Edferdz “Ferdz” Fernandez has come a long way — from helping RRQ Kaito build a dynasty in the MDL Philippines, to donning the national colors with SIBOL, and finally arriving at the grandest stage by joining Team Falcons PH.
On Friday, Team Falcons’ prized rookie led the way with an MVP-worthy performance in their closeout victory, completing a 2-0 sweep of Aurora Gaming.
This impressive debut was made possible, in large part, by his memorable stint with the SIBOL national team that competed in the 2024 IESF World Championship.
In an exclusive interview, Ferdz told Tiebreaker Times that his experience with SIBOL gave him the confidence to pursue his MPL dream.
“Experience din po talaga ang kailangan kasi mahirap makatuntong ng MPL kung wala ka talagang experience sa big stage,” he said, explaining why SIBOL was an important step in preparing him for the MLBB’s top-tier league.
After joining SIBOL and performing against some of the world’s best MLBB players, Ferdz realized he had the potential to make it to the big league.
“Dun na po na-boost yung confidence ko na ‘Ay, kaya ko rin pala mag-MPL eh.’ Parang ganun. Kasi po nung last season pa ng MDL, balak ko na talaga mag-MPL pero di pa ako sure sa sarili eh kung kaya ko ba,” recalled Ferdz.
“And then nung nakapag-SIBOL ako, naisip ko na na ita-try ko. Andito na tayo eh. Yun na. Buo na yung loob ko na i-try mag-MPL.”
(C) MPL PH
Adding more pressure to his rookie campaign, Team Falcons PH head coach Robert “Trebor” Sanche informed Ferdz less than a month ago that he would be replacing M5 World Championship MVP David “FlapTzy” Canon in the starting lineup.
However, Ferdz came ready.
“Hindi naman po ako nahirapan sa pag-aadjust. Mas pinressure ko lang yung sarili ko na nagre-review ako lagi. Nakikinig din ako sa feedback ng mga ka-team ko, pati yung coach ko. Tsaka kung ano yung mali sa’kin or kung anong magandang gawin dito,” he explained about the adjustments he had to make upon joining the Falcons.
“Excited po ako kasi ito po talaga yung dream ko. Sobrang saya manalo or maraming matututunan pag natalo.”
Instead of becoming rivals with FlapTzy, the two developed a strong chemistry, with the latter serving as the team’s mood maker and making it easier for Ferdz to transition into the squad.
“Si Flap, nakakapagpagaan po siya ng loob, lalo na kapag scrim namin. Siya po yung nagbibigay ng energy namin. Like bago po kami pumunta dito, sobrang saya namin dahil sa kanya,” revealed Ferdz.
