As Team Liquid PH (TLPH) finally won the elusive MSC title at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, the Philippines once again made a strong impression in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) scene. Three years after RSG PH’s victory in 2022, it was a long-awaited victory and the deciding moment that made Liquid the first organization from a single nation to win all of the major MLBB trophies.
However, the path behind the spotlight has never been simple, as TLPH manager Mitch Liwanag reminded everyone.
“Hindi madali buhay behind the esports scene.”
In an exclusive interview, Mitch talked candidly about the hardships, sacrifices, and faith-testing she and her team had to do to achieve greatness.
Taking the First Step
In the Philippines, esport is still relatively new, and not everyone is aware of its potential as a career. Before acceptance and success, many players’ stories—including Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya’s—are replete with doubt and skepticism.
Liwanag compared their journey to the struggles faced by countless athletes before them.
“Kahit hindi nila maintindihan yung laro, ang importante masaya yung mga anak nila sa pangarap na gusto nila maging successful as an esports player,” she shared.
Her own journey wasn’t any different. It was initially difficult for her family to accept that Mitch, who comes from a hospitality background, had abandoned a secure job and a good salary to follow her passion in esport.
“Sobrang layo kase ng career ko sa hospitality industry versus esports. Ang stable ng job ko pero nirisk ko kasi gusto ko mag-focus sa esports. Sa laki ng sahod ko noon hindi matanggap ng family ko ipagpapalit ko yun sa passion ko.”
Fortunately, her family’s eventual support made all the difference.
“Sinigurado ng mama ko na maintindihan ng family ko kung ano pinasok ko. Kung mag-fail man or maging success, ang importante nandyan sila lage sa tabi ko. Sinugal namin kase eto pangarap namin.”
The Grind Behind the Glory
Every trophy for TLPH is the result of restless nights, lessons learned from setbacks, and unwavering commitment in one of the world’s most competitive esports regions.
“Sobrang hirap manalo sa Pinas pero sobrang worth it. Kaya ganito kame ka-dedicated kasi sobrang competitive ng scene sa PH. Papasok ka sa butas ng karayom.”
Still, representing the Philippines on the world stage makes the grind worthwhile.
“Ang sarap irepresent ng PH dahil talagang pinaglaban ng team yung slot nila to represent PH.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Mitch is aware that their tale goes beyond mere accolades. It’s about clearing the path for aspiring esports players of the future.
“Alam kong marami din gusto makarating sa position ng team ko. Baka one day etong nagbabasa ng sagot ko, makakasama ko sila makipag-compete din katulad ng team ko right now.”
However, she also serves as a reminder that esport success entails sacrifice, pressure, and difficulties that are frequently overlooked.
“May iba’t-ibang kwento at kulay ang buhay ng bawat player. The pressure and competition para lang makarating saan man sila ngayon? It’s an eye-opener din na hindi madali buhay behind the scene.”
Chasing Greatness, Together
The path to success for Team Liquid PH and Mitch Liwanag has been paved with faith, risk-taking, and the bravery to dream bigger than most people would have imagined. Their triumph in MSC 2025 is not only a victory for the team; it is also a milestone for Philippine esports, a testament to tenacity, and a ray of hope for other players who dare to follow in their footsteps.
Because, as Mitch reminds us, nothing in esport or life is simple, but everything is achievable with drive and determination.
