Filipino import Toshi seeks redemption in Indonesia as he leaps from MLBB to HoK

JAKARTA — If there's no risk, there's no story.  

Professional player Adrian "Toshi" Bacallo took a lot of the first one and he's now making another abroad as he reinforces Indonesia-based Dominator Esports in the Honor of Kings. 

Toshi was then a rising star in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang scene, having suited up for various competitive teams such as Smart Omega and TNC Pro Team in the MPL Philippines. However, the spark vanished, forcing him to momentarily step away from esports. 

He was already in his second year studying criminology in Tarlac when his former manager introduced him to Honor of Kings and was told that this title could become a big thing in the future. 

Toshi took the risk, tried playing it, and would eventually land a spot in BOOM Esports' roster. 

"Oo na-try ko na ‘yung parang hindi ko na kayang maging esports athlete, parang lock na ako. Nag-aaral na ako no’n eh then may hulog ng langit na sabi ng manager namin dati if gusto kong i-try ‘yung larong ‘to," Toshi told members of Philippine media on Friday here. 

"Binigay sa akin ‘yung roadmap ng HoK. Sumugal ako, why not give it another shot. Kasi may mga regrets ako sa dati kong laro."

Toshi shared he has a lot of regrets in life, but stresses he uses those in finding his redemption in Honor of Kings.

"Sinasabi ko ‘yung regrets parang learning experience lang sa akin para mag-grow. Tinulungan ako ng regrets kung nasaan ako ngayon. Kung wala ‘yun, wala ako dito sa harapan niyo," Toshi, who plays in the farm lane, added.

"For good na ako sa HoK kasi parang redemption arc ko na ’to sa HoK. Sa ML parang sinayang ko ‘yung meron ako no’n tapos ngayon parang all in ako. Dati parang hindi ako all in sa career ko, parang pinabayaan ko. Ngayon mas all in ako. Ibang Toshi na. 

Toshi took another risk, flying all the way to Indonesia to join Dominator Esports as its import. Once again, that paid off for the young player as his club eventually reached the upper bracket finals of the 2024 HoK Championship and moved a win away from the grand finals. 

While moving abroad was a big step, it was still something Toshi was proud of doing.

"First time ko actually, first time ko sa Indonesia and playing overseas. Goods naman siya," he said.

"I met a lot of people, nakakasundo ko naman ‘yung ugali nila. Hindi naman siya mahirap mag-adjust. It’s all about the mindset lang."

Toshi now remains as the only Filipino player alive in the prestigious HoK tournament after Philippine teams Blacklist International and BOOM Esports both bowed out early, and he hopes to continue his story in front of the home crowd. 

"Hindi [ako nag-aral ng Bahasa], English naman ‘yung communication namin kahit basic english lang. ‘Yung bonding at chemistry talaga namin ‘yung hindi nawawala," Toshi said.

"Parang lahat kami sync, team player lahat, walang attitude, walang problema, kaya nanalo kami."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News