By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Aurora’s commanding victory over Blacklist International in their MPL Philippines Season 14 debut was more than just a winning start—it was a milestone for Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse.
Facing his former teammates, Salic “Hadji” Imam and Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, Renejay was filled with anticipation for this long-awaited encounter.
Reflecting on the match, Renejay noted that although Oheb didn’t play, he was eager for the chance to go up against him.
“Kasi si Oheb hindi siya lumaro eh. Pero sobrang excited sana kung si Oheb lumaro. Kumbaga mayroong init din kase eh kase magka-team kami dati. So alam ni Oheb yung weakness ko and alam ko din yung weakness niya,” Renejay he told Tiebreaker Times.
As for Hadji, Renejay commended his former teammate’s performance, but emphasized that Aurora’s chemistry and communication ultimately led them to victory.
“Pero yung kay Hadji, siguro ano, nice game pa din kasi talagang maganda naman yung naipakita niya pero mas maganda yung pinakita ng team namin. Kita naman talaga sa resulta kanina talaga na may mas chemistry kami or mas may comms kami. Tsaka composure kumbaga,” he added.
When asked if Blacklist International’s struggles were due to a lack of chemistry, Renejay suggested that individual performance could also be a factor.
He acknowledged that while his own team showed strong cohesion, he personally felt the need to improve his own gameplay.
Despite being the Aurora’s captain, Renejay admitted that he viewed himself as the weakest link in the lineup.
However, he made sure to compensate by leading the team effectively through accurate shot calls and strong communication. He also promised to continue improving as the season progressed.
“Feeling ko den sa individual den kase eh. Kase ang lakas din talaga ng apat kong ka-team eh. Ako lang yung medyo delikado dito na [hindi] marunong,” said the 21-year-old roamer.
“Kumbaga, bumabawi ako kung paano ko ile-lead sila. About sa shotcall and comms dun talaga ako bumabawi. Pero pagdating sa pindot sakto lang din talaga ako. Aminado naman talaga ako ‘don. Ini-improve ko pa talaga this season.”
