They started from the bottom and now they’re here at the top of the MDL.
There’s nothing more inspiring than a redemption story and for RRQ Kaito and Edferdz “Ferdz” Fernandez, and their MDL PH season three run is the perfect example. After finishing ninth last season, the team took a chance with the young EXP Laner.
Fast-forward to now and the team couldn’t look any more different.
Make no mistake, ending the season with no match losses in what’s arguably the strongest MLBB region in the world is no small feat. And while it is a developmental league, many current and rising stars had their start in the MDL. It’s almost miraculous how RRQ was able to make a stark turnaround, but it’s all the result of hard work.
“Walang nangyaring shortcut,” said Ferdz when asked how the team achieved the perfect season. That comes as no surprise as the team basically rebuilt itself this season. Ferdz did say that what made them so successful was how they eventually treated each other like family.
“Di namin iniisip na team kami. Yung bonding namin sa labas, sa loob, sa ugali, sa pakikisama, sa pagkain, iisa talaga yun.” An environment built on trust and camaraderie was built among the players, which in turn helped them play beyond their limits. “‘Pag may nag away, bati agad, nagso-sorry. Sa ganung simpleng bagay, doon mo nacre-create yung chemistry na nagpapalakas ng lahat.”
Rising From the Ashes
A lot of pressure was also riding on Ferdz as he was the only member left from last year’s squad. “Sa first day ng practice, grabe yung pressure sa akin kasi bago yung coach ko at naninibago ako sa galaw ng mga teammates ko,” said Ferdz.
It’s a lot to ask from a young player, especially since they were coming off of a bad season.
However, Ferdz was able to rise above the pressure and was able to not just adapt to his new environment but even thrive in it. “Na-realize ko na kailangan ko gawin to, matutunan to, at tanggapin ang lahat nang sinasabi ng coach at ng mga teammates ko.”
For his efforts, Ferdz was awarded the MDL regular season MVP on top of everything else RRQ achieved that season. But it’s clear that it wasn’t because of any single individual that caused RRQ’s meteoric success. It was always a team effort, and it’s thanks to the team’s efforts that, as Ferdz put it, “Nagbunga ang lahat and we made history, bro!”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.
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