MARA AQUINO’s decision to transition from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) to Honor of Kings (HoK) are signs that perhaps a new sheriff could rattle the Philippine esports scene.
From her jaw-dropping aura on the stage, Mara has captivated MLBB fans from around the world, but it wasn’t just her energetic presence that stood the test of time
as even her actions from behind the scenes would echo across the industry.
And perhaps she could replicate her antics in Honor of Kings Philippines
, and while fans are excited to see her overall impact, there were ‘what ifs’ that took place before her arrival.
In an exclusive with
kaci
, Aquino revealed that she was initially hesitant to venture back into esports after her tenure with the MPL.
“Right after I publicly stepped away from MPL, Honor of Kings brought up an incredible opportunity to join the Invitational.
But at that time, I had just closed an important chapter in my life with MPL, and I felt it was important to take a moment to honor where I had been before jumping into something new,”
she started.
“I didn’t want it to seem like I left because of another offer, it was a personal decision to step back, reflect, and move forward at the right time.”
Upon leaving Mara was overwhelmed with a lot of emotions,
some of which she revealed during a radio show.
“After I left MPL, I honestly didn’t think I would pursue esports anymore. I was discouraged, heartbroken, and deeply saddened by everything.”
“At that point, I thought I had closed that chapter for good. But sometimes, life opens unexpected doors at the right time. Honor of Kings reached out with an opportunity that allowed me to rediscover my passion, in an environment where I felt valued and inspired again.”
PHOTO: HOK Philippines Esports, Honor of Kings
A new opportunity awaits
And in being with her new environment, there are so many challenges that lie ahead. HoK may not be as big as MLBB here in the Philippines, but there is a huge degree of potential that’s worth uncovering.
“It’s such a young league and there’s still open to a lot of suggestions, and there is a lot of room for growth and I feel like I can contribute here a lot.
The vibes are so positive, everyone is willing so I like where I am at the moment.”
Bursting into the scene could be a hurdle for HoK but this shouldn’t dampen their morale especially since MLBB was once the underdog competing against a giant (Dota 2).
“What I see is a big opportunity because even the other side when they (MLBB) started, they only had eight viewers and that’s what people forget. It took them two years to form a league (MPL), and it took them another two years plus a pandemic to be really successful,” Mara recalled the MPL’s history.
She added: “So the fact that HoK after one year was already able to make a league and even before the league, they already had several tournaments. They’re actually on the right track.”
Overall she remains optimistic about the scene.
“It has to start from somewhere and I feel like this is an opportinity to see what else you can do and sometimes people like change, the good type of change.”
“There is a reason why Honor of Kings is the the world’s most played mobile MOBA and and top grossing mobile game. Philippines just needs time to realize that Honor of Kings is worth being #1 here and this is the good type of change that we’ve all been waiting for,” reflected Mara.