For it to make a mark in the world of esports, the Philippines needs to discover grassroots esports players and teams who can become legends in their own right. PNEL, a non-profit, non-stock organization, relentlessly finds ways for the common barangay gamer to build their own teams, challenge other teams, practice and show off their skills and be recognized by their LGU’s or by a private organization until they can reach international heights.
It is the grit of PNEL that pushes teams like the amateur squad Maharlika (MHRLK) to be recognized side by side with Blacklist International members during the official Sibol MLBB roster for the 14th International Esports Federation (IESF) World Esports (WE) Championship in Bali, Indonesia back in 2022. Coming from humble beginnings themselves, Co-founders Hector Aldwin Pantollana and Atty. Ronaldo “Lease” Renta saw PNEL as a vehicle to give back to society.
To date, its total prize pool has reached millions of pesos for its private and LGU-based leagues. PNEL is the only esports organization that has its own esports-centered school, the Esports Academy of Asia Pacific (EAAP) and is the only organization with an application called the PNEL SUPER APP, where gamers and esports players can meet, build teams, challenge other teams, and be recognized and awarded for their gaming prowess. To date, PNEL has created one of the largest esports tournaments in the country. Now in its fourth season, “Annihilation” took place on April 15 at the University Arena of the City of Dasmariñas. Through “Annihilation 4”, PNEL has once again created another milestone with its Php4 million prize pool. Gaining momentum from past Annihilation seasons, “Annihilation 4” was the biggest Mobile Legends: BangBang (ML:BB) tournament organized by PNEL as of yet.
Attracting the attention of 43 million Filipino gamers and the Philippine gaming industry, where 74% of these online gamers play on their mobile devices, “Annihilation” is expected to hit more than three million in social media sites, especially in Facebook. This is in comparison to the previous season that was able to reach a couple of million gamers though lesser known than those from other leagues. About 4 out of every 10 Filipinos are active on-line gamers, making the country a possible haven of esports legends since despite the “inadequate infrastructure and decent internet connections. It’s almost fascinating how talents are still able to practice and rival their overseas contenders” (Esports.net, 2022).
For more information on The Annihilation IV Tournament, visit https://pnel.net or https://www.facebook.com/pnelofficial/ Mr. Hector Pantollana is the CEO of HALP Construction Inc., HP Luxury Cars Trading Inc., HP Luxury Health and Cosmetic Scents, V-Cafe by HP Corp. and Great Southern Maritime Shipping. Atty. Ronaldo “Lease” Renta is a practicing lawyer of the REPECASA Law Firm.
About the Author: David Galin is the Academic Director of Esports Academy of Asia Pacific and a DOTA 2 gamer.
