King "K1NGKONG" Perez, one of the commendable junglers in the MPL Philippines Season 13, shares who inspires him as ONIC Philippines heads to the playoffs.
ONIC Philippines recovered from its loss last week against Blacklist International by beating TNC Pro Team via sweep on Friday. Jungler King Cyric "K1NGKONG" Perez was hailed as the Game Two MVP.
K1NGKONG will make his first playoffs appearance with ONIC Philippines. For him, the real MVPs were watching onsite--his parents Roderick and Zayfin Perez.
Roderick and Zayfin Perez showed up to support their son K1NGKONG in MPL-PH Season 13. | Photo (c) MPL Philippines
“Sa totoo lang po mas ginaganahan ako. Kumbaga ‘pag panalo po, sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam. Pero ‘pag galing talo naman po, parang masakit matalo sa harap ng taong laging sumusporta sa 'yo. Mas nakakagigil bumawi,” K1NGKONG said, dedicating his games to his loved ones.
Roderick and Zayfin Perez display their son's jersey. | Photo (c) ONIC Philippines
It wasn't easy for K1NGKONG to make a career out of esports starting with a TNC Pro stint in 2023.
“Noong una po talaga, parang nagdadalawang isip po sila kasi wala po silang vision sa esports. Ang [focus] po nila pag-aaral po, pagtatapos sa school. Lagi ko lang po ine-explain tsaka kino-convince sila, hanggang sa pumayag na po,” K1NGKONG shared.
Esports as a career is gradually being accepted in the local scene, and K1NGKONG shared this appeal to help convince other players' parents.
“Sa mga parent po diyan, bigyan niyo lang po 'yung anak niyo ng opportunity. Kumbaga bigyan sila ng isang chance para gawin yung bagay na napupusuan nila. Wala naman pong mali sa pagbigay ng kahit isang chance lang,” he said.
As Mother's Day draws closer, K1NGKONG made sure to greet his mother in advance.
“Para kay mommy, gusto ko magpasalamat kasi kahit sobrang pasaway ko, hindi niya ako tinitigilan suportahan at thank you sa lahat."