In the competitive world of esports, assembling a team that can rise to the top requires strategic vision, the right players, and perfect timing.
This was the case for AURORA Gaming, a new contender in the MLBB esports arena.
Led by Head Coach Aniel “Master The Basics“ Jiandani and Analyst Dexter Louise “DexStar“ Alaba, AURORA Gaming is set to make waves in the upcoming season 14 of MPL Philippines.
From Playoffs to New Beginnings
Dexter Louise “DexStar“ Alaba (left) and Aniel “Master The Basics“ Jiandani (right)
The inception of AURORA Gaming traces back to the conclusion of Season 13.
It all began when Master The Basics received a call from the General Manager of AURORA, Elrasec "Rada" Ocampo, and the owner.
“I think nagsimula ‘to after playoffs ng Season 13,“ recalled Jiandani, “Cinontact kami, and ako after ilang days, tsaka palang bumuo ng line up. Kicontact kami ni Boss Rada at ‘yung owner ng Aurora. Pero wala pang offer, nagtatanong lang kung anong plano namin next season.”
At that time, Jiandani was at a crucial point in his personal life, with the recent birth of his child bringing new responsibilities. He was prepared to commit to Season 14 if everything settled smoothly at home, but he was also considering taking a well-deserved break if needed—after a rough season with his former team Blacklist International.
”Ang plano ko talaga either magre-rest ako kasi kakapanganak lang ng asawa ko. Kung maging okay si misis, plano kong mag-season 14, pero kung magkaproblema, magre-rest ako.”
However, fate had other plans. The early birth of his child allowed MTB to make an earlier-than-expected decision, paving the way for his involvement in what would become AURORA Gaming.
”Napaaga ‘yung panganganak niya kaya mas maaga rin ako nakapag-decide,” he added.
Crafting the Dream Team
As the concept of the team took shape, AURORA's management decided to take charge of assembling the lineup, ready to invest in the right talent.
“Pagdating sa players, si Aurora rin mismo ang nag-decide kung sino ‘yung mga gusto nilang kunin kasi willing naman daw silang mag-buy out,” Jiandani explained.
Their main request to MTB and his team was clear: they needed players with dedication. Raw skill was secondary to a commitment to improvement and teamwork.
“Ang hiningi lang nila sa ‘min is ano ‘yung requirements namin para sa isang player. So, ang requirements lang naman talaga is dedication, ‘di namin kailangan ng malakas.”
The management sought input from Jiandani and his team, asking for a list of top five players per role.
For Jiandani, there was one standout candidate: Renejay.
“Para sa akin top 1 talaga si Renejay, kasi kung napansin niyo yung transition ni Renejay, gusto ko sanang ituloy ‘yong noong Season 13... kaso naputol. Kaya noong pinahanap kami ng players, number 1 sa listahan ko talaga si Renejay.”
A Change in Plans
Meanwhile, DexStar, the team analyst and assistant coach, was navigating his own career crossroads.
Initially considering a head coach position with another team, TNC Pro, DexStar was drawn into the AURORA project when the management persuaded him to stay.
“Actually, last season may plan na rin talaga akong umalis [sa Blacklist], dati magiging head coach dapat ako ng TNC Pro. And then ayun nga nagkaroon ng plan ‘yung management na mag-stay muna. Akala ko talaga, head coach ako ng Aurora.”
Though he had envisioned a different path, Alaba embraced his role as an analyst, ready to contribute his strategic insights to the team's development.
A Promising Future
With the foundation laid, AURORA Gaming is ready to compete with a clear mission: to compete at the highest level and make a mark in the MLBB landscape.
The newly formed team's lineup is composed of both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Leading the team is Renejay "Renejay" Barcarse as Team Captain and Roam-Tank, with Jonard Cedrix "Demonkite" Caranto as the Jungler.
Edward Jay "Edward" Dapadap takes on the role of EXP Laner, while Jan Dominic "Domeng" Del Mundo serves as Gold Laner.
Kenneth Carl "Yue" Tadeo plays as Mid-Support, and Ben Seloe "Benthings" Maglaque is the 6th man.
Additionally, the team has announced new roles for the renowned V33Wise duo within AURORA Gaming, with Jonmar "OHMYV33NUS" Villaluna and Danerie James "WISE" Del Rosario taking on the positions of Esports & Gaming Content Directors.
