Team Falcons PH Targets ONIC’s Perfect Run in MPL PH S18 Week 3

Team Falcons PH faces its biggest test yet as it takes on undefeated ONIC PH in the Star Match of Week 3 of the MPL Philippines Season 18 this Saturday at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City.

ONIC PH sits atop the standings with a perfect 5-0 record, while third-seeded Falcons PH follows at 3-1 with its sights set on handing the league leader its first loss.

But this is more than a battle between two of the top teams in the standings. It is the latest chapter of an enduring legacy, with former teammates now turned rivals.

The Student Faces the Mentor
All eyes will be on ONIC PH head coach Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel, who will face his former teammates and coach on the opposite side of the Land of Dawn.

Before joining ONIC, Pheww was part of the AP.Bren (now Team Falcons PH) core that ushered in a golden era for the team in 2023.

As part of the former AP.Bren lineup, Pheww helped the squad capture multiple titles, including the M5 World Championship, where they defeated ONIC Indonesia in a thrilling best-of-seven.

Now, Pheww returns to face many of the players he once fought alongside.

He will also go up against Francis “Ducky” Glindro, the coach who helped mold him during his playing career before Pheww made the leap to coaching.

This time, the student faces the mentor.

Hit the Ground Running
Pheww has wasted no time making an impact in his new role, guiding ONIC PH to four straight wins and an early hold on the league’s top spot.

But his toughest test yet comes against the team he once considered family.

The familiarity between the two sides could make the matchup even more interesting.

Pheww knows the strengths and tendencies of his former teammates, while Falcons knows the player—and now coach—who once stood beside them.

The battle could ultimately come down to who makes the better adjustments in the draft and on the battlefield.

Can Falcons Stop ONIC?
Team Falcons PH enters Week 3 with a 3-1 record and a clear opportunity to shake up the standings.

A win over ONIC would end the league leader’s perfect run while bringing Falcons closer to the top spot.

For Ducky, it would also be a chance to outmaneuver his former protégé.

For Pheww, it is an opportunity to show how far he has come since transitioning from player to coach.

The stakes are simple: No. 1 versus No. 3. 4-0 against 3-1.

But the history between them makes this battle much bigger.

Pheww helped build the Falcons’ golden era as a player. Ducky helped shape Pheww into the champion he became.

Now, they meet as opposing coaches.

Can Pheww finally outgrow his mentor, or will Ducky remind him of his tactical brilliance?

More importantly, can the Falcons finally stop ONIC PH—or will the league leader remain perfect after Week 3?