The Philippines may have fallen short of another MLBB Mid-Season Cup championship, but Filipino excellence still found its way onto the podium—this time through two players wearing different colors.
Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas and Kairi Rayosdelsol once again showcased why Filipino players remain among the world’s best as they powered ONIC Indonesia to a commanding 3-0 sweep of Team Falcons PH in the battle for third place.
The victory secured a podium finish for the Indonesian squad and ensured that Filipino representation remained alive in the tournament despite the struggles of the country’s own teams.
For Kelra and Kairi, however, the medal came with a familiar sacrifice: succeeding overseas while being separated from the people who matter most.
In his first season with ONIC Indonesia, Kelra admitted that the hardest part of playing abroad is being away from his partner, Yang, and their son, Slake. While competing at the Esports World Cup (EWC), he said his schedule leaves little time for family conversations.
“Malungkot para sa akin, pero kailangan eh. Nakakausap ko naman sila kapag may free time ako, pero ngayong nasa EWC ako madalang kasi focus muna ako dito.”
Kelra made sure the sacrifice translated into results. He dominated Game 1 with Granger, posting an impressive 9/0/4 KDA to give ONIC Indonesia an early edge in the series before the team completed the sweep.
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Podium 3 berhasil diamankan!
ONIC
menutup perjuangan mereka dari MSC at EWC sebagai peringkat 3 usai memenangkan laga rematch Grand Finals M5 melawan Team Falcons PH.
Perjalanan belum selesai. Comeback stronger ONIC
#MLBBEsports #MSCatEWC2026 #MobileLegendsBangBang… pic.twitter.com/kW6LQaE9YR
— MPL Indonesia (@mplidofficial) August 1, 2026
Kairi, now a veteran after spending nine seasons with ONIC Indonesia, said life overseas has become something he has learned to live with. Even so, he admitted that missing his family—especially his parents—never truly goes away.
“Medyo nasanay na din po ako pero hindi naman mawawala yung pagkamiss sa pamilya, lalo na sa magulang. Every time naman na may kaganapan sa buhay ko andiyan sila. Ang iniisip ko na lang palagi na para sa pamilya ko ito and sa future ko.”
The veteran jungler delivered one of the defining performances of the series in Game 3. Using Hirara, Kairi finished with an outstanding 11/0/3 statline and produced a decisive triple kill during the pivotal 10-minute Lord fight to seal ONIC Indonesia’s 3-0 victory over Team Falcons PH.
The result marked a significant step forward for ONIC Indonesia, which improved on last year’s MLBB Mid-Season Cup campaign after missing out on a podium finish when it was eliminated by ONIC Philippines.
This year, however, the tournament unfolded differently for the Philippine representatives. Defending champions Team Liquid PH were knocked out early in the knockout stage, while Team Falcons PH battled their way into the race for third place but were ultimately swept by an ONIC Indonesia squad anchored by two Filipino imports.
Although Philippine teams were unable to repeat their dominance from the previous edition, Filipino players still left their mark on the international stage.
Through Kelra and Kairi, the country’s presence was still felt on the podium, serving as another reminder that Filipino talent continues to thrive—even when success comes while wearing another nation’s jersey.
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