By: Arjohn Roxas
Having proven themselves as both defending MPL champions and reigning MSC 2025 titleholders, Team Liquid Philippines continues to dominate Season 16 with a top-two standing. But for veteran roamer Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, this run still isn’t his best yet.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Jaypee acknowledged his solid performance this season but pointed back to his first stint as a roamer, when an 11-game win streak left a mark that, for him, rivals his current form.
“Hindi ko masasabi na ngayon yung pinaka magandang season ko kasi nung Season 12 ata yun nung nag-win streak kami, parang maganda rin kasi yung laro ko nun tas nag-win streak kami ng 11 ata. Ngayon maganda naman, pwede na. Hindi ko lang masabi na ngayon yung pinakamagandang season ko,” Jaypee admitted.
Switching roles was never meant to be easy. Jaypee’s adjustments and continuous eagerness to improve have fueled his transition.
“Siguro sa una kasi nahirapan talaga ako pagka switch ko (ng role), marami akong kailangan matutunan sa mga roamer. Siguro sa experience ko nakuha yung mga diskarte kung pano laruin yung role talaga,” he shared.
The veteran credited his growth to studying other roamers across different teams and regions, picking up strategies that helped him refine his own playstyle.
“Malaking tulong yun (panonood ng laro ng ibang roamer) kase iba iba yung ginagawa ng mga roamers sa ibat ibang teams and regions so maaapply mo yun sa playstyle mo and mapapaganda mo,” he explained.
When asked how his current playstyle differs from before, Jaypee kept it concise: “Siguro mas calculated yung galaw.”
After securing the league’s second playoff spot, Jaypee has already set his eyes on two matchups that continue to fuel his motivation.
“Aurora or ONIC kasi wala pa kaming bawi sa kanila ngayon regular season,” he said.
