Why Team Liquid PH Undertook ‘Miss World’ Personality Training

Before they flew to Riyadh for MSC 2024, Team Liquid Philippines (formerly ECHO), undertook personality-building training from none other than the Creative and Program Manager of Miss World Philippines Organization, Ms. Kenny Delos Santos. 

“TLPH had their PR training before they left the Philippines. From posture to interviews! Hindi lang yan pero sobra dami nilang natutunan. Thanks to Ms. Kenneth Delos Santos – Creative and Program Manager of Ms. World Organization and Founder of Founder of The Novaura Center,” Team Liquid Country Manager Mitch Liwanag wrote on Facebook. 

ALL-STAR reached out to Team Liquid Philippines Business Development Manager Kyle Paderes De Leon on why the team received personality coaching from the Miss World Philippines creative director.

“It all started when I talked to Mitch and told her that it’s about time that we did a personality development and media training for the boys, since they are influencers and they represent brands. It was high time that the boys stepped up to build their personalities and express their inner celebrity type. It’s a must, like how traditional sports athletes train in personality building and branding. We wanted Team Liquid to have the same. We’re not just carrying the name of the team, but we’re also representing the Philippines,” De Leon said. “We need to be holistic as a team, as a person, as a brand ambassador, and representatives of the Philippines.”

“I reached out to Ms. Kenny Delos Santos, she is the creative and program manager of Miss World Philippines Organization, and she is the founder and chairman of the Novoura Center and Runway Institute. She does personality development and training not just for beauty pageant contestants or beauty queens, but also for celebrities or those who aspire to become celebrities,” added De Leon.

What were the topics covered in Team Liquid PH’s personality building session?

Accoridng to De Leon, the players received training on public speaking, answering interview questions, posture, proper decorum, social graces, and etiquette when talking to different people. But it’s not all about verbal communication. They were also taught that the body also communicates in ways they may not be aware of: body language and facial expression were also covered.

The players took these lessons to heart. When they arrived in Riyadh for the MSC 2024 Gala Dinner, many people noticed a difference in how the players carried themselves.

“We’ve been receiving comments when the players came out in the Gala Dinner of MSC 2024, people told us the players seemed like totally different persons, especially with that personalized barong they wore. It’s like a process of repackaging them, especially since we’ve become Team Liquid. We have to represent the global Filipino. As someone whom young kids look up to, the players need to be presentable. They are really influencers and celebrities,” De Leon told ALL-STAR.

Players’ Reactions to the Training

According to De Leon, the players were apprehensive when they first learned they will undergo training with one of the most respected figures in Miss World Philippines Organization.

“When we talked about developing the players’ branding and personality building, they initially felt nervous and scared that their trainer will be strict! But they were excited,” said De Leon.

“When the first session started, they were shy. But they eventually opened up their different personalities. They had so many questions, they were very interested and very eager to learn how they would best represent themselves. And of course, they are made more aware that they are representing the Philippines. They are not just carrying the name of the team, but the image of the whole country.”