Aurora Gaming PH raises funds for GenSan earthquake victims

Giving back has always been part of Aurora Gaming PH’s mission, proving that true champions are defined by compassion and their continued commitment to helping others in times of need.

Aurora Gaming PH’s “Lights Up for GenSan” initiative, in partnership with esports merchandise store D’ Armory, raised a total of ₱13,114.70, with all proceeds donated to the Angat Buhay Foundation.

“Together with D’ Armory, we raised ₱13,114.70 for Lights Up for Gensan, with all proceeds going to the Angat Buhay Foundation. Thank you for turning support into something that reaches far beyond the game, Auroras!” Aurora Gaming wrote in an official announcement last Saturday.

Lighting the way for others

Aurora Gaming announced on June 8 that 100% of the profits from all merchandise purchases made between June 8 and 14 would be donated to support earthquake victims and affected communities in Mindanao.

The initiative came in response to the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani last June 8, causing widespread destruction across General Santos City and other parts of Mindanao.

The quake, which struck at around 7 a.m., was felt at a destructive Intensity VII in General Santos City, damaging buildings, triggering widespread power outages, and prompting authorities to place the city under a state of calamity.

Aurora stayed true to its promise and released a transaction receipt showing that the proceeds had been donated to the Angat Buhay Foundation, ensuring transparency for its fans and the MLBB community.

For Aurora, partnering with Angat Buhay was a deliberate decision, with transparency playing a key role in ensuring that every contribution reached the intended beneficiaries.

“We all know that Angat Buhay Foundation is a non-profit organization that’s known for its transparency and accountability when it comes to donations. We wanted to make sure that every peso from this initiative would reach the people who needed it most, and we trusted that they would be able to do that,” Aurora Marketing Lead Firne Abaga told in an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR Magazine. 

“Nakakalungkot talaga. Seeing the photos of the damaged establishments and how many people were affected, we knew we needed to act and find a way to help. That’s why we decided to donate all of our earnings together with D’Armory from our merchandise sales during that week. We’re also really happy because a lot of Auroras supported the initiative by purchasing our merchandise,” he added.

A growing mission of giving back

This is not the first time Aurora Gaming PH has launched an initiative to help those in need; last May, the team personally packed grocery bags and distributed them to jeepney drivers affected by the oil price hike.

“Lights Up for GenSan” is just part of a much bigger vision of transforming Aurora into a community-driven esports organization.

But how did it start exactly? 

“Nagsimula ito noong Game for Good basketball event namin, where we donated 100% of our earnings from ticket and jersey sales to the ABS-CBN Foundation. From there, we really wanted Aurora Gaming to become a community-driven organization. That’s why we continued doing more initiatives, from repainting a barangay basketball court, to helping drivers, and now extending help to those affected by the earthquake in Mindanao. We want Aurora to be known not just for competing, but also for giving back,” Abaga explained.

Abaga also said the initiative has been deeply fulfilling for the organization, emphasizing that as an esports team, Aurora recognizes the wide reach of its platform and the responsibility that comes with it. 

He noted that beyond gaming, the organization takes pride in using its influence to encourage others to help those in need, expressing belief that gaming communities can create real and meaningful impact. Abaga added that Aurora remains grateful as its “Auroras” continue to support and take part in initiatives that extend the team’s purpose beyond competition.

Aurora Gaming’s initiative to help affected communities in Mindanao would not have been possible without the unwavering support of its Auroras, and Abaga thanked the team’s supporters for helping turn every purchase into meaningful assistance for those affected by the disaster.

“To all our Auroras, thank you so much for always supporting us, not just in our matches but also in initiatives like this. Every purchase, every share, and every bit of support goes a long way. We hope you continue to be part of our journey as we grow not just as an esports organization, but also as a community that genuinely cares for others,” Abaga expressed.

As Aurora Gaming continues to grow beyond its achievements in esports, initiatives like “Lights Up for GenSan” show that some of its biggest victories are measured not by trophies, but by the lives it helps uplift.