The prodigal son has finally returned, and he’s relishing every moment of it.
Jaylord “Hatred” Gonzales, once part of the dissolved Onic Philippines Season 9 roster that triggered the exodus of Filipino players to foreign professional leagues, is back on home turf.
His journey took him through a forgettable stint with Team SMG, where he gradually lost his spot in the starting roster during MPL Malaysia Season 10, finishing 7th to 8th.
He then wrapped up his international campaign with Impunity KH, who finished in the bottom half in both seasons of MPL Cambodia in 2023.
Back where he earned his reputation as one of the country’s best midlaners, Hatred is ecstatic.
Not even a stinging 2-0 sweep at the hands of Minana EVOS can dampen his spirits.
When asked about the difference between TNC and his previous international teams, he joked, “Yung comms, Tagalog na ulit. Di na ko mahihirapan mag-English.”
On a serious note, Hatred expressed fulfillment in returning to the league he considers the toughest in the world.
“Masaya ako na nakabalik ako sa Pinas kasi mas maganda yung competition. Mas angat kaysa sa ibang bansa kaya masaya ako na andito ako ulit nakikipaglaban sa kanila,” he said.
Although his return to action in the MPL Philippines didn’t result in victory, Hatred believes in TNC’s potential, drawing from the team’s experience. Most importantly, he feels at home.
“Yung play style ko, swak sa team. Parang magkasundo talaga kami eh. Yun yung masaya sa laro talaga eh, yung magkasundo ka,” he explained.
“Kaya talaga namin mag-champion kasi nabubuo na kami as a team eh. Alam namin yung goal namin tas yung chemistry andun naman na. Kelangan lang talaga yung tamang execution tsaka wag makalimutan yung mga steps na natutunan namin sa scrim,” he added.
Perhaps Hatred has glimpsed his former Onic PH days, which secured second place in the M3 World Championship in Singapore.
With Hatred onboard, TNC will undoubtedly be a team to watch out for this season.
