By: Arjohn Roxas
From playing under the banner of the University of Perpetual Help Laguna to competing against the world’s best in the MPL Philippines, Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara has come a long way.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Sionnn recalled how his collegiate career began when a coach tapped him to form a team that would represent the university.
That opportunity allowed him to showcase his leadership as he steered the squad during its campaign in the Philippine Collegiate Championship Season 1.
What stayed with him most from that stint was not just the victories, but the discipline that came with balancing academics and esports.
“Hanggang ngayon dala ko pa rin yung disiplina. Yung pag-aaral tsaka paglalaro kailangan mong i-maintain parehas,” he said.
Sionnn carried these lessons as he ventured into the professional ranks, where he faced a whole new challenge.
This time, however, the pressure felt different.
“Sa collegiate mas nakakakaba kasi dala mo yung pride ng school mo. Sa MPL, mas parang nage-enjoy lang ako kasi wala na yung pressure galing sa school,” he shared.
Still, the leap was never easy.
Facing the “big dogs” of the league required both major adjustments and a stronger mindset.
Originally a gold laner, Sionnn eventually found his place as a mid laner after encouragement from coach Jaypee “Right” Lugtu at ONIC x Nine Lives, a club owned by Atty. Carlos P. Garcia.
“Dapat madadala ko yung gold sa MDL kaso sobrang di talaga nag-work. Tapos sabi sakin ni Coach Right na baka mas trip ko raw mag pos4 tas ayun na dumating na sakin yung calling,” he recalled.
His greatest dilemma, however, did not come from the shift in role — it came when he had to choose between pursuing aviation studies or chasing his esports dream in the MDL.
“Nag-take ako ng risk na mag-MDL na lang. After the championship, dapat babalik na ako sa school pero dumating ulit yung opportunity sa MPL, kaya kinuha ko na lang ulit. Nag-risk ulit ako,” he said.
Now one of the first players to rise from the collegiate circuit to the MPL, Sionnn takes pride in paving the way.
“Nakakatuwa kasi hindi ko inexpect sa sarili ko na makakapunta ko rito. Nakikita ko lang dati sarili ko na mag-MDL lang,” he said.
For aspiring collegiate players who dream of making it to the league, Sionnn’s advice is simple yet practical: pursue the dream, but never neglect academics.
“Wag niyo gagayahin yung ginawa ko na mas pinili ko yung MDL kesa sa school. Mas mahalaga pa rin yung pag-aaral,” he quipped.
“Darating din naman yung time na makakapag-pro scene kayo basta pinagsisikapan niyo.”
