By: Jerod Orcullo
In their match against TNC Pro Team, Kyle Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel etched his name in MPL Philippines history by becoming the first player to reach 3,000 assists. This milestone adds yet another accolade to the decorated career of Team Falcons’ steady mid-laner.
Pheww’s composed presence on the battlefield guided Team Falcons to a convincing 2-0 sweep, extending their winning streak to four games. Their next challenge awaits on March 22, when they face their former franchise, AP.Bren, at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati at 7:30 p.m.
Despite achieving this impressive feat, the “Idol ng mga Kids” emphasized in an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times that he prioritizes team success over personal milestones.
“Mas focus ako sa team success, kasi para sa’kin ano eh, dadating naman yung awards eh kung magpe-perform ka ng maayos. Kasi kung sarili lang iniisip mo, may possible na mag-cause siya ng loss sa team,” Pheww shared.
The seasoned mid-laner has had quite a journey in his MPL PH career, starting out with Cignal Ultra as a Gold Laner alongside David Charles “FlapTzy” Canon, who played in the EXP Lane. Throughout his stints with Cignal Ultra and AP.Bren (formerly Bren Esports), one title has remained elusive: the MSC trophy.
“Hope ko na ma-achieve ko pa sa career ko, siguro magkaroon ng MSC na [championship], kasi dalawang beses na ko second place sa MSC eh, tapos ‘di ko talaga siya makuha kaya ngayon talaga gustong-gusto ko siya makuha, yung MSC,” he revealed.
His most recent attempt at the coveted title came last year when Pheww, then playing for Falcons AP.Bren, fell short in a hard-fought seven-game series against Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants in the MSC 2024 Finals, losing 3-4.
(C) MPL PH
With Team Falcons’ strong showing this season, Pheww may finally get another chance at securing the elusive MSC title in this year’s Mid Season Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Having spent years in the pro scene, Pheww admitted that there was a point when he considered stepping away from competitive play, particularly after back-to-back disappointing seasons with Bren Esports in Seasons 8 and 9. Both campaigns ended with identical 5-9 records, leaving them outside the playoff picture in 7th and 8th place, respectively.
“Syempre, minsan iniisip ko na magpahinga eh, lalo na nung time na laglag kami, Season 8 and Season 9, dalawang sunod na beses akong ‘di nakapag-playoffs. Tapos iniisip ko magpahinga muna pero feeling ko mas magiging pangit yung impact sa’kin kapag nagpahinga pa ‘ko eh kaya tinuloy ko na,” Pheww recalled.
Despite those tough moments, Pheww credited his friends, family, and spouse for encouraging him to push through and continue his career.
So, what lies ahead for Kyle Angelo Arcangel if he finally claims the MSC title? Will retirement be an option?
According to Pheww, he has no immediate plans to step away from competition, explaining that his motivation remains rooted in his teammates and their shared passion for the game.
“Pag nakuha ko yung MSC, siguro gusto ko pa din maglaro. Hangga’t kaya ko pa maglaro, hangga’t naniniwala pa yung teammates ko sa’kin, gusto ko magtuloy. Kasi para sa’kin ganun din naman yung goal nila eh. Kahit makuha namin yung MSC, ganun din goal nila eh. Gusto ko sila samahan pa rin,” Pheww affirmed.
