Filipino Club members learn the value of teamwork and share their talents in a mobile gaming tournament
The Filipino Club at BYU–Hawaii held an online mobile gaming tournament that united students from all backgrounds. Thumbs flew across screens as adrenaline flowed through virtual veins, creating a thrilling digital experience. The event showcased the club's dedication to promoting connections and providing an exciting gaming platform for students to come together and compete.
Rolando Ragsag, Jr., president of Filipino Club and a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in business management, shared, “The purpose of the event is to not only bring students together but also to showcase their skills and talents in the gaming world.”
Planning the tournament
While it wasn’t the club’s first event of its kind, it was the first time they asked an influential person from the gaming world to be a part of it, Ragsag said. The Filipino Club invited renowned live streamer, YouTuber, producer and influencer Dave Mao, to host the event.
Ceejay Magracia, the vice president of the club, captain of the winning team and a junior majoring in information technology from the Philippines, said, “Dave Mao, who is also an accomplished MLBB tournament director, supported us and assisted us with the tasks that we needed to complete in order to have this event organized here at BYU-Hawaii,” he shared.
Mao explained that Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a strategic game where two teams of five players battle on a small map. He highlighted the importance of managing resources, communicating effectively and winning fights to capture the enemy's territory. Mao emphasized that the game requires quick thinking and constant teamwork due to its real-time nature.
He added, "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang serves as a training ground, testing players' decision-making skills and fostering discipline, communication, and interaction within teams." Expressing his enthusiasm for supporting local events, Mao shared his awe at witnessing 60 students from 12 different teams come together to compete at the event. He commended the students for managing their schoolwork while actively participating in the tournament, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and responsibility.
"The energy in the room was priceless, reflecting the students' genuine passion and love for the game and their community," Mao said. He said he envisioned the event as beginning a new future of college-versus-college tournaments and intercollege competitions in Mobile Legends. Ragsag added the event broke societal stereotypes associated with online gaming.
Margracia expressed his excitement at the participants' enthusiastic anticipation of meeting Mao face-to-face. He said, “The tournament attracted an impressive turnout, with students and community members joining in the excitement.”
“Bring Out the Madness” reigns victorious
Prince Spencer Pason, a sophomore majoring in social work from the Philippines, was a member of the victorious “Bring Out the Madness” team. "The game has had a positive impact on my well-being. By providing a distraction from the stresses of daily life, Mobile Legends has served as a self-care tool,” he shared.
He shared playing together helped his teammates become closer and feel like family. Pason expressed his gratitude to supporters and said their encouragement and belief in the team served as powerful motivators.
Jade Faye Cortes-Magracia, a sophomore from the Philippines studying business management, is a supporter and Ceejay Magracia’s spouse. She said, “I commend their resilience in overcoming challenges and appreciate their loyalty, humility and determination.”
Cortes-Magracia pledged her support for the "Bring Out the Madness" team even though she is no longer an active player, explaining, “I want to encourage students who enjoy gaming to be humble and enjoy it.”
Learning life lessons
Magracia emphasized the crucial role of effective communication in achieving success during the tournament. “The Filipino Club presidency and team players worked tirelessly, constantly strategizing to ensure their goals were met,” he explained. He added their commitment to open discussion and organized planning played an essential role in their triumph.
Jemila Tuba, an alumna from the Philippines who majored in business management, was among many others who showed up to support the teams and specifically for her husband who was playing. She shared her admiration for the team because of how they manage to do homework and still be able to compete and have fun. "Witnessing their gameplay has sparked my love for the game, allowing me to understand its intricacies and complexities,” Tuba said.
Tuba added she has learned invaluable lessons from the team, particularly the importance of prioritizing the feelings and ideas of every individual. “I love how teams ensure everyone feels included and valued, fostering an environment of respect and collaboration,” she said.
"The mobile game platform allows students to demonstrate their abilities and skills, creating teamwork among them," said Tuba. She expressed her hopes that players worldwide will participate and experience the joy gaming brings, and she encouraged others to seize opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Ragsag shared, "[The Filipino Club] aimed to inspire students to embrace the positive aspects of gaming and embody the values of teamwork and kindness in all aspects of their lives.”
Ragsag highlighted the extraordinary display of good sportsmanship among the students as a standout aspect of the event. He said regardless of victory or defeat, teams approached one another with grace and support, embodying unity and respect.
"We hope that students will carry this spirit of good sportsmanship beyond the event into their lives outside of gaming," Ragsag expressed. By exemplifying Christlike attitudes during the competition, Ragsag said the Filipino Club taught the lesson that even in the realm of gaming, people can exercise kindness, compassion and empathy.