The Untold Story of Brigida, Part I
Brigida opens up about her unexpected journey in esports. Here’s everything she’s told no one about, part 1.
When we first met Brigida, she seemed like a flighty spectre who’s afraid of people, ironically. But when she comes on air, a different persona surfaces: A bright, witty, shoutcaster with self-deprecating humor and crazy-level knowledge of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
She’s been playing it every day since 2017—seven years ago.
Born on April 11, 2001, Bridgitte Alexandra Ramos, aka Brigida, is the eldest of two siblings. She recently graduated with honors from the Ateneo with a degree in AB Communications.
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“Since my parents are just regular employees, I’m lucky because I was a scholar in the Ateneo that’s why I was able to finish college. I was a financial aid scholar,” Brigida told ALL-STAR.
Quite impressive. Ateneo, after all, is one of the most difficult universities to get into, and one of the most expensive in terms of tuition fees. Graduating with honors in that university says a lot about one’s character: You have grit, consistency, and a lot of discipline.
And Brigida managed to do it while casting for MLBB on the side.
“I’m very particular when it comes to time management. This became pronounced when I got into college and had a sideline,” said Brigida.
“I didn’t want to neglect my studies, as much as possible, I wanted to do both. So I tried to accomplish everything as soon as possible so when it’s time for me to work in esports, I am free.”
As she was saying this, her demeanor was humble and self-effacing, with a hint of shy modesty. There’s a gentle reserve in her tone that suggests she values humility over recognition.
“You know that I’m low-key!” She reminded ALL-STAR. “I don’t like clout…”
A Girl With No Hobbies But MLBB
“All my life in college, MLBB was the only hobby I had!” said Brigida, containing her laughter.
During her first year in Ateneo, she joined LG or Loyola Gaming (formerly Lions Gaming), an independent student organization focused on gaming.
“That’s the only club I joined in my four years in college! I transitioned from being a casual player, competitive player, to being a team manager!” said Brigida.
There was a shift in her tone. It was obvious this was something really special to her. And then she confirmed our suspicions.
“Collegiate esports is very close to my heart,” said Brigida. “Before I became part of the professional league, collegiate esports was my first love.”
We dug deeper into her love of MLBB, so we asked her how she found out about the game. It was a memory she will never forget.
“When I was studying at an all-girls high school, we had a rehearsal for a stage play at the house of my classmate. I was the first one to arrive.”
Brigida saw her classmate playing a game on her phone. It was Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
“She was using Rafaela!”
Brigida got curious and asked her friend about the game. Throughout that day, it was all she could think of, so downloaded it immediately when she got home.
“When I was watching my classmate play, I thought the game was very cool!” said Brigida.
“I started with Rafaela as my main hero because my classmate told me to use her so I would easily rank up. Mage-type Rafaela!”
That was seven years ago in 2017. Mobile Legends had just launched in the Philippines.
“After that, I discovered heroes such as Lunox, Ruby, and Pharsa. I have the most number of matches using these three heroes!”
Brigida was hooked on MLBB. She fell in love with the game and has not stopped playing it since for the past seven years.
“I’ve always been into video games ever since I was young. I used to play in a virtual world of Barbie on PC. Wholesome games!”Brigida laughs, a bit embarrassed.
“How did you end up in esports?” ALL-STAR asked.
Brigida took a deep breath.
“The reason why I took up Bachelor of Arts in Communications is that I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduating!”
Oh, so it’s a confession.
“I was pressured during my second year in college because I thought I was too chill compared to everyone else who already knew what they wanted to do. On the other hand, I was all over the place! My electives were so random, I was just testing things out!”
In Ateneo, pursuing Communications means you can also pursue various fields such as Journalism, Broadcast, Film, Advertising, PR, and more.
At this point duirng the interview, Brigida kept giggling at herself. And then in dramatic fashion, she squealed.
“What is my passion?!”
We burst out laughing.
“I was stressed because every time I thought about my passion or hobbies, it was always games that came up.”
Brigida was worried because gaming was not a generally accepted or respected career.
“I just tried to convince myself that if gaming is the only thing that fits me now, what could be the closest career I could go to?”
At that time in college, Brigida was already familiar with the MPL.
“It just crossed my mind and I would tell it as a joke to the people in my club. I would tell them, what if I auditioned for that?”
But none of them took it seriously, not even Brigida.
There was no concrete way or means to get into the MPL if you had no connections. There were no auditions or no tryouts.
And then the MPL launched the very first and only Caster Search. The club’s president saw it and sent it to Brigida in case she was interested. Her friends also sent her the poster, telling her it’s time to act on her jokes.
“I am not the type to take risks! But the Caster Search was one of those opportunities that I felt I would regret if I didn’t try it. I took a leap of faith.”
The family’s reaction to esports
“What was your family’s reaction when you pursued a career in esports?” we asked.
Filipino families usually dream of their child becoming doctors, lawyers, architects, and engineers. And if you put your daughter through one of the most prestigious universities in the country, the expectation is higher.
“That’s one of the things I’m very happy about when I was starting out because they were very supportive,” Brigida told ALL-STAR.
“They understood that it was not like the traditional careers you’d expect fresh graduates to have to pursue, they knew I was only trying things out with the hope that it would be my big spark to bigger things.”
Brigida’s family’s support for her esports career was so solid, they made sure she did not feel alone or uncomfortable in her journey. Her mother would even accompany her to the MPL venue in Eastwood during Season 10, which is far from their home.
“My journey in the caster search did not go so well. But still, they were proud of me. But when one door closes, another one opens, and they did open for me, but not immediately.
But what a journey it has been: From MDL to M-Series.
“Did you ever envision you’d come this far? You’re now in M6.
“No! I mean, when you apply for a Caster Search, they ask you to fill in English or Tagalog. I never dreamed of being here in M6. When I found out, I was under so much pressure.”
“Throughout Season 14, I was only in the English panel, not the desk. Here, I was so nervous. You saw my first day at M6, it was on desk! With Mirko!”
“I’ve overthought everything you can overthink! I had five to six breakdowns before the start of the M6! I was under tremendous pressure!
Brigida was showing her vulnerable side. We didn’t think casters could also have nervous breakdowns or jitters.
Brigida locked herself in her room studying her lines, the teams, and the analysis for M6.
“I was burning the night candle even though no information was being absorbed anymore!”
But when Brigida was on the desk, everything became calmer.
“The feeling is different. Your colleagues will guide you so you will learn and grow. It depends on you whether you’ll be eaten alive, so I was up against myself, really. Fortunately, I overcame the breakdown. I was nervous, but it wasn’t restrictive.”
“Was that your first time to experience such?” ALL-STAR asked Brigida.
Silence followed for a couple of seconds. And then…
“I also experienced this before because of the bashers.”
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