Esports community mourns shoutcaster Rob Luna

Messages of grief, support, and memories poured on social media following the death of Filipino esports caster Robbie Chester De Luna, better known as Rob Luna.

He passed on February 28, as confirmed by close friends and ULVL Production, where he worked as production manager. The cause of death was not officially disclosed. He was 37.

De Luna previously shared to ONE Esports Philippines how he started as a DOTA fan, buying a TNC franchise for a computer shop and working at a casino before trying his hand as an online content creator.

He eventually got his shot as a caster for MPL Philippines Season 4 and has been in the esports circuit ever since, casting for The Nationals, the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup, and the M2 World Championship.

"He was one of the casters of the MPL Philippines who have made remarkable contributions to what the league is today," MPL Philippines posted.

The MPL Philippines and the MLBB community deeply mourn the passing of Rob Luna, as confirmed by his family. He was one of the casters of the MPL Philippines who have made remarkable contributions to what the league is today. pic.twitter.com/XOEvhFp1Y6

— MPL Philippines (@MplPhilippines) March 1, 2023

His girlfriend, streamer JB Torres, posted about her grief during the wake on Thursday morning.

Coach BON CHAN of Blacklist International shared one of the conversations he had with Rob Luna: "Isa ka sa mga tanong naniniwala at excited sa mga laro namin nung panahong wala pa kaming napapatunayan."

Other casters and gamers also remembered Luna.

I can't believe the news I got today. A very close friend of mine, one I hold very dear to me, passed away.

Keep your realest ones close. Check up on 'em as much as you can. You will never know when the universe will rob you of your chances to do so.

— Casting Coach Wolf (@wolfcasts) February 28, 2023

Too soon.. too soon.. love you brother will never forget you 💙

— Karl “Rockhart” To @ MPL PH 🇵🇭 (@rockhartgg) February 28, 2023

For fans, De Luna will be forever remembered for being one of the casters who announced Blacklist International as the MPL Season 7 champions.

You're of the casters na unang nag announce ng pagkapanalo ng veewise ng blacklist, na finally may crown na si vee, totoong crown na :((( you will always have a special spot in our hearts rest in paradise sir Rob Luna. This is diffinetly a sad night for ML community 🕊 pic.twitter.com/vqT1TADsDD

— bubb (@mostlyveewise) February 28, 2023

We mourn the loss of Rob Luna, a beloved figure in the esports community. As someone close to the Tier One family, being part of the AMPLFY Program, and as someone who shared the Mobile Legends space with Blacklist International, we pay tribute and honor a close friend. pic.twitter.com/mlzmIzs1cq

— BLACKLIST INTERNATIONAL 👑 (@BLACKLISTINTL) March 1, 2023

Fellow content creator Bennette Felix, known as Prof B, shared his experience with Rob Luna during the MPL.

"Dumating ang finals at tinanong ako sino ang gusto ko makasama sa 1 slot for Grand Finals (uso ang duo cast noon). Siyempre matik si Rob din ang pinili ko makasama," he posted. "Masasabi ko na si Rob din ang nagdala ng new flavor or meta sa MLBB scene dahil siya yung shoutcaster na gusto rin mag-grow sa YouTube at sa iba pang platforms."

He then revealed that De Luna had been dealing with an illness.

"Nilaban niya 'yung sakit niya at request niya na 'wag ilabas sa public kasi ayaw niya nang pinagkakaguluhan siya at matapang si Rob na labanan ito," Felix posted.

He also asked the public against sharing misinformation about De Luna: "Guys, 'wag na din tayo magkalat ng fake news for content purposes please, respect natin 'yung family and si Rob."

Felix also shared a photo of the promissory note for the hospital bill, which almost reached P900,000, adding the account details where people could help pitch in.

De Luna's wake is at the Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels and Crematorium in Parañaque. It is open to the public today, Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. until March 5.