THE growing Esports scene in the country has added another player after PLDT and Smart jointly launched their own official professional team called “Omega.”
In collaboration with Esports management Sterling Global Dragons, Omega is set to represent PLDT and Smart at The Nationals, the country’s first franchise-based Esports league, which kicks off on March 17.
Officials of the partnering groups said the launch of the pro team was in recognition of how far Esports has come far in the country and of its potential to continue to grow.
“Launching ‘Omega’ as our official professional Esports team reinforces the long-standing commitment of PLDT and Smart to elevate Esports in the Philippines, as well as provide the ultimate gaming experience for Filipino gamers, fans, and enthusiasts,” said Andrew L. Santos, FVP and Consumer Marketing Head for PLDT and Smart, in a statement.
Adding, “Experienced ‘Omega’ athletes show what Filipinos are capable of achieving with their passion and dedication to Esports. Hence, more than being a formidable team, ‘Omega’ serves as an inspiration to fellow gamers, who, with the right support, can be at par with the best in the world.
For Gerry Lim, Sterling Global Dragons president, their common vision to grow Esports makes their partnership with PLDT and Smart for Omega is primary in making it happen, something they hope to continue banking on moving along.
“We share PLDT and Smart’s vision to legitimize and professionalize Esports in the Philippines, and our strategic partnership to establish and manage ‘Omega’ is a huge step toward this goal. Collaborations like this serve as a platform for the gaming community to empower homegrown Esports athletes in a holistic way, and enable them to reach their full potential, and set high standards for the community,” said Mr. Lim.
Omega is composed of high-ranking players Julius Cesar Sto. Domingo (in-game name: Julz); Jonas Samonte (Nasjo); Jaysie Garan (Yaj); Jinn Marrey Lamatao (Palos); and Pedro de Paula (Efking), with team coach Josef Brazal (JL`) for Dota 2; Jules Carmann Marcelo (Lex); Rico J. Esto (Levi); Karl Nepomuceno (Karl); Steve Dale Vitug (Dale); and EJ Esperanza (Boo) for Mobile Legends; and Juliano Lozano (Jules) for Tekken 7.
In The Nationals, the official Esports teams of the league’s six co-founding members are pitted against each other in top competitive games, including the official Southeast Asian (SEA) Games-sanctioned titles Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Tekken 7.
Aside from PLDT and Smart, The Nationals co-founders fielding their teams are BrenPro Inc., Cignal TV Inc., Execration, HappyFeet Esports, and STI Education Systems.
The Nationals can be seen live over EGG Channel on Cignal TV and ESPN5 Plus. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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