BY HERNANDITO R. DEMABILDO & ASHLEY JANE A. MEMPIN | DSSC Interns
DAVAO City’s esports pride is set to represent Mindanao on the national stage in the prestigious Moontoon Student Leaders (MSL) Collegiate Cup Season 2 knockout stage, led by Coach Ori Lindayag and Agila esports team captain, Joshua Macantan from USEP Obrero.
On Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security Press Corps at The Royal Monday Hotel, Lindayag emphasized the tournament’s significance as a career gateway.
“This isn’t just about gaming skills but discipline, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Qualities that make champions both in game and in life.’’
Macantan, an incoming fourth-year student from USEP-Obrero, mentioned time management as the key characteristic of Agila esports members, balancing academics, as they require a specific grade policy to be part of the team.
‘’Sa amoang org gina-balance jud dapat and grado, dili lang babad through electronic sports. Dapat committed jud ka kay naa jud mi agreement na kung musulod man ka ani dapat di nimo pabayaan imong studies’’, Macantan stated.
Coach Lindayag added that despite the academic pressure, Team Agila continues to rise in Mindanao’s E-Sport scene, ‘’Our players have proven they can compete nationally. Now we aim to show how Mindanao E-Sports culture values both excellence and community.’’
The MSL Collegiate Cup Season 2 is gearing up for an exciting knockout stage, featuring the top eight collegiate teams from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The premier campus esports event will take place from July 11 to 13, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Music Hall, where fans can witness three days of thrilling Mobile Legends Bang Bang action and the crowning of a new collegiate champion.
Organized by Moonton Games through the Moonton Student Leaders (MSL) Program, the MSL Collegiate Cup serves as a platform for student-led teams to compete on a national stage. The champion will not only receive a cash prize but also secure a direct slot in MDL PH, the official developmental league for professional MLBB, marking a significant step from campus to professional esports.
