By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Blacklist International is finding their groove in the latter part of MPL Philippines Season 14’s regular season, securing their second consecutive win against RSG Philippines on Saturday.
This victory has pushed the Tier One-backed squad up in the standings, now sitting in 6th place with a 3-8 record.
However, for Kiel “OHEB” Soriano, the team’s playoff spot is no longer the priority. Instead, he’s focused on seeing the improvement of the team in their remaining matches.
“Sa tagal ko dito, hindi na rin ako nakatingin sa kung makakapasok ba kami or hindi sa playoffs eh. Parang yung number one na gusto kong makita sa team is makita ko talaga yung improvement namin tsaka makitang kaya namin makasabay sa lahat ng teams,” OHEB shared during the post-match interview.
For OHEB, the goal is not just about making the playoffs but proving the potential of their new lineup.
“Kumbaga, parang hindi ito binuo yung lineup na ‘to para sa wala lang. Gusto ko i-prove sa sarili ko tsaka sa team ko na kahit sinong team yung kalaban namin sa MPL kaya naming talunin,” he continued.
The M3 World Championship MVP also expressed his desire to prove their doubters wrong, believing that Blacklist International still has what it takes to elevate their performance despite their current standing.
“Para sa akin, sa naging esports run ko, personally, parang hindi pa ako ganon ka-kontento. Parang may konti pa akong gustong ma-reach. Gusto ko pa ring ma-prove, hindi lang sa akin, sa Blacklist ren na gusto ko pang marinig yung pangalan ng Blacklist na mag-champion ulit na kasama ako,” OHEB said.
He acknowledged the doubts surrounding Blacklist, both locally and internationally, but remains determined to restore their former glory.
“Gusto ko i-prove sa lahat ng tao na malakas pa ang Blacklist kasi lahat ng tao ngayon dina-doubt Blacklist eh, mapa-international or local dito, parang lahat ang daming doubts sa Blacklist. Parang gusto ko ulit marinig yung pangalan ng Blacklist na nasa taas,” OHEB added.
While regaining the title of MPL champions is a driving force, OHEB emphasized that silencing their doubters is not his main motivation.
For him, the real goal is to uphold the name of Blacklist International and avoid tarnishing their reputation in the tournament.
“Personally, hindi eh. Parang sa mga doubters and haters namin, parang hindi ako masyadong, hindi talaga ako naa-apektuhan kahit anong sabihin nila. Kase alam ko sa sarili ko kung ano yung pinaghihirapan namin, pinaghihirapan ko tsaka pinaghihirapan ng team para lang ma-improve yung sarili namin sa araw-araw tsaka sa mga laro namin,” OHEB stated.
“Pinipilit talaga namin na ibigay yung best namin para hindi mapahiya yung pangalan ng Blacklist,” he concluded.
