ESPORTS HAS joined the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) calendar, a historic testament to how far competitive gaming has come from its initial years as a form of “friendly” pustahan (bets) in neighborhood computer shops.
With a historically rich scene even prior to its inclusion in the UAAP, esports must face the inevitability that some players will be left behind as their collegiate careers draw to a close. Despite the curtain closing, however, their presence is still felt by those who follow in their footsteps, showing that their legacy is too powerful to forget.
In the lush landscape of collegiate Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), one person stands out above the rest, boasting a series of accomplishments that arguably surpass the game itself: Vincent “Antianara” Pajenago (BS PSY ‘24).
The dawn
Gaming had long been a steady fixture in the young Antianara’s life, having spent countless days playing titles like Dota 2 and League of Legends. By the age of nine, Antianara’s competitive nature had fully manifested, as he began wagering games against much older players in internet cafes.
At the time, Antianara was primarily a PC player, yet this changed in 2021 when he stumbled upon a video by M3 World Champion and esports queer icon Johnmar “OhMyV33Nus” Villaluna.
Inspired by the influencer’s personality and gameplay, Antianara started playing Mobile Legends and rapidly became great at the game, in which he started competing with players from the upper echelons of the ranked ladder. Alongside his introduction to MLBB, this period also marked the time Pajenago came to embrace his queer identity.
As he continued to improve at the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, Antianara was encouraged by his friend to try out for the Loyola Gaming (LG) Esports MLBB team. The newcomer soon joined Team 2, where he would meet future teammate, friend, and fellow LGBTQIA+ member Eugene “Gene” Dela Cruz.
Antianara quickly adapted to the team environment, highlighted by his eventual appointment as captain of the second squad. This decision was attributed to Antianara’s willingness to make tough choices, such as becoming a roamer after realizing Gene’s proficiency as a midlaner.
Although Gene and Antianara had finally settled into the unit, their stint in Team 2 was short-lived, as months later, LG merged the two squads into a single united front. This new team, which became known as LG Helios, presented a fresh set of challenges for the skipper.
“When the new team was formed, it was rough because not everyone was listening to me, and I was used to everyone listening to me because when I was in Team 2, they just all went by with my decisions. But here, there were pushbacks,” Antianara shared.
Determined to gain his teammates’ trust, Antianara diligently played MLBB day in and night out to improve his skills. His efforts paid off when the team secured their first championship as a squad in the 2022 CHED Friendship games. From that point on, he noticed that LG Helios began trusting his calls.
Building on their resounding triumph, LG Helios swiftly became one of the most dominant forces in the MLBB scene. Amid the Blue and White dominance, Antianara stood out as a trailblazer in-game, transforming the meta with his patented utility hero pool.
This development was fitting for a player whose username symbolized someone “who goes against the current.” In a twist of fate, Antianara’s name came to represent not only his career with LG Helios but also his role as a caster.
Defying the binary
Similar to his entry into LGE, Pajenago was recommended by his friend and team manager Bridgitte “Brigida” Ramos to try casting for the MLBB Professional League Philippines. Ramos observed that Pajenago had the qualities of a great caster, and she was proven right. Despite not winning the caster search, Pajenago landed a caster job at the developmental league.
However, Pajenago’s transition into casting did not go as well as the newscaster expected. Viewers often criticized the LG Helios Team Captain for his looks and overuse of “gay lingo.” Contrary to the homophobic remarks, an emerging narrative unfolded from the queer community who felt represented by his presence.
Dela Cruz noted that with Pajenago breaking the glass ceiling, it became possible for queer identities to occupy previously unwelcomed spaces. “[Antianara] set an example for young, queer individuals that we have a space in this male-dominated sport,” the midlaner remarked.
Pajenago always recognized the tribulations he would face in going against the binary, but the caster embraced his journey with gratitude. The talent also acknowledged that his presence was constituting a larger platform, thereby leaving an impact on the esports community.
The realization stemmed from his mentor, Mara Aquino, who told him, “The road ahead of you is going to be difficult, but that’s the price you have to pay for being the first.”
Despite the steep challenges, the Blue Eagle refuses to conform to the general public, showing individuals how to break the barriers of prejudice and discrimination.
Recasting the cyberspace
Needless to say, Pajenago’s excellence in the gaming and casting scene has heavily contributed to the evolving Philippine esports community. Expanding greater than the Ateneo alumnus’ eminence, however, is his influence as an advocate for safe spaces for all, regardless of profession. “My existence is proof that we [still have] a long way from truly becoming an inclusive community,” the pioneer expressed.
Pajenago also hopes that everyone is given a place within the esports community, as queer representation matters in male-dominated spaces. “People will always try to bring you down just because of your identity and sexuality, but that shouldn’t stop you from performing to the best of your ability,” the Atenean graduate said.
In addition, Dela Cruz indicated his unconventionality for not following the duality of gender or sex, which establishes the representation that the talent has brought to the scene.
With the inclusion of esports and MLBB in UAAP Season 87, Pajenago wishes that it will serve as a space for everyone to thrive and flourish, regardless of gender identity. Now more than ever, he believes that if everyone is given the room to be who they are and to continuously evolve, then that is one step forward toward true inclusivity.
“People will tell you to dim your light and will try to doubt you, but ultimately, don’t do it for them—do it for yourself and the community that you belong to,” Pajenago imparted, reflected by his relentless expression of self. Having once looked up to the likes of “OhMyV33Nus,” the Atenean now blazes a trail for young and aspiring queer talents to traverse and wander through.
Grounded by his authentic identity rather than a forced persona, Pajenago embodies the queer experience in a chiefly masculine environment. With this, the Filipino esports figure is committed to representing his community and continuously shaping the cyberspace in his tenacious pursuit of equitable opportunities for queer representation.
