By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Fnatic ONIC Philippines proved to be a true “super family,” boasting the best chemistry among all the teams in MPL Philippines Season 14.
Their bond extended beyond the game, creating a seamless connection inside and outside the competition.
Tying the MPL PH record for the longest win streak with an 11-0 record — matching the achievements of Blacklist International and Team Liquid Philippines (formerly ECHO) in seasons 8 and 12 — Fnatic ONIC’s hunger for victory was palpable.
Their determination was further fueled by the incredible feat they accomplished last Saturday when they defeated Aurora in three games.
But their success didn’t stop there.
The win marked several firsts for the ONIC players: their first time in the upper bracket and their first time advancing past the initial playoff day.
It was a milestone for the team, one that held deep meaning for both the players and the coaching staff.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, head coach Anthony “Ynot” Senedrin shared his thoughts on the achievement, emphasizing that it was about more than just motivation.
“Hindi necessarily yun yung nasa isip ko eh. It’s more of laban lang and fortifying yung confidence ng lahat. As much as possible, sa mga laban namin, yung mga loss, nakikita din namin yung mga gaps namin,” Ynot explained.
“So, it’s more of kanina yung Game 3, making sure na makita ko na yung chance na noong natalo na noong Game 2, yung formulating na kung paano ko ulit mabi-bring yung confidence ng players ko sa draft pa lang.”
The team’s relentless drive was especially evident in K1NGKONG’s approach, as Ynot further elaborated.
“Alam ko naman na kapag nanalo, mas manggigil pa sila eh. Yun nga, parang sa sinabi ni K1NGKONG kanina, hindi pa siya kontento. I think noong after nung Game 3, gusto pa maglaro nyan eh. Kung best-of-five, itutuloy-tuloy pa niyan eh. Kase alam niya yung mga pagkukulang niya noong first two games,” Ynot added.
This chemistry wasn’t something that developed overnight.
After a heartbreaking loss in Season 13, where they fell in a 2-3 nail-biter against Blacklist International, the team spent the off-season building the rapport that became their strongest asset heading into Season 14.
Ynot highlighted this bond, saying, “I think yung chemistry talaga overall. Kase kumbaga, nakikita niyo sila sa stage, yung mga plays na ginagawa nila, kitang-kita na maganda talaga yung cohesion nila sa bawat isa. Apart from that, kahit na outside the game, at this point, alam na ng lahat na naggy-gym sila. May times na si Kirk sumasama, so nakukumpleto sila doon. Pagkain, sa movies, etc. So, they really like each other.
“Walang bias and alam nang bawat isa na if kapag may pagkukulang, upfront sila sa lahat.”
Open communication became a cornerstone of their practice sessions.
Ynot encouraged the players to voice their thoughts freely, even if it meant receiving criticism.
He believed that fostering this kind of transparency would help the team grow.
“Siguro ang pinaka-best doon [na example] ay si Frince. Medyo rekta kase yon si Frince eh. Kapag mga games, sa mga scrims namin, yon din kase yung inin-still ko sa kanila na maging open sa bawat isa. Kumbaga, take everything else regardless kung criticism yung [matatanggap]. Just listen and understand the guy. Everyone has a point,” he shared.
Ynot was mindful of the historical significance of their achievements but kept the team grounded, reminding them that the journey was far from over.
“That being said na umabot kami dito na sinasabi nga ng mga [tao] na making history. But again, still, alam namin ng mga players na it’s not yet done. Yes, history has been made, pero may mas bigger history pa kaming hinahabol eh,” he said.
When asked about the source of their exceptional chemistry, Ynot credited Duanne “Kelra” Pillas for creating the early bonds that shaped the team’s camaraderie.
After welcoming new players Jann “Kirk” Gutierrez, Borris “Brusko” Parro, and Brian “SpiderMilez” Santos, Kelra took the initiative to break down barriers and unite the squad.
Ynot recounted the early days of the off-season, saying, “I think overall, yung enjoyment talaga lang nila sa bawat isa eh. I’ve said it before na bago pa lang sila magsama-sama, tryout phase pa lang… Kumbaga, yung three original players, excited na silang makasama yung iba.”
The bootcamp schedule, originally designed for a gradual integration, quickly changed as Kelra and the others pushed for everyone to join early.
“Ang unang plano sa bootcamp is kami yung unang papasok, yung mga OG from last season. Kumbaga every weekend, every Saturday dapat nandoon na kami [sa bootcamp] tas Monday yung mga bago. Pero yun nga, Friday pa lang, kinukulit na nila [Kelra, K1NGKONG, Super Frince], ‘Hindi sabay na kayo, tara na. Sulitin na natin to’ and it just went from there na simula’t sapul,” Ynot added.
Kelra’s role as a leader went beyond in-game strategy.
He was the glue that brought the team together off the stage as well, breaking down the barriers and creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable.
“Si Kelra, sobrang saludo ako sa kanya kasi I think siya yung pinakanag-lead talaga ng bond ng lahat eh. Siya yung nagtanggal ng barrier sa lahat. Siya pinakanag-hold non. Kase noong una si K1NGKONG medyo tahimik pa. Obviously si Frince ganon din, more on sa game niyo lang kase siya kilala. So parang si Kelra yung nag-start ng mga kulitan na nakapag-loosen up sa lahat. Sobrang na-appreciate namin lahat nang ‘yon,” Ynot concluded.
