National University has been making waves in the collegiate esports scene, highlighted by a silver-medal finish in the UAAP Season 87 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament.
At the heart of their rise is rookie jungler Johann Estacio, who made headlines after turning down an offer from an MDL team to chase glory with the Bulldogs.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Estacio revealed that he opted to stay in the collegiate scene despite receiving a tempting offer from the professional ranks. For the 18-year-old standout, it was a decision rooted in long-term growth and academic priorities.
“Mas importante pa rin po kasi sakin yung pag-aaral.
“Ngayon kasi marami na ring mga collegiate tournaments tulad nitong UAAP na pwedeng pagsabayin yung pag-aaral tsaka yung sa career mo,” Estacio shared, emphasizing the importance of education and earning a degree.
Estacio began his college journey at NU Dasmariñas during the first term before transferring to the Manila campus in the second term, following his successful tryout with the Bulldogs in October of last year.
Ahead of the MDL Philippines Season 5, a team vying for a slot through the qualifiers approached Estacio and offered him a position on their roster. While it was a big opportunity, Estacio chose to seek advice before making a final decision.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Una po kasi akong nakuha ng NU tsaka ako na-offeran nung MDL team. Kay coach (Balanquit) ako nag-consult kung ano mas magandang kunin. Personally ako po, mas gusto ko talaga mag-aral kasi syempre mahalaga po talaga yung pag-aaral,” he recalled.
“Ayun po yung naging deciding factor ko, yung scholarship. Kasi kung wala yung scholarship baka nag-MDL ako.”
Faced with a difficult choice, Estacio weighed the pros and cons. In the end, he stayed with NU, citing the long-term benefits that came with being a student-athlete in the UAAP.
“Mas kailangan ko po yung mga benefits na binigay ng NU tulad nung scholarship kesa po yung sa MDL. Parang hindi po kasi worth it yung offer ng MDL kesa sa UAAP,” he explained.
“Sa UAAP kasi mapapakinabangan ko po yung mga benefits.”
And looking back, Estacio has no regrets.
Not only did he help lead NU to a silver finish in the UAAP, but he also played a key role in securing the championship in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Campus Series (MCS).
Now, Estacio and the Bulldogs are set to represent the Philippines in Jakarta, Indonesia, where they will go head-to-head against top collegiate teams from across Southeast Asia.
