PHOTOS: The Humanizing Moments of MPL-PH Season 14
A picture tells a thousand words. Here are the humanizing moments of MPL Philippines Season 14, captured frame by frame.
The MPL Philippines Season 14 was nothing short of epic, with every match delivering intense action and unforgettable moments. From jaw-dropping plays to emotional victories, the tournament showcased the grit, skill, and passion of the country’s top Mobile Legends teams. Through these photos, we relive the highs and lows, the triumphs and heartbreaks, offering a glimpse into the heart of the competition where every shot tells its own story.
1 | The Awkward Huddle
Coach Panda looks as if he’s bracing for impact in this team huddle with RSG on Week 7, Day 1 during their match against Team Liquid. The Raiders lost that crucial series against the Cavalry.
2 | Delta
Nibor is the youngest in the league at 16 years old but he is under a lot of pressure to step up and fill the shoes of RSG’s former Exp Laner, Nathzz. He is seen forming a delta symbol with his hands, seemingly in prayer. “Sometimes, I get sad when we lose,” Nibor tells ALL-STAR. “I also feel guilty.” But he couldn’t open up to his teammates because Coach Panda told him he can’t be given attention all the time.
One famous world leader, Angela Merkel, made a similar hand gesture that became her signature pose. The delta hand gesture signified calmness, precision, and stability during her leadership. This photo of Nibor was snapped on Week 7, Day 1 during RSG’s match against Team Liquid. Liquid won the series 2-1.
3 | Catch!
Team Liquid Roamer Jaypee Dela Cruz is captured catching a mint before it fell into his hand.
4 | Wolf Pulls a Crying Face
TNC’s Coach Wolf pulls a pained expression while he watches his team’s match from the huddle area during their match against Aurora on Week 7, Day 1. They lost to the Renejay-led team.
5 | Wolf Prays
There were many moments during their clash against Aurora when our photographers captured Wolf in prayer. “Miracles can happen,” Wolf told ALL-STAR in Week 6. He was probably praying for one when this photo was snapped during their match against Aurora on Week 7, Day 1.
6 | Cooler and Warmer
A mentholated patch covers the back of Ryota’s hand while it rests on a hand warmer. Menthol patches on the hand have become a fad among players in the MPL Philippines. “Is your hand injured?” We would ask. “No, this is just for display cos everyone’s wearing it,” the players would answer. Meanwhile, hand warmers are also provided for players on stage. The hand warmers help their hands remain dexterous and agile while playing.
7 | Among Us
Sanford pinches the cheek of KurtTzy. Former ECHO player Kurt Matira aka KurtTzy wore Team Liquid’s jersey as he appeared on stage during the testing phase of Liquid’s match against RSG on Week 7, Day 1 of MPL Philippines Season 14. KurtTzy, who plays for Ninjas in Pyjamas x Team Flash in Singapore, is in town since Singapore’s regular season has ended. Mid Laner KurtTzy recently rocked MPL Singapore with his unconventional Fanny pick for the Mid Lane. Kurt’s appearance prompted KarlTzy to comment, “An imposter is Among Us,” a reference to a game that became wildly popular during the pandemic.
8 | A Reason to Celebrate
Winless TNC suffered their 10th series defeat in Week 6 but they still found reason to celebrate: It was LanceCy’s birthday. The team ate together and celebrated LanceCy’s 24th birthday after their match against Smart Omega on Week 6, Day 3 of MPL Philippines Season 14.
9 | A Light Moment Before the Fall
TNC’s SDzyz and Kouzen share a hug before the team fell in the running for the playoffs. This photo was taken on Week 7, Day 1 during TNC’s match against Aurora.
10 | Respect for the Wolf
On Week 6, all the players and coaches of Smart Omega paid homage to Wolf and hugged after their match. Here, Omega’s Ryota is seen hugging Wolf. The two are very close, as Wolf coached ONIC Philippines back in Season 9 when Ryota played for the team. Wolf’s expression during this encounter was stoical. “We can’t show we’re sad. If we did, what would our fans feel?” Wolf told ALL-STAR. “They’ve been supporting us even though we haven’t won, we owe it to them.”
11 | The Last Match of Nathzz
Nobody in the audience knew it would be the last time they would see Nathzz play for MPL Philippines. Here, Nathzz is seen being very jolly and playful as he enters the MPL-PH stage for one last time. The photos were shot on Week 1, Day 3, during Aurora’s match against RSG. The Raiders lost to Aurora that day. One day after that match, RSG announced Nathzz’s departure.
12 | Light Moment
Coach Panda looks on as Light plays with his phone during a crucial match between RSG and Team Liquid during Week 7, Day 1 of MPL Philippines Season 14. Liquid took the series 2-1 and sent RSG to a tie with Blacklist International.
13 | Desperation
Dlar watches desperately as Fnatic Onic dismantles Blacklist International during Week 5, Day 2 of MPL Philippines Season 14. It was the fifth loss of Blacklist, whose lackluster performance this season sent them to the bottom of the league with TNC.
14 | No Pressure
Inside the players’ holding area, Fnatic Onic Philippines remains calm and collected. This photo was taken on Week 5, Day 1 during ONIC’s match against Blacklist. “We don’t think of the win streak so much,” Coach Ynot tells ALL-STAR. “We just take things step-by-step and prepare for whoever we’re facing next.”
15 | Pressure
RSG’s Irrad is seen laying his head backward and closing his eyes on Week 6, Day 3 during RSG’s match against world champions Falcons AP BREN. The Hive consistently targeted Irrad, putting pressure on his Ling and achieving multiple pickoffs that visibly neutered the talented jungler.
16 | Bart Simpson
Even though he may not admit it, Panda has a soft spot for Irrad, whom he once likened to Bart Simpson. “So do you see Irrad like a son or something?” we asked. “No, he’s like Bart Simpson,” Panda said. “Ayoko rin naman maging tatay kita, no!” said Irrad. That hilarious banter happened in Season 12.
17 | The Notebook
RSG’s Coach Panda is always seen with his notebook: a journal of sorts in which he documents his insights, analysis, and comments on his team’s plays and strategies. He has allegedly consumed more than 15 notebooks just writing notes about MLBB and the MPL. Panda is a scientist, and in trying times, his crutches are his handy notebooks.
18 | The Prayer
Coach Panda and RSG are seen in solemn prayer as they fight for the season of their lives. This photo was captured on Week 6, Day 3, during RSG’s match against Falcons AP BREN.
