These Filipino women are kicking up a storm in the male-dominated esports industry. Here’s how they do it.

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Every year, the world commemorates women’s social, political, and economic achievements during International Women’s Month. This year’s theme: “We make change work for women,” resonates with the call for gender balance in leadership and preparing women to reach their ambitions.

Many prominent Filipino women have pushed the boundaries in a variety of fields, including business, politics, education, and entertainment. For one thing, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz became the first Filipino athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

Women, on the other hand, continue to suffer prejudice in esports and struggle to reach the top.
According to the statistics, men users dominate the sector. Male gamers dominate large-scale events, with only a handful making it into the professional sector.

MOONTON Games, as one of the world’s premier game creators and publishers, goes even farther for female gamers, providing equal possibilities to pursue professional careers in esports and creating an atmosphere in which they may thrive. MOONTON Games launched the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) in collaboration with ONE Esports to invite elite female teams to participate in the Southeast Asia region, creating opportunities and promoting diversity.

MOONTON Games commemorates and celebrates the achievements of Filipino women during International Women’s Month. Meet the Filipino women who are pioneering the way in the male-dominated sector of mobile esports:

Mara Aquino, MPL-PH Host

Mara began her profession as a courtside reporter. She was one of the masters of ceremonies (MCs) for the Tokyo Olympics Summer Games’ 3×3 basketball tournament last year. Her first step into esports was with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines (MPL-PH) Season 7, when she began presenting.

Mara believes that having a female host adds more flair and atmosphere to the show. “I love that I can give a different perspective to the show. Now, it’s not just men that people get to see in the esports scene, and women can also be role models, and that is empowering.”

Mara mentioned that she has been receiving letters from young women seeking advice on how to host and get rid of their stage fright. “It’s nice that I can give these girls an idea. Everything starts from a peg—and to be that inspiring woman that opens their eyes—that’s empowering to me.”

Mara sees a bright future for women in esports, noting that the industry is still young and expanding, as are the number of people interested in pursuing it as a career. “I can see women not just as hosts and casters, but also as players. They can be their own girl boss.”

Chantelle Hernandez, MPL-PH Caster

Chantelle is the sole female caster in MPL-PH right now. In Season 8 of the MPL-PH, she joined MOONTON Games as a freelance female analyst on TV.

Chantelle used to feel inadequate since she didn’t see enough women in the industry. She noted that as a woman in esports, she has had challenges in the past due to the negative perception of women.

“If you are a woman, people think you are weak. They will not give you the same opportunities they give to men—and that’s hurtful.”

“Every time I felt that I was not given the same, equal respect and opportunity just because I am a woman, I would stand taller. For me, you can never ever let a strong woman down— I should know because I learned and witnessed this through my mother.”

When Chantelle joined MOONTON Games in 2021, she defied all expectations. “To all the women out there, believe in yourselves. Never lose faith and hold on to your dreams. You are stronger than you think. You are you, and no one can take that away. Stand tall and break those walls. It is normal to make mistakes along the journey, nourish it, learn, and grow from it.”

“Grateful to MOONTON Games for opening opportunities to Filipino women. With this we could achieve the equality and diversity that we have been longing for in the field of esports,” she added.

Pam Maloles, MPL PH Logistics Manager

Pamela Maloles, along with fellow manager Aislinn Soriaga, are the ones in charge of production.
She joined MOONTON Games to oversee MPL-PH logistics and handle all of the legwork required to ensure that Filipino fans can watch flawless online matches.

Pam worked as an event planner for large-scale corporate events and concerts before joining the organization. She believes that while the road to esports for women may not be smooth, it is critical to take the first step.

“Break the barriers of stereotypes and think that you can do it. Women can be streamers like Chantelle or a host like Mara. On the professional side, women can handle planning and events like me. We can do great because we handle pressure so well. Our impeccable attention to details is also innate.”

“I’m grateful to MOONTON Games for making the environment equal for women. In and out of the game, they recognize our hard work,” she added.

MOONTON Games recently started the “Tear It Off” campaign to combat misconceptions faced by Filipino gamers, regardless of whether they are women or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition, the corporation honored International Women’s Day by enabling female employees to take a half-day break.

“Women representation is important to us, so we make sure to provide opportunities for Filipinos regardless of their gender. We do this by making sure that we create an environment free of prejudice toward women and always recognize their valuable contribution to mobile esports,” said Jason Li, Esports Marketing Head, MPL Philippines.

Get to know more about MOONTON Games and the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines. Visit the following official social media platforms:


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