MPL PH: Team Liquid retains core; Pheww joins Onic PH as head coach

Two powerhouse teams are taking contrasting paths heading into Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 18, which kicks off on August 21 at the Victoria Sports Tower.

Three-time defending champion Team Liquid is retaining its core with jungler Karl Gabriel "KarlTzy" Nepmuceno still leading the four-peat seeking Cavalry alongside exp laner Sanford "Sanford' Vinuya, midlaner Alston "Sanji" Pabico, roamer Jaypee "Jaypee" Gonzales, and jungler Dave "Teddyqt" Viaña.

Team Liquid will have the same faces as it looks to bounce back after going winless and absorbing a rare early exit from the Mid-Season Cup in Paris.

Meanwhile, ONIC Philippines is tapping multi-titled midlaner Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel as its new head coach following his return from a brief stint with EVOS in MPL Indonesia.

Pheww, who once helped AP.Bren win multiple titles before joining the Team Falcons banner, will now call the shots and lead Onic's King "K1NGKONG" Perez, Frince "Super Frince" Ramirez, Jann "Kirk" Guttierez, import Clayton "Saver" Kuswanto, and Czedrick "Super Yoshi" Romero.

Super Yoshi replaced Borris “Brusko” Parro in the starting lineup, with the veteran roamer moving to the bench.

AP.Bren and TNC will also have new-look squads in their bid to recover from their 7th and 8th finish, respectively, in the MPL Philippines Season 17.

AP.Bren has only retained jungler Jonathan "JamesPangks." Mendoza and gold laner Jan Carl "Shizou" Valdez while tapping Jomearie "Escalera" Santos, Lance "LanceCy" Cunanan, and Jhon "JMPINKMAN" Sebastian to complete its main five.

TNC will only have one holdover in jungler Justine "Zaida" Palma, who will now lead the core featuring veteran exp laner Nowee "Ryota" Macasa as well as roamer Zehn, midlaner Vinnn, and gold laner Jowm.

MPL Philippines Season 18 will kick off on the 21st with Team Liquid starting its title defense bid at 7:30 p.m. against Team Falcons, who is also eager to bounce back from a semifinals loss in MSC. Before that, Onic and Aurora Gaming will open the new season in their 5 p.m. battle.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News