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ALL-STAR in MPL: The Stories That Shaped the League

This season, ALL-STAR is once again nominated for the Best Media Award at MPL Philippines Season 14’s Alamat Awards. It’s a recognition of our dedication to capturing the heart and energy of esports, delivering stories that resonate with fans and players alike. From exclusive interviews with world champions to behind-the-scenes coverage of the most intense moments in the Mobile Legends scene, ALL-STAR consistently pushed the boundaries of esports media.

As we reflect on this honor, let’s take a look at some of the stories that shaped the community and the league.

1 | The Mastermind: Boss Rada and His Secret to Forging Champions

Boss Rada
Photo: Vyn Radovan for ALL-STAR. Shot on location at Cellar XXII, The Bellevue Manila

Aurora’s Boss Rada graced the cover of ALL-STAR in August. He revealed the secret to “Rada Magic” and the recipe for forging champions.

2 | Irrad: Sobrang taas ng tingin ko sa sarili ko, ako na pala ang nasa pinakababa

RSG Irrad

Irrad shared his most valuable lesson in MPL-PH Season 14. It was a painful lesson he realized too late.

3 | The Hidden Hand: Joanne Llavore, the Quiet Mentor of Boss Rada

Joanne Llavore
Photo: Vyn Radovan for ALL-STAR

Who is Boss Rada’s ‘Boss Rada’? It’s Joanne Llavore, the other boss who plays her hand silently. She’s going to make sure Aurora’s bold ambitions are realized. 

4 | The Silent Strategist: Coach Sn4p is the Low-key Genius of Smart Omega

Coach Sn4p
Photo: Mario Alvaro Limos

ALL-STAR was keen to notice the silent genius among Smart Omega’s ranks. Coach Sn4p is such a formidable analyst and coach that ONIC’s Coach Ynot described him as a “scary drafter” you don’t want to face in the playoffs.

5 | How Vee, Renejay, and Aurora Fulfilled This Family’s Little Dream

Adrias Family

This heartwarming story highlights how simple acts by MPL talents and players made this family’s lifelong dream come true.

6 | Owgwen Opens Up About the Tears, Fears, and Joy of Being a Father

Owgwen
Owgwen

 As Owgwen continues to dominate in the gaming arena, his true legacy will always be Grocky—the son who redefined what winning truly means.

7 | Carabaos and Comebacks: The Making of SDzyz

Daniel Chu, aka SDzyz, opened up about TNC’s biggest heartbreak and how he cried for two days because of it. He also talks about growing up in the farm and riding carabaos as a kid.

8 | Super Marco’s Muay Thai Moves: His Other Love Outside MLBB

Super Marco

ALL-STAR explores the other side of Super Marco when he’s not playing for Falcons AP BREN. He’s trading kicks with Coach Duckey.

9 | EXCLUSIVE: How Aurora Captured the Stars

Aurora Roster

ALL-STAR was the first to break the news about Aurora and its full roster. While everybody else reported on the team’s members, ALL-STAR focused on how the team got these superstars in the first place.

10 | Iron Lady: Mitch Liwanag Breaks Silence on ‘Asawa Esports’

Mitch Liwanag
Mitch Liwanag

There was an elephant in the room no one dared disturb: “Asawa Esports.” Team Liquid country manager Mitch Liwanag broke her silence on ALL-STAR.

11 | After MSC Triumph, Coach Arcadia Pens Emotional Letter to Himself

Coach Arcadia

Coach Arcadia penned an emotional letter detailing his tumultuous journey as an MLBB player and coach

12 | Owgwen: When You’re Poor, Your Only Currency is Kindness

Photo: Richard Dizon Esguerra

“Ang definition ng mahirap ay mostly araw-araw, in one week, sabaw lang ulam namin. Yung sabaw na iyon, lagi naming hinihingi sa kapitbahay na karinderya. Tapos yung kanin, kanin pa ng lola namin.  Nakikitira lang kami sa kanya, wala kaming sariling bahay. Pito pa kami noon,” Owgwen told ALL-STAR.  

13 | PHOTOS: The Humanizing Moments of MPL-PH Season 14

The MPL Philippines Season 14 was nothing short of epic, with every match delivering intense action and unforgettable moments. In this photo essay, ALL-STAR shows the moments that make us realize that our heroes and idols are also very human.

14 | ‘Miracles Can Happen,’ Says Wolf as TNC Teeters on the Brink of Elimination

Caisam Nopueto aka Wolf

Even on the brink of elimination, TNC’s Coach Wolf was praying desperately for a miracle. This is what he told ALL-STAR.

15 | Coach Wolf Reveals ‘Delayed Payments’ in Esports

Coach Wolf

ALL-STAR broke the news about the alleged delayed payments in the esports industry. Here, Wolf laments about an international payment that was more than 6 months delayed.

16 | Why Did Nathzz Leave MPL-PH in the Middle of Season 14?

Nathzz leaves Philippines

Another breaking news that ALL-STAR made. While everyone reported on Nathzz’s departure from the MPL PH scene, it was ALL-STAR that reported on why the Exp Laner left his team.

17 | Everything You Need to Know About BAI LUCI, RSG’s New Exp Laner from Cebu

BAI LUCI

Cebu is an underrepresented region in MLBB Esports, that’s why when Zeke Swayze Himaya, aka BAI LUCI, made it to the MPL Philippines, ALL-STAR was the first to feature the young talent.

18 | Banoobs Praised Renejay Hours Before the Tirade. Here’s What He Said

Renejay vs Banoobs

A lot can be misinterpreted on social media when tirades go viral, and the truth gets murky. ALL-STAR tried to put things into proper context with this piece.

19 | Mara Aquino Has Found Her Niche

Mara Aquino ALL-STAR Magazine
Bandana, swimsuit, linen pants by H&M. Accessories by H&M and TALA by Kyla. Photo: Vyn Radovan.

Mara Aquino graced the second cover of ALL-STAR in May. She tells about her dream of expanding her horizons and growing out of esports someday. “I want to be like Oprah,” she says.

20 |The Comeback Kids: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of AP BREN

AP BREN
AP BREN ALL-STAR Specials – April 2024

ALL-STAR wrote the definitive guide to AP BREN. If you want to make a film about the team, this is all the story you have to read, from their rise, downfall, and redemption.

21 | FlapTzy’s Secret: He Owns More than 20 Cats

FlapTzy Cats
Photo of FlapTzy by Richard Dizon Esguerra for ALL-STAR

Possibly the wildest animal story we’ve had so far, it’s FlapTzy being a dad to over 20 cats! A significant chunk of his income goes to the upkeep of his cats.


Vote for the MPL Philippines Season 14 Alamat Awards: Best Meda Award here.