Kirk’s and K1ng’s Moms Did Not Support Them At First. Like Everyone of Us

“Hindi ko po sinuportahan si Kirk sa esports noong una!” laughed Cherry, mom of Kirk. 

In its early days, esports had nothing to show for and had every reason to be doubted. This is true even to some people today. 

Esports, with its rapid rise, has challenged traditional ideas of career paths, especially for parents accustomed to more conventional pursuits. For Cherry Gutierrez and Zayfrin Perez, the mothers of Fnatic ONIC PH’s stars Kirk and K1ngKong, their sons’ journeys into esports were far from smooth. Their initial reluctance was rooted in concerns over education, security, and future stability. However, the resilience and passion of their sons gradually changed their perspectives, culminating in pride as their boys now compete at the highest levels, representing the Philippines on the world stage.

ALL-STAR spotted the two mothers bidding their sons farewell at the NAIA Terminal 1 Departures Area when ONIC was about to fly to Malaysia for the M6 World Championship.

Cherry’s Journey: From Doubt to Devotion

For Cherry, supporting Kirk’s esports dream was an uphill battle.

“Did you support Kirk when he was starting out in esports?” ALL-STAR asked Cherry.

“Noong una po, hindi!” Cherry recalled, laughing. “Nagagalit po ako sa kanya kasi nag-aaral siya noon eh. Gabi na siya umuuwi, tapos pinupuntahan siya ng mga kalaro niya.”

Cherry’s concerns were valid—Kirk was balancing school and his passion for gaming. But what struck her most was one memorable conversation.

“Nagkaroon kami ng argument. Sabi ko, ‘Ano bang mapapala mo diyan sa esports?’ Ang sagot niya, ‘Malalaman mo balang-araw, Mommy, kung anong mapapala ko rito.’ Hindi ko makakalimutan iyon.”

Cherry’s turning point came when Kirk joined Minana. “Sa RSG, hindi po siya nakalaro. Pero sa Minana, maraming pumupuri sa kanya. Nandoon na po ang suporta namin.” Kirk’s transition to Onic solidified her pride.

When Kirk and his team won the MPL-PH Season 14 championship, Cherry was overwhelmed with emotion. “Umiyak po ako. Akala ni Kirk hindi kami pupunta, pero nandoon kami sa labas ng hotel, nagdadasal para sa kanya.”

Zayfrin’s Story: A Mother’s Reluctant Transformation

Zayfrin’s path to acceptance was similarly challenging. KingKong’s early foray into esports came during the pandemic, and at first, the idea wasn’t warmly received.

“Hindi talaga namin siya sinuportahan noong una,” she admitted, laughing. “Nagkataon lang na pandemic, at wala siyang pasok.”

But it wasn’t just Zayfrin who was skeptical—KingKong’s father was firmly against the idea. However, King’s passion was unwavering.

“Kinausap ako ni King, sabi niya, ‘Mommy, tulungan mo ako kay Papa kasi passion ko talaga ito,’” Zayfrin told ALL-STAR.

Their hesitation turned into support after Z4pnu, a respected figure in the esports community, personally assured them of King’s safety and well-being at the boot camp. With this reassurance, King’s parents relented.

Since then, KingKong has proven himself, moving from TNC to ONIC, and now representing the Philippines at the M6 World Championship.

“Naiyak ako noong nanalo sila sa MPL-PH Season 14,” Zayfrin shared. “Yung pagkatalo noong nakaraang playoffs, sobrang sakit para sa kanya. Kaya ngayong nanalo siya, napaiyak ako sa sobrang saya.”

As their sons prepare to represent the Philippines at the M6 World Championship, both mothers have one resounding message: “Good luck, galingan nila, kaya nila iyan, tiwala lang!”