E-Gilas stays sharp despite pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — E-Gilas Pilipinas is taking no days off in a bid to stay ready for the bigger FIBA Esports event initially set this October.

Following their dominant championship run in the inaugural FIBA Esports Open last June, the Nationals are keeping a busy schedule at home amid the pandemic.

Just recently, the Nite Alparas-mentored squad ruled the NBA 2K Veterans League against top local clubs as part of their non-stop preparations against stronger international teams two months from now.

“It’s the same routine for us. We’re doing daily practice and scrimmages. We are always making sure to maintain team chemistry to avoid rust for the upcoming FIBA event,” star guard Rial “Rial” Polog Jr. told The STAR.

Meanwhile, Smart Communications has hooked up with Eplayment Entertainment to stage an all-women Esports tournament dubbed “Liga Adarna: Laban Para Sa Korona” aimed at raising funds for Covid-19 initiatives.

These include charities for frontliner organizations affected by the global health crisis. Participants are encouraged to have a partner charity institution upon joining with the winners and their chosen charities to receive cash prizes aside from the Liga Adarna crown.

Titles to be disputed are Valorant and DOTA 2, both worth P20,000 each; and the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang worth P100,000. The partner beneficiaries will also be featured in various contents (such as videos, etc.) on social media to help them in their fund-raising drive and other initiatives.

“These are exciting times not only for women in esports, but for women in sports in general,” said Eplayment director Patricia Gregorio. – Dante Navarro