MLBB pros become 1st-ever esports athletes to be featured in a PH drink’s campaign

A popular chocolate drink brand in the Philippines chose to feature Mobile Legends: Bang Bang athletes for the first time to represent esports.

Nestle’s MILO, one of the Philippines’ most famous choco-malt drinks, had always been featuring various national athletes in its packaging. 

However, it is Blacklist International’s athletes who became the first esports athletes to be featured in MILO’s packaging.

Blacklist International co-founder and Tier One Entertainment CEO Tryke Gutierrez posted a photo of Edward joining Filipino esports legends, such as Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, taekwondo jin Japoy Lizardo, and karate star Jamie Lim, in MILO’s current roster of athletes representing the brand. MILO is also an official partner and sponsor of Blacklist International.

Blacklist exp laner and Hall of Legends inductee Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap was featured in Tryke’s photo.

On the sidelines of their match against AP.Bren last Friday, March 15th, Edward told Fragster how ecstatic he was to be selected in that said lineup of athletes.

“Sobrang tuwa ko po noon kasi hindi ko po ineexpect na ako yung pipiliin nila. Kasi ang kasama ko po noon, si Oheb saka si Renejay po eh. So syempre ang most icon and most popular, si Renejay, so hindi ko po talaga ineexpect na ako yung pipiliin ng MILO, kaya sobrang nakalungkot kasi gusto ko sana tatlo kami don ni Renejay saka si Oheb.”

[TRANSLATION: I was very happy because I did not expect that I will be picked. I was with Kiel “Oheb” Soriano and Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse that time. The most popular and iconic among us three is Renejay, so I did not expect MILO to pick us. I’m sad because I wanted all three of us to be there.”]

However, Edward realizes the gravity of the endorsement and the trust brands place on him and on Blacklist International.

“Sobrang nakakataba po talaga ng puso. Marami pa pong ibang player gaya nina Flap, yung defending, 2-time world champion. Pero kami po yung kinuha ni Milo. Sobrang nakakatuwa po,” he said.

[TRANSLATION: It’s really heartwarming! There’s a lot of other players there, like Flap(Tzy, David Canon from AP.Bren), defending and two-time champions, but MILO got us. I just feel overjoyed.]

 

When asked more about why he felt about the endorsement, Edward said, “siguro nagbunga lang din po talaga yung hard work ko kaya nakamit ko yung ganitong mga endorsement, ganoon. Kung paano yung mga sacrifices ko dati, yung mga pinagdaanan ko.”

[TRANSLATION: I believe its because my hard work paid off, that’s why I was able to secure these types of endorsements. How my sacrifices were, the things I went through.]

He added some bits of advice for the youth, who wanted to pursue a career in esports and gaming, telling them to find ways to still make time for their studies.

“Time management lang talaga. Siguro kaya rin naman ng ibang tao kung kinaya ko rin e. Time management lang. Kunyari, pagkatapos ng assignment, saka mag-MLBB, kapag linggo, sabado, saka mag-grind.”

 

[TRANSLATION: It’s definitely time management. Other people can also do it if I was able to achieve it. Time management. For example, only play Mobile Legends: Bang Bang on Sundays and Saturdays.]

In a country where older generations look down on esports, Blacklist International’s representation in a daily product aims to recognize the achievements of pro esports athletes by also integrating them in the national consciousness.

Edward jokingly ended the interview by saying he’s asking to be featured on more products.

“I tell our marketing, I’m looking for endorsements! I always ask them, because there is a talent fee!” Legend Zero said.