Renejay: “Minsan, Nangliliit Tingin Ko Sa Sarili Ko”

Renejay is undeniably the most popular and well-off esports player in the Philippines. He has the most number of followers on social media, and he lives a very comfortable life now. 

But for a guy who has everything, what else keeps him motivated to win? 

It’s easy to overlook the fact that for all his fame and fortune, Renejay has no title to his name. He has no championships, and has not proven anything yet in esports. 

“Minsan nangliliit ako sa tingin ko sa sarili ko, kasi marami pong mga kapwa ko players na sure akong hindi sila nagagalingan sa akin or hindi magaling tingin nila sa akin,” Renejay told ALL-STAR. 

“Gusto ko rin mag champion o mag M6 champion para makuha ko rin yung respeto ng mga kapwa ko players, para masabi talaga nila na goods ako o magaling din ako esports o MLBB,” he added. 

And it doesn’t help that he’s the most followed MLBB pro player in the country. 

He rose to fame in 2019 when he became part of the gang of misfits and miscreants at Dogie’s Aether House, which eventually became Nexplay EVOS. Although Renejaydid not care for fame at that time, it just happened because of Dogie. 

“Minsan nakaka-pressure din na sobrang sikat mo tapos pro player ka,” Renejay said. 

It was the second time he’s mentioned that to this editor. The first time was months ago when we pointed out a child nicknamed him Daddy Number 3. 

“Baka isipin ng iba na baka followers lang ang  habol. Kumbaga, hindi ko po siya kasalanan na sumikat ako. Kusa lang po siya nangyari. Yung goal ko po ay mag-champion talaga, mula dati pa.”

But Renejay was not supposed to be in Aurora or in esports at all. He thought he wanted to be a content creator and momentarily forgot about esports. 

“Bago ako pumasok sa Aurora, nagkaroon ako ng choice na mag brands or mag esports,” Renejay said. 

“Kinausap ko din po ang parents ko, pinayuhan ako ni Mama at ni Papa na gawin ko daw kung ano yung gusto ko. Doon po talaga ako nag decide na gusto ko mag esports. Initially kasi, gusto ko po talaga dumami yung pera ko para mas matulungan ko yung family ko, pero sabi nila, okay na po sila. Ang sabi nila sa akin, ifulfill mo naman kung ano yung gusto mong gawin para sa sarili mo.”

That’s when Renejay remembered that what he truly wanted was not material, but glory.

“Ito rin po talaga yung dream ko… Manalo. Mag-champion”

There was fire in his eyes. 

“Iyon talaga ang pinakagusto ko simula noong bago pa lang ako pumasok sa MPL,” Renejay says with determination. 

The Weight of a Trophy

To Renejay, the championship trophy is more than just an accolade—it’s a culmination of everything he’s worked for. 

“Para sa sarili po talaga. Gusto ko talaga siya sa sarili ko kasi pangarap ko talaga siya. Hindi siya matutumbasan ng kahit anong halaga o pera,” he explains.

Renejay has come close before, but close isn’t enough. 

“Oo, nakapunta na ako sa international, nakapag second place kami noong Season 12, nakapag second place kami ng Season 14. Pero yung championship o yung trophy, hindi ko pa rin kasi siya nafi-feel, iba yung feeling talaga eh,” Renejay told ALL-STAR.  

Although he’s heard how it felt to win and become champions from Edward and VeeWise, Renejay wants to forge his own story of triumph. 

“Although nakwento na sakin nina Edward, VeeWise, Dex kung ano yung feeling ng mag-champion, gusto ko iyon maramdaman, na ako mismo ang gumawa, na pinaghirapan ko talaga.”

Now that he’s representing the Philippines with Aurora at the M6 World Championship, Renejay is ready to prove himself—and finally hold his head high.