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| Moonton reached out to PSC for PhilSports Arena's availability, and they eventually struck an agreement to hold the MPL Philippines Playoffs there. Peter Baltazar (file photo) |
QUEZON CITY—Jane Dela Cruz admitted on Saturday night that Moonton inquired with the Philippine Sports Commission about the availability of the PhilSports Arena for late October.
Dela Cruz, Moonton's marketing head for Philippine esports, said in a press conference at the Victoria Sports Tower that the esports publisher reaching out to arena managers is the norm for them.
"It was like any other, I would say, a normal process for us. It really starts with us: 'Which venue is our target?' And then looking for the right resources and being able to check out who's available," Dela Cruz said in the media briefing, where she explained the choice of Pasig's prime sports venue as the battleground for the MPL Philippines Playoffs from Oct. 21-25.
She also said that they considered other venues for the postseason event before eventually striking a deal with the PSC to bring the ultimate battle for the national title to the place formerly called "The ULTRA".
In a video message during the live broadcast, PSC chairman Pato Gregorio reiterated the agency's support for esports in general.
"Kami sa Philippine Sports Commission, all-out ang suporta sa esports. Naniniwala kami na yang sport na yan, importante," Gregorio said, emphasizing Sibol's ongoing Asian Games bid.
Team Liquid Philippines, Sibol's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang representative, is tipped among the favorites to rule the Asian Games tournament.
Before heading to Japan, Liquid PH earned its place in PhilSports following its Week 5 daily grind.
Following Aurora Gaming Philippines' win against AP Bren, Team Falcons and Onic Philippines also clinched playoff spots.
Falcons and Onic PH are facing off as of posting in a battle that has major implications in the race for a Top 2 spot, which means a Day 1 bye.
