinatanggap na niya ng buo na kailangan niyang mag-extra effort para mapunta kami doon sa spot na nasa taas ulit kami. Naiisip na niya yung mga ganung bagay,” he added.
Omega Esports star Duane “Kelra” Pillas echoed Ch4knu’s progress, elaborating on the transformation in working with the 21-year-old roamer then versus now.
“Sakin ganun din. Nag-mature siya nang sobra. Kasi dati kapag sinasabihan mo laging sumasagot. Mahirap talaga sabihan. Pero ngayon kita naman sa kanya yung mga pagbabago saka mas pinagiigihan niya na mag-trabaho,” said the ex-MSC MVP.
