Before they were considered the best duo in competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines, Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario had to overcome adversities in their careers.
In a meet and greet session with the duo on the first day of CONQuest Festival 2022, a gaming and pop culture convention held at SMX Arena in the Philippines over the July 23 and 24 weekend, the superstars opened up about their stint with ONIC PH in the early days of their career.
Prior to joining Blacklist International, the duo was the face of ONIC Philippines for three seasons starting in MPL PH Season 4 where they led the yellow hedgehog squad to two grand final appearances in Season 4 and 5.
In Season 6, ONIC PH finished fourth and failed to qualify for the M2 World Championship after losing to Bren Esports in the semifinal and Execration in the battle for third place.
OhMyV33nus said losing against Bren Esports in the semifinal was a painful experience, but what happened next remains one of the lowest points in their Mobile Legends: Bang Bang careers.
“We (Wise) Were released by ONIC PH,” OhMyV33nus said. “We wanted to stay in ONIC forever, but there I realized that nothing lasts forever.”
Wise had a similar sentiment. “I wanted to retire as an ONIC player,” he added “I was heartbroken when we were released.”
In an exclusive interview with ONE Esports last month, Wise said both of them initially planned to become full-time streamers, as no team wanted to recruit them as a duo. Then at the last minute, Blacklist International contacted them to ask if both could play at MPL PH Season 7.
That heartbreak was short-lived as the duo immediately made their presence felt after winning back-to-back championships in MPL PH Season 7 and 8 with Blacklist International.
They also lifted up the most prestigious Mobile Legends: Bang Bang trophy last year after winning the M3 World Championship.
The duo then took a short break in Season 9 and eventually returned at the 31st Southeast Asian Games, where they dominated Team Indonesia, 3-1, in the grand final.
The V33Wise duo will also be competing at the upcoming MPL PH Season 10. They join the original M3 World Championship squad Edward Jay “EDWARD” Dapadap, Kiel “OHEB” Soriano, and Salic “HAD JI” Imam.
MPL PH Season 10 will start on August 12. Follow ONE Esports on Facebook for more Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and MPL updates.
