The internet loves to joke about what is assumed to be the automatic response of a parent to their slightly inconvenienced child: “Kaka-cellphone mo ‘yan!” or “Kaka-computer mo ‘yan!”. At times, they are right. Other times, they’re not.
Some of our students here at Holy Cross College spend an average of three to four hours after their classes playing mobile or computer games. But this is for a good reason: they are training. For what? As the official e-sports athletes of the school with a heart.
Aaron Jem Mallari (JENDUEKIE), 22, is a BS in Information Technology (BSIT) student, who is a part of HCC’s Valorant team. Mark Suplito (Rukawa), 24, is also a BSIT student, who plays Mobile Legends for the school. Mary Margarette Mariano (PHXMAGGIE), 22, is a junior Computer Engineering student who represents HCC in League of Legends.
While mobile and computer games—or e-sports—have been around for decades now, some people still frown upon these games and the players, too. Naysayers would assume gaming is not healthy. They would think mobile or computer gaming is “anti-social” and isolates the players. Aaron, Mark, and Mary all disagree.
The players share that e-sports actually helped them socialize, communicate, and bond with people—their peers—who share the same interests.
“Pinakaimportanteng natutunan ko dito is yung pagbui-build ng friendship sa ibang mga player lalo na kami may kasama rin kaming ibang year levels na ‘di naman talaga namin kilala dati personally. Ngayon naka-close na namin,” says Mark.
For Mary, one of her main takeaways as an e-sports athlete is being a team player. “Teamwork makes the dream work. Totoo ‘yun, kasi without the teamwork ‘di namin kayang manalo. Especially, sa amin team sport siya. ‘Yun ‘yung natutunan ko at nagagamit ko sa work at sa school lalo na halos group projects at kailangan mo talagang makipag-communicate sa kaklase mo.”
Studies first, games later
All three of them started playing online games in grade school. Back then, these games were nothing more than playtime with friends. Now, they decide to take it a little more seriously. So they went for tryouts and, fortunately, got accepted to the school’s e-sports team. Still, these Crucians know they should prioritize their studies. That is why for them—and the rest of the team—no games until schoolwork is done.
“Know your priorities kahit na gusto niyong sumali sa e-sports, syempre students pa tayo. Alam niyo pa rin kung ano dapat ang inuuna,” Aaron, who is now a graduating student, advises fellow Crucians who are into online games.
Mary, who juggles her day as a student and call center agent, thinks the same. It’s all about time management, according to her. All members of the team agree that they train only when they have no more pending schoolwork.
The players say they are thankful for the support that the HCC community gives them. The school acknowledges the team, and in fact, provides them with facilities and equipment so they can represent HCC in various e-sports tournaments.
“‘Yung pinakaimportante sa lahat na pinrovide ng Holy Cross College sa amin is ‘yung 100 percent support. ‘Yun ‘yung pinakamahalaga sa amin,” Aaron says about HCC.
During their most recent tournament, HCC paid the registration fee of each player. They are also being guided by their coach, Mr. Arzel Pinpin of the BSIT Department, who, according to the players, ‘support them mentally, emotionally, and even physically.’
The HCC e-sports representatives also have some words for Crucians who are interested to join the club or who want to pursue a career in e-sports.
As the only rose among the thorns, here’s what Mary has to say to female players: “’Wag silang paapekto dun sa sinasabi nila na it’s a man’s game. Like me, I manage to represent the school kahit na babae ako. There’s no gender when it comes to gaming. Equal tayo. Just do your best.”
Mark tells his fellow Crucians: “I-pursue nila kung ano yung nagpapasaya sa kanila at ‘wag na ‘wag nilang papabayaan ‘yung pag-aaral nila … Pwedeng maging libangan ang paglalaro, basta always focus lang sa pag-aaral.”
Be part of the HCC e-Sports Club. Join the tryouts! Message the club here.
###
A supportive family who got your back and pushes and inspires you to do what you do best—this is what awaits you at Holy Cross College. This is what it’s like to be a Crucian.
Become a Crucian! Talk to us today on our official Facebook page.