"Domengkite" admits that the harsh and constant bashing can get to him, but until Aurora Gaming PH can win a big one, they're left to endure the criticism of not living up to expectations.
ABU DHABI — Pressure mounting?
Amid the constant noise on social media, Aurora Gaming PH gold laner Jan Dominic “Domengkite” Del Delmundo opened up about the weight of criticism his team continues to carry.
Domengkite admitted that the bashing they receive truly hurt, especially whenever Aurora falls short in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
“Chokerora,” “Introboys,” and “Lights Within, Choker Pa ‘Rin” are just some of the harsh labels thrown at Aurora Gaming PH whenever they lose a game.
“Siyempre sakin masakit pero tama naman din talaga sila na sometimes we fall short, lagi kaming kinikulang, almost palagi pag crucial game, talagang hindi kami nananalo,” Domengkite said in an exclusive interview with One Sports.
The pressure was evident and only intensified during the recently-concluded Games of the Future in the UAE, where Aurora carried the weight of other Philippine teams coming off international championships.
Aurora was hard-pressed to perform, especially as Team Liquid PH ruled SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, and ONIC Philippines were crowned as Winter Tournament champions in Russia.
“Nasamin din talaga ‘yung mga mata ng tao,” Domengkite said.
“Kasi nga ni-represent namin yung Mobile Legends esports [ng Pinas] tapos nag-champion lahat and kami lang yung hindi so expected ko na talaga na talo kami—more bashing talaga.”
With the Philippines’ Mobile Legends pedigree, many fans were hoping for a third Filipino team to dominate the international stage and cap the MLBB season on a high note.
“Siguro hindi naman po mawawala ‘yung mga pamba-bash, lalo na sa mga esports teams, talagang may mga masasabing hindi maganda,” Domengkite reflected.
Aware of what comes after every loss, Domengkite has learned to step away from the noise.
“After ng game namin, hindi muna ako nagso-social media ‘eh, parang ine-expect ko din naman na ganun yung sasabihin nila.”
For Domengkite, the words sting because part of him knows there is truth behind them.
[RELATED: Demonkite admits struggles on execution as Aurora PH fall to ONIC ID in GOTF 2025 semis]
In MPL Philippines Season 15, Aurora missed the podium after being swept by Team Falcons PH, 0–3, in the lower bracket semis.
In Season 16, they again fell short after a 0–4 sweep by Team Liquid PH in the Grand Finals.
At this year’s Games of the Future, the all-Filipino squad stayed unbeaten—until they ran into ONIC Indonesia in the semifinals, where they were once again swept, 0–2.
“Siguro deserve naman nila, ewan ko, hindi ko alam kung masaya sila sa pangba-bash. Kung masaya sila, go lang kasi para samin hindi naman talaga kami nagpapaapekto,” Domengkite said on the reaction they get from the online community.
Despite the setbacks, Aurora Gaming PH have secured their slot in the M7 World Championship in Jakarta this January, where they will represent the Philippines alongside golden road–seeking Team Liquid PH.
The pressure will be even heavier there, but Domengkite is ready to answer back.
“Siguro sa M7, ita-try namin silang i-prove wrong. Kung gusto nila mambash, mambash lang sila. Hindi talaga ako nag paapekto sa pamba-bash.”
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Gillian Trinidad began her career in the industry as a content producer before finding her voice as a feature writer.
She has covered a wide range of competitions—from esports titles like League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and VALORANT to traditional sports and entertainment, including the WWE, PBA, and Gilas Pilipinas.