New tagline, first-ever championship rings mark MPL Philippines return

MANILA, Philippines — The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines has officially returned for Season 17, opening a new chapter for the country’s premier esports competition with an evolved league tagline — “Lakas Ng Pinas: Palag Na ’To.”

Building on the long-running “Lakas Ng Pinas” identity, league officials clarified that the updated tagline is not a full rebrand, but a reflection of the league’s current state following back-to-back breakthrough seasons.

“It’s not really a rebrand. It’s more of reflecting the overarching theme of the season,” said Lee Viloria, Philippine esports head of business development and partnerships at Moonton Games.

According to Viloria, recent seasons saw MPL Philippines surpass internal expectations after years of rebuilding and foundation-setting.

She added, “In the last two seasons, we found ourselves unlocking new achievements that we did not think were possible. There were metrics that were getting exceeded. So parang, may ipapalag pa. Palag na ’to.”

Viloria added that the competitive mindset extends beyond the league itself, pointing to the growth of fans and teams alike.

“It’s not only us as the organizing team. It’s also the community, the fans, and the teams. Every season, it’s unpredictable kung sino yung magiging champion. You can be an underdog one season, then the next season, pumapalag,” added Viloria.

For international audiences, Viloria described the phrase as a mindset rather than something that can be directly translated.

“The spirit is like, bring it on, I’m not gonna back down. Whatever you offer me, I’m here,” said Viloria.

Championship rings

Season 17 also marks a historic milestone for the league with the introduction of MPL Philippines’ first-ever championship rings, following a landmark partnership with international jewelry brand Fairrie.

The rings, crafted from sterling silver 925 with a gold-plated finish and fitted with eight black spinel gemstones representing the league’s franchise teams, will be awarded to the Season 17 champions.

“Introducing champion rings to MPL Philippines shows how much the league has evolved over the years. The ring is not just a reward, but a symbol of the hard work, teamwork, and legacy behind every MPL Philippines title,” said Viloria.

Fairrie Chief Executive Officer and President Julius See said the partnership reflects the global stature of Filipino MLBB players.

“Filipino MLBB players have consistently proven to the esports world what true Champions are made of. Fairrie is honored to make a Ring for the Champions, to capture their spirit, dedication, and greatness,” said See.

The partnership also includes the Fairrie Tribute Ring Campaign, allowing Filipino fans a chance to win a sterling silver version of the M7 Champion’s Tribute Ring through the brand's mobile app.

Week 1 thrillers

The opening week of Season 17 did not disappoint as most of the games went all the three games as new rosters hoped to prove their place in the league.

Team Liquid Philippines and its new goldlaner Kim "Daiki" Sebanes shut down doubters as it won both its matches against Aurora Gaming Philippines and Twisted Minds to take the top spot in the leaderboard.

Also in the top spot is AP Bren with the return of veteran player Kiel "Kielvj" Cruzem seeing success as the Hive overcame Smart Omega and TNC Pro Team.

Though Aurora Gaming PH lost its opening match against The Cavalry, the team managed to bounce back with a 2-0 sweep over TNC Pro Team. Meanwhile, Team Falcons Philippines survived its lone game of the weekend against ONIC Philippines, whose Indonesian import Clayton "Savero" Kuswanto still managed to make his Philippine debut on a high note with a win over Twisted Minds.

For their part, Smart Omega, TNC Pro Team and Twisted Minds are up to a slow start for the season as they remained winless in the opening week.

The regular season continues on Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. with Twisted Minds against Smart Omega, followed by ONIC Philippines versus TNC Pro Team at 7:30 pm.