Carrying the lessons they learned from their painful experiences in the past couple of seasons, Ben “Benthings” Maglaque is confident that TNC can make a triumphant return in MPL Philippines Season 12.
For Benthings, Season 12 represents more than just another chapter for TNC. It’s the team’s chance for redemption – an opportunity to demonstrate to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang community that they are more than just known for their Tiktok dances and skits.
“Sobrang confident ako sa lineup namin na [kaya] na mag-playoffs nito,” said Benthings as the team already missed two consecutive trips to the postseason.
While community members ridiculed the team for their non-stop Tiktok content, the 27-year-old former MVP candidate revealed that it has actually helped them strengthen their bond and further build camaraderie – something they lacked in Season 11 – during the offseason.
“Una, nagti-Tiktok na lahat. Sama sama na kaming kakaldag. Then, may mga team building din kami para mas ma-solid yung paglalim ng samahan, pagkakakilala pa ng mas malalim sa isa’t-isa. Yung po siguro yung isa sa mga [ginawa] namin,” said Benthings, who is entering his fourth season as the team’s captain.
“Tapos nung Season 11 naman, hindi agan sumolid yung chemistry as a team. Kaya nahirapan [kami]. Galing kaming 10-man [roster], ngayong 6-man na lang kami kasi hindi naging maganda yung naging experience namin sa 10-man. Maganda siyang experience na nasubukan namin ‘yon, pero hindi [talaga] siya yung swak sa amin,” he added, as former head coach Laurence “Lift” Ruiz utilized a 10-man roster in the previous season.
(C) MPL PH
Beyond building chemistry, the team also worked relentlessly on refining their skills, resulting in a championship in the Juicy Legends Tournament Q2 – arguably one of the largest off-season tournaments locally.
Benthings stated that their significant victory in the offseason tournament undeniably boosted the team’s confidence heading into Season 12. The triumph instilled an unwavering belief within the team that they possess the strength to compete against the league’s best once the MPL PH season commences.
But, true to his role as a leader, Benthings emphasized to his teammates that winning the Juicy Legends is not – and will never be – the ultimate goal for TNC.
“Ayon, awa naman ng Diyos nag-champion din kami sa Juicy Legends,” Benthings said during MPL PH Season 12 media day at the Gama Studios in Makati City.
“Siguro [ito] yung isang magiging susi namin para mas tumaas yung confidence namin na kaya namin basta wala nang magpapabaya, walang makakampante. Hindi [lang] Juicy [Legends] yung target namin kundi MPL champion pa rin talaga,” he added.
Beneath this unwavering determination lies a deep loyalty to his roots. The pride of Cavite City plans to repay the trust of the TNC organization – the same trust that nurtured him since he entered the professional scene – by securing the franchise’s first title in the MPL PH scene.
“Kaya tayo nag-stay para sa TNC kasi kumbaga yung utang na loob ko sa kanila… hindi sya utang na loob kumbaga sila na [kasi] yung kumupkop sakin noong nasa amateur pa lang ako. Sila yung unang nagtiwala,” he said.
“Kaya yung tiwala na yon, panghahawakan na natin ‘yon sa puso natin na, championship, bibigyan ko kayo ng trophy. Magkaka-trophy tayo sama-sama.”
(With reports from Jan Marcus Montevirgen)
