#InspireInclusion: How a new generation of female voices hype up PH’s MLBB pro scene

The Philippines is a country known for being one of the most passionate in terms of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – from the game, to competitive esports, as well as the voices that bring the broadcasts closer to every Filipino’s screen.

As such, both the country’s MLBB Professional League (MPL) and the MLBB Development League (MDL) have had its share of top-tier female talent that echo the very heart and soul of the game to both local and global audiences.

Among them are some of the Philippines’ newest breed of women broadcast talents: Bridgitte “Brigida” Ramos, Rikaexa “Athena” Paloma, and Claudine “Odin” Tayco – all three of which serve as a reminder that women can break the proverbial glass ceiling – and continue to be part of such a huge esports and gaming ecosystem that is literally viewed by the millions.

Fragster.com spoke to all three women via email about how they – as part of a new generation of women esports talents that are sure to leave a lasting mark in the esports scene.

ON BEING GAMERS AND BROADCAST TALENTS

Brigida posing for a photoshoot. (PHOTO COURTESY: FACEBOOK/BRIGIDA)

 

Brigida’s background as a gamer is mostly through Loyola Gaming (LG) – the official campus esports organization of the Ateneo de Manila University, one of the most prestigious and prominent universities in the Philippines. 

But her origin as a gamer is literally beyond her uni’s play, as she’s been playing MLBB since 9th grade.

“I was first exposed to esports and gaming when I began pursuing collegiate esports upon entering college,” Brigida told Fragster. “I was beginning to consider pursuing careers similar to what I’ve been seeing in MPL Philippines, since I also decided to take up AB Communication Arts as my chosen degree,” she says.

She adds, “I’ve been unsure of what to pursue for my career ever since high school, and so discovering esports and the possibility of building a career within this industry came to me like a very timely blessing. I’ve never really considered other possibilities since the moment I discovered this chance.”

And her gamble in calling the action in the Land of Dawn seems to have paid off. Even before she finishes her university degree – Brigida has made her mark in the local MLBB scene as an esports broadcaster. A part of the inaugural MPL Philippines Caster Search in 2021, Brigida went on to become part of the first two seasons of MDL Philippines.

It is in MDL Philippines where she became more prominent and noticed not just by the fans but also by teams and by MOONTON, as she won back-to-back Best Talent Awards for MDL PH Season 1 and MDL PH Season 2.

After two seasons – she now moves on full-time to the main pro stage of MPL Philippines – joining the ranks of pioneer female casters in the MPL Philippines desk such as Em “Kaisaya” Dangla (Seasons 1-6), Yuuko “Yuuko” Ishikawa (Seasons 2 and 4), and Chantelle “Chantelle” Hernandez (Seasons 4-6, Season 8-present). 

 

Athena (rightmost) joined by Vincent “Antianara” Pajenago (middle) and Aaron “Burrito” Gaddi (leftmost) during an MPL-PH Season 12 broadcast. (PHOTO COURTESY: FACEBOOK/ATHENA RIKA)

 

As for Athena, she was exposed to esports and gaming through her sister and cousin.

“I was always the one watching. Then I got curious and tried it out and I found myself spending a lot of time playing and enjoying it. I started casting and hosting way back October 2018,” she said.

Athena pondered for a time after finishing college about what she should do in life. Today – and after so many casts later – she now sees herself at the pinnacle of women in MLBB esports broadcast.

“After graduating from college, I felt confused and scared not knowing which path to take or to pursue,” Athena told Fragster. “But after spending some time playing games and talking with my family, they told me that what matters the most is that you do what you love or enjoy – In my case at that time, it was playing and analyzing games.  I wanted to do more than just play. I wanted to make a career out of it,” Athena says.

And from there, Athena started to make her mark in the Philippines’ MLBB scene, being part of key amateur and semi-professional tournaments such as Juicy Legends, a pro-am tournament hosted by a soft drink brand in the country and was seen as one of the gateways for the pro scene, as well as being part of the pioneer MDL Philippines talent roster in Seasons 1 and 2, and casting the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the 2024 Games of the Future MLBB tournaments. Athena also had her first guest casting exposure in the main MPL Philippines stage in Season 12.

 

Odin on courtside reporter duty for MPL Philippines Season 12. (PHOTO COURTESY: FACEBOOK/ODIN)

 

“Our very own” Odin – as she always introduces herself – took a different approach. From being a passionate MLBB gamer herself, she took on the challenge of doing streams – a path that took her to The Gaming House – the esports and gaming-themed reality show produced by Tier One Entertainment and aired on the Philippines’ largest content producer and television network, ABS-CBN. 

Odin was also Athena’s batchmate in the 2022 MPL Philippines Caster Search – itself a batch full of renowned women now making their waves in the esports and gaming scene, such as Kimberly “BurgerKim” Mas and Michaella “Mochii” Gonzales.

“A year had passed and the streaming community was declining, so I thought oftrying out something new that I am really passionate with — storytelling, performing, in front of the camera. Then, I tried hosting. I started by accepting ex-deals and small gigs as my stepping stone so I could learn how to host and know how it feels like,” Odin tells Fragster. “[MPL] Caster Search Season 2 came and once again, all I had was courage and faith. I didn’t have prior experience but still, I showed my true self and my willingness to learn to be part of the MPL lineup. I was asked, “if you were to become part of the MPL, what would you want to do?” I said, “I’d do courtside reporting or whatever you wanted me to do.”

And the rest, they say, is now history. Odin has become part of MDL Philippines Season 2 as its regular host, and had also ventured into the M4 and M5 World Championships as a courtside reporter. From time to time, she also ventures into the casting desk.

But aside from her gamer side – Odin herself is a constant achiever – being a Summa Cum Laude in information technology from the Cavite State University. She eventually landed full-time corporate jobs in the software engineering business – jobs that she let go to pursue a full-time career in the esports and gaming industry.

“When I got exposed to esports broadcasting, I fell in love with it,” Odin says. “It was a huge sacrifice (to let go of my full-time jobs), but I followed my heart since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Growing up, it was a wise choice to be a hardworking and competitive student even though it means missing out on a lot of opportunities in performing. And right now I told myself, I’m taking risks coz I’m not getting any younger. The support from my family especially my mom, from my friends, supporters really helped a lot to where I am today,” Odin says.

HOW SEXISM AND NEGATIVITY HOUND WOMEN IN MLBB ESPORTS

All three have had their share of naysayers who look down on them based on simply being women who are passionate about gaming and their craft.

For Odin, who was exposed to a lot of sexist remarks as a streamer, she’d tell stories of her being objectified for being just a woman who loved playing.

“Some of the most common lines thrown at us when we’re playing on a random MLBB queue are us being pabuhat (EN: being carried), pabebe (EN: being such a babyface), knowing only one hero in a pool of many, or just in streaming to show our cleavage. People are too quick to judge when they see you play,” she recounts.

Athena and Brigida, meanwhile, share how them just being key female voices in the game have made them prime targets for misogynists.

“As a caster, I’ve seen and experienced this first hand, at first you will feel vulnerable, confused or sometimes even humiliated. But what you’re feeling is valid, It isn’t your fault but don’t let it define you,” Athena says.

“I had to face several internal and external struggles as a member of the esports industry, which go way beyond what a casual female gamer would probably experience,” Brigida states. “Eventually, I just learned to really filter which voices mattered from not, and unknowingly became a stronger person along the way.”

Athena, Brigida and Odin are aware that their status as esports talents have given them a form of influence toward the local and global MLBB scene – something they now use to try and break whatever gender biases people still have, as well as inspire fellow women to just pursue what they want.

“Now being in the scene, I am very vocal of how my journey went, without having to brag nor prove anything to those who doubted; but rather use my platform to be an inspiration and to share more of how you can succeed in all the things you do, regardless of gender,” Odin says.

“I mostly filter which voices mattered from which didn’t, so long as I’m confident and my peers know that I’m doing nothing wrong. Our purpose is to serve the community with confidence – just the same way we were entrusted with this role, but it’s impossible to consider everyone’s comments – especially those that no longer reflect who you really are. We’re here to serve, but also to inspire—that one not need change him/herself to succeed in the field she or he’s passionate about,” Brigida said.

“I learned that I have to make a stand to set an example and be an inspiration to my fellow women that WE can make esports more safe and educate others that they can take a stand too,” Athena quips.

 

WOMEN INSPIRING WOMEN

Chantelle Hernandez and Mara Aquino – two of the most prominent female voices in Philippine esports. 

 

It is the spirit of inclusion and belonging that binds all the women of MPL Philippines – most evident in both Chantelle and current MPL Philippines main host Mara Aquino – the two figures that prop up into Brigida, Athena, and Odin’s minds when asked about who inspires them the most.

Mara Aquino made waves in the local esports scene as one of the most powerful voices that bring battles in the Land of Dawn to life for Filipino and global audiences. Since her debut as host in MPL Philippines Season 7, the veteran broadcaster and talent has served in the broadcasts with Chantelle since Season 8 and in every season, major tournament, and M-Series World Championship thereafter.

Chantelle, meanwhile, is proof that being an authority in the esports industry also means another responsibility – to use her platform as a call to action for issues that affect people – especially women – in the esports ecosystem. As much as she uses her social media to inspire and give laughs and hype caster calls to fans since her MPL-PH debut in Season 4, she is also not one to just stand idly by when sexual comments are made in her streams and casts. The veteran esports broadcaster even used her guesting in a famous local television show to shed light on the sexual harassment and objectification happening in the esports industry – and it is that segment that opened up a whole conversation about these events in the local scene.

It is this toughness from both Mara and Chantelle that Brigida now channels on in her esports career.

“Honestly, and also mostly because they were the first women I’ve been exposed to upon learning about the industry, I would say that Chantelle and Mara are my biggest inspirations to this day. What mostly inspired me are their toughness and dedication to pursuing this industry amidst the challenges that are bound to be encountered as a woman in esports,” Brigida says.

Odin recounts how her two “ates” (older sisters)  have helped her step up and improve her craft – as well as look out for her and the other women every time.

“As I joined the talent lineup, I got also moved by Ate Mara and Ate Chants (Chantelle). They might have different backgrounds and journeys, but both of them taught me of how I could shine with my true self. Ate Mara has been giving me tips in hosting, makes sure to commend me without me asking for it, and even lends me her wardrobe. Ate Chants has been truly inspiring and affirming, praises me after my segment, and even checks out on my mental health. These are just some of the things that inspire me to be a better co-talent and a sister,” she says.

Athena echoes the same sentiment – but added Odin into her list, saying, “I highly look up to my friends and coworkers – most especially to Chantelle, Mara and Odin. They are literally my ate’s and mentor when it comes to improving myself and realizing that women can definity help lift each other up and I’m grateful for the help and kindness that I make it a mission as well to pay it forward to others who might need that push one day.”

 

INSPIRING INCLUSION: MWI 2024 AND THE HOPE FOR MORE WOMEN IN ESPORTS

 

Athena, Odin, and Brigida’s talent reveal photos from 2023’s MDL-PH Season 2 (PHOTO COURTESY: FACEBOOK/MDL PHILIPPINES)

2024 is expected to be a banner year for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports as the biggest women’s tournament for the esport discipline – the 2024 MLBB Women’s Invitational or MWI – will be held in Saudi Arabia alongside the biggest MLBB esports event ever, the 2024 MLBB Mid-Season Cup or MSC.

Brigida says, “I’m very much excited to witness how it’s going to be!!! I’m actually considering playing because it seems really really fun (joke 1/2) but I’m mostly eager to see how much it’s grown since the first-ever MWI,” she says.

Brigida and Athena were part of the all-Filipina broadcast team in the inaugural MWI in 2022, alongside BurgerKim and Chantelle.

The 2024 MWI is the biggest ever for MLBB women’s esports as it will have a US$500,000 prize pool and will be joined by teams from 12 participating regions: Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia & Singapore, China, the Middle East & North Africa, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, the Mekong Region (Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam), Brazil, and North America.

“I’m happy to see that MWI is still growing and active especially now that more women are participating in competitive leagues, giving women a chance to participate and excel as well in an international tournament,” Athena says.

Odin adds, “we’re shining! This just represents a powerful celebration of women’s talent in gaming in the international stage. Hopefully all female talents would be part of it as it would serve as a testament of our progress and an inspiration to all the aspiring women in esports.”

All three have also thanked MOONTON Games for being supportive of initiatives to include women voices in their global and local talent pools.

“First of all, THANK YOU, MOONTON – for giving us our own spotlight in the scene! You have been one of the firsts and the biggest esports broadcast that made a WOMAN shine on the stage – that’s Mara – and continued to believe in women’s charisma by having more female hosts all around the world, be it in MPL or MDL, including me, Odin says.

Brigida adds, “I hope that you continue to serve as a positive disruptor of the community towards better inclusivity!”

As for Athena, “I am grateful to MOONTON games for taking initiative to also make MLBB a platform for women to showcase their skills and also providing them the hope to continue their career when it comes to esports – finally taking a stand and creating more opportunities for women is also a way to encourage a healthier environment for everyone.”

Athena, Brigida, and Odin will be part of the country’s MLBB pro scenes, as the three women gear up for their MPL and MDL Philippines gigs.MPL Philippines Season 13 will happen from March 15 to May 26, 2024, while Season 3 of MDL Philippines is from March 12 to May 12, 2024. – PAOLO BARCELON, FRAGSTER.COM