Setsuna “Dogie” Ignacio is one of the most iconic personalities in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports scene, and a father figure of the Minana EVOS organization. Despite the various ups and downs that the team has experienced in recent years, he has been an unwavering pillar of support and guidance, instilling a sense of family and camaraderie within the organization.
Dogie recently delivered a sobering ultimatum to the members of Minana EVOS for MPL PH Season 13. Disheartened by consecutive seasons of disappointment, Dogie laid down the law: if Minana fails to secure a spot in the playoffs this season, the team may face disbandment.
Dogie demands Minana EVOS to reach playoffs for MPL PH Season 13
Through a media interview, Dogie shared how the financial burden falls heavily on his shoulders, as he takes care of half of Minana’s MPL player salaries and covers expenses for the MDL squad, including bootcamp fees. Despite the strain on his resources, Dogie remains resolute in his support for his team, sacrificing personal gains for the collective success of Minana.
However, there is a limit to everything, and Dogie stated that if the team delivers unsatisfying results this MPL PH Season 13, he may have to let go of his responsibilities, which could potentially be fatal for the future of the Minana EVOS organization.
“This is our last hurrah,” Dogie expressed firmly, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “If they didn’t perform, I’ll disband the whole esports side of mine. This is their chance, and the kids did not disappoint me.”
At the time of writing, Minana EVOS, is currently sitting in the middle of the MPL PH Season 13 regular season with a 3-4 standing. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a convincing victory over the M4 World champion ECHO, the team’s inconsistency threatens its playoff aspirations.
Dogie added that all he wants at the moment is for Minana EVOS to secure a playoff spot. He acknowledged how the team is doing their best to fulfill his request.
“Playoff in MPL, it’s all I ask for. And they are doing it. I want them to bring Minana EVOS to playoff. It’s not me they’re representing. It’s them,” he expressed.
Dogie sacrifices a lot for Minana EVOS
Driven by emotion and a deep sense of responsibility towards his players, Dogie operates as a father figure within the team, often going the extra mile just to help the team remain afloat.
“The money I earn from vlogging on YouTube and Facebook, I set that aside for myself. Saving up for my family. The ones I make for brand deals, that’s for them,” he shared.
Dogie shared how Minana EVOS was supposed to have a massive lay-off of talents. To keep the team together, Dogie stepped in to save the team from falling apart.
“When it was media day, they were supposed to lay off five players. When I went to the boot camp, half of the team was crying. Even the coach was in tears. I don’t want their future to be ruined because of me. They took a risk here, and I’ll take a risk on them too. That’s how I feel. I want them to feel the sensation of being on stage. It’s the best sensation ever when you’re on the MPL stage. I’ve tried it, and I want them to try it too,” shared Dogie.
For Dogie, success is not measured solely by victories on the battlefield but by the personal and professional growth of his players. Drawing inspiration from former proteges who have achieved success in the esports arena, Dogie dreams of seeing his current team ascend to similar heights.
While Dogie has a lot to lose just to keep Minana EVOS alive for one more season, he remains positive that it will be worth it in the end.
“For me, it’s a challenge. It’s why I work hard, not just for myself but for them. I’ve been in the esports industry since 2012, so I know the struggles people face within esports. Especially now, it’s even tougher. It’s really bad. We’re seeing esports organizations laying off people, especially in NA and EU. It’s a tough market for us right now, so I really understand Minana. To me, it’s not a burden,” he said.
Just like his former protégés Renejay “Renejay” Barcase, John Paul “H2wo” Salonga, and Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera, who ascended to become some of the most accomplished MLBB esports athletes in the Philippines, Dogie harbors the same fervent desire for his current players to attain similar heights of success.
“If I’ve reached this level, I want them to reach it too. Those within my circle, what I have, I want them to have it as well. Whatever I’ve achieved, I want them to achieve it too. That’s what truly matters to me; as a united family, we rise together,” Dogie expressed.
As the season progresses, Dogie’s ultimatum hangs heavy in the air, serving as a constant reminder of the stakes at hand. Yet, amidst the pressure and uncertainty, Dogie’s unwavering commitment to his team remains steadfast. For him, the journey is as important as the destination, and he will stop at nothing to ensure that Minana rises to meet the challenges ahead.
