While MPL championships and international accolades are often considered the pinnacle of a professional MLBB player’s career, for Duane “Kelra” Pillas, being chosen to represent the Philippines as part of the national team ranks above all else.
“Para sakin Top 1 eh. Ibang achievement kasi talaga yung mapasama ka sa national team ng Pilipinas,” said Kelra when asked where he ranks his inclusion in the Sibol national team among his many professional achievements.
Already a staple in the MLBB G.O.A.T. conversation —boasting numerous accolades including Finals MVP honors in the MPL Philippines, MSC, and M-Series — Kelra finally realized a long-time dream: donning the national colors.
He vividly remembers how surreal it felt when he first heard casters shout Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno’s surname during the inaugural MLBB event at the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
“Simula nung nag-ML pa lang ako, gusto ko na mapasama sa Sibol. Yun yung time na napanood ko yung kila Karl. Kasi sinisigaw yung Nepomuceno. Gusto ko rin kasi masigaw yung apelyido ko,” Kelra shared, recalling how he once imagined what it would feel like to hear his own name called on the international stage.
(C) MPL PH
Although he feels a tinge of sadness for being the only player from ONIC Philippines selected for the national team, he treasures this moment, knowing that it’s the fulfillment of a dream he held onto since he was just fourteen years old.
“Malungkot kasi nga gusto ko sila (ONIC) ang kasama, pero masaya kasi after ilang years ng paglalaro ko ng ML, isa rin ‘to sa pangarap ko — yung marepresenta ang Pilipinas,” he said.
Now that the dream is real, Kelra sets his sights on the ultimate goal: winning it all for the country.
“Nilu-look forward ko yung gold medal. Ayun naman talaga yung pinaka-goal sa Sibol eh. Tapos yung magkapasahan kami ng idea ng Falcons saka Team Liquid,” he shared, already anticipating the competition and collaboration with other top-tier international teams.
“Lalo akong ginaganahan kasi since pinili nga nila ako, ibig sabihin yung laro ko is okay talaga. Kaya parang ginaganahan ako maglaro lalo na sa MPL,” he added, noting how the national team selection has reignited his passion.
With renewed motivation and pride, the Kelra-led ONIC Philippines looks poised to make a serious run at a back-to-back MPL Philippines title, fueled by one player’s dream that has now become his reality.
