AP Bren Esports’ captain Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel has no plans to stop anytime soon after achieving yet another milestone in his illustrious career in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
The 24-year-old mid laner, fresh off a historic run in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia where he became the first esports player to clinch two gold medals in the regional competition, has now made history in the local scene by becoming the first MPL PH player to participate in all 12 seasons.
“Hangga’t nagtitiwala pa sakin yung mga teammates ko, hanggat kaya ko pang sumabay, maglalaro lang ako,” Pheww told Tiebreaker Times after leading AP Bren Esports to a dominant 2-0 win over ONIC Esports at the Shooting Gallery Studios, Friday.
“Para sakin sobrang saya ko eh kasi Season 1 to Season 12 laging may nagtitiwala sakin eh. Mga players na nagiging kampi ko pati mga coaches ko, nagtitiwala pa rin sila sa akin hanggang ngayon kahit sobrang tagal ko na,” he continued.
“Malaki pa rin yung tiwala nila sakin na kaya ko silang tulungan para mag-champion.”
Last season, only Jeniel “YellyHaze” Bata-anon and Pheww remained from the league’s inaugural season in 2018. However, Minana Esports transitioned YellyHaze into a coaching role in Season 12, making Pheww the last original player from that season.
The two-time MPL PH champion mentioned that his unwavering passion for the game and his desire to provide a better life for his family serve as his motivation to continue in the ever-challenging esports industry.
This drive persists despite the industry’s inclination towards younger players and the often fleeting nature of players’ careers.
“Siguro yung passion ko, mas malalim lang siguro yung passion ko sa paglalaro kasi kahit nagchachampion ako before gusto ko pa rin maglaro nang maglaro,” said Pheww.
“Para sa akin yung mga motivation ko is yung pamilya ko, yung partner ko, gusto ko magkaroon kami ng mas magandang buhay so kung patuloy ako dito, tapos malaki yung nakukuha ko dito, gaganda ng gaganda yung buhay namin,” he added.
Pheww also emphasized that remaining humble after achieving success is the key to extending one’s career, which is what he hopes to be remembered for when he eventually decides to retire from professional gaming.
“Siguro ano, kung mag-champion ‘man kayo, ‘wag agad lalaki yung ulo niyo. Focus pa rin kayo kasi yung mga kakampi niyo gusto pa mag-champion niyan e, nasa player naman na talaga ‘yan eh kung magpapatuloy pa sila,” said the former world champion.
“Kung natatalo ‘man, ‘wag kayo mawawalan ng pagasa kasi maraming team diyan na after three seasons, after four seasons, saka sila magdo-dominate tulad ng V33Wise, kung nag-stop sila nun edi sana hindi sila naging ganito ka-successful.”
