Dlar says he regrets leaving MPL Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Former EVOS Legends team member Gerald "Dlar" Trinchera admitted to feeling regret over leaving the Philippine Mobile Legends Bang Bang scene.

In an interview with the media as he visited the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH), Trinchera mentioned that his regret stems from not being able to show his true potential and do what he wanted the most, which was to play the game he loves.

"Sa totoo, may kaunting regret lang na sana na gustong gusto kasi talagang maglaro. Na sana tinuloy ko na lang yung ibang nag-offer sa akin. Ang dami ko kasing choices nung time na yun. Dumating sa point na may na-feel akong ganun," said Trinchera.

In 2021, after he was released by ONIC Philippines, Trinchera said he was offered contracts by three Indonesian, two Malaysian and three Cambodian teams. He also shared that no Philippine squad at that time did the same.

Trinchera was able to make a few game appearances with EVOS Legends, but he was soon transferred to the team's development league roster and would then be listed as the team's content creator instead of an active player. He made his last EVOS Legends appearance with the team in the 2023 Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup as they played in the quarterfinals against fellow Indonesian team ONIC Esports.  Trinchera was subbed in during Game Two, marking his first international appearance since he played with ONIC Philippines in the M3 World Championships.

Even though his playing time with EVOS Legends had been limited, Trinchera admits that he learned a lot with the team.

"Natutunan ko yung sipag. Dati nung mga Season 4 to 9 dito, aminado ako na medyo tamad ako. Kung baga chill lang ako, laro lang and tiwala sa team. Pero sa EVOS nun, yung sipag, kung paano i-solve yung mga nagiging problema nila, paano ako mag adapt agad," he shared.

He urged Filipino players being courted by international teams to really think about their decision before flying out.

"Pag-isipan nila muna ng mabuti. Una, mahihiwalay sila sa pamilya nila tapos sobrang hirap mag-isa ‘pag ‘di mo alam yung language. If magiging import kayo, mas maganda talaga kung may kasama. Sobrang hirap kasi pag mag-isa ka kasi ikaw yung mag-a-adjust sa sistema nila," said Trinchera.

Though having offers from Indonesian and Cambodian teams, being back in the Philippines has motivated Trinchera to return to the local scene.

"Iba talaga ngayon, ang rami nang malalakas. Gusto ko [talaga] bumalik sa MPL. Siguro ‘di ko mashe-share yung mga nag-offer sa akin pero merong tatlo [sa Pinas]. ‘Di ko masasabi kung MPL or MDL pero masasabi ko lang is gusto ko talaga sa MPL at gusto ko talaga makapaglaro at mapakita yung kaya ko."