K1ngKong: ‘NAVI Na Pala Ako? Bakit Hindi Ko Alam?”

For a brief moment during the MPL Philippines offseason, the internet was convinced that Natus Vincere—better known as NAVI—had quietly secured one of the most exciting young talents in Mobile Legends: Cyric King Perez, aka K1ngKong. The speculation didn’t come from an official signing or a leak. It came from something much simpler: a background image.

“Siguro po nag-start lang yung rumor na iyon dahil sa post nila noong inannounce si Coach Ynot sa NAVI tapos yung background, may kingkong na may crown,” K1ngKong told ALL-STAR.

To the internet, that was enough.

Fans quickly connected the dots. The crowned gorilla in the background resembled his in-game name. Screenshots circulated. Theories multiplied.

The rumor gained another life when Kingkong posted an Instagram story showing him in Indonesia with fellow pro Frince. Suddenly the imagined transfer started to feel real.

Did he play along?

“Hindi ko masasabing sinakyan ko kasi wala naman akong sinagot na mga tanong.”

Which, in the strange logic of esports speculation, only made the mystery grow.

But the truth was far less dramatic. NAVI never reached out.

“Hindi po nag reach out ang NAVI sa akin.”

Kingkong laughs when he remembers the moment he saw the announcement graphic.

“Sabi ko, NAVI na pala ako? Bakit hindi ko alam?”

K1ngKong has become an unofficial poster boy for Philippine MLBB, regularly appearing in promotions for both the game and the league. Most recently, he was among the personalities tapped for the Golden Month campaign, joining content creator Sassa Gurl and Stefano in promoting the celebration.

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