The lights of Okada Manila shone brightly on the evening of September 26, 2025. The air was thick with anticipation. Inside the grand ballroom, the 3rd Women in Professional Sports Awards was underway. The theme: "FILIPINAS: Perlas ng Silangan, Tanglaw ng Kinabukasan." It was a night to honor those who had lifted Philippine sports to new heights. Among the glittering crowd, one name stood out: MOONTON Games. The international developer and publisher of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) was about to receive a rare honor. The Paragon Award. It was a recognition of their outstanding participation in sports and their significant contributions to the growth of the female esports ecosystem in the country. MOONTON Games was the lone game developer and publisher awarded that night. A proud moment indeed. 🏆

The award was presented by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, Chairman of GAB, had warm words for the company. "Congratulations to MOONTON Games. Your achievement is well-recognized, and may you continue what you're doing for women in esports. You are contributing greatly to the development of esports in the country. We appreciate your efforts to operate and work with the Games and Amusements Board for the advancement of esports in the country." His voice carried the weight of official recognition. But more than that, it carried hope. Hope for a more inclusive future.

Lee Viloria, PH Esports Head of Business Development and Partnerships at MOONTON Games, stepped forward to receive the award. His words were humble yet ambitious. "At MOONTON Games, our commitment has always been to create a pathway to an inclusive esports ecosystem. We thank the Games and Amusements Board for recognizing our initiatives to create meaningful opportunities for women in esports. We aim to empower female players to showcase their talent on the biggest stages and to build a more inclusive and diverse esports ecosystem in the Philippines. This recognition inspires us to continue supporting women as they take their rightful place in shaping the future of esports." A clear mission. A powerful promise.

But what exactly had MOONTON Games done to deserve such an honor? The answer lies in a groundbreaking initiative: the Athena League. Launched earlier that year, the Athena League was dedicated to empowering women who wanted to be part of the professional MLBB esports scene. It was not just a tournament. It was a pathway. A ladder. A stage. And it served as the official qualifier for the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI). The MWI is the most prestigious MLBB esports tournament for female athletes. It was featured in the Esports World Cup last July in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That's right. Riyadh. The global stage. And the Philippines was represented by two teams: Team Liquid PH and NAVI PH. They delivered impressive performances. Team Liquid PH secured 4th place. NAVI PH finished 5th. Both teams showed the world what Filipino women could do. 🌍

The impact was felt far beyond the arena. Marlon Marcelo, Executive Director at the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), shared his thoughts. "The Philippine Esports Organization extends our warmest and sincerest congratulations on receiving the prestigious Paragon Award for Championing Women in Esports. This recognition truly highlights your exceptional dedication and tireless efforts in nurturing a more inclusive and supportive environment for women within the esports community." He did not stop there. "MOONTON Games stands out as one of the few publishers that has genuinely succeeded in engaging our talented women gamers, consistently providing them with incredible opportunities to showcase their skills and talents both locally and on the international stage. Your commitment is truly inspiring and makes a significant difference. PESO celebrates wholeheartedly with you for this incredibly well-deserved achievement." Strong words from a key ally.

The momentum did not stop in 2025. As 2026 unfolds, the fruits of these efforts are becoming even more visible. The Philippines is set to field its SIBOL MLBB Female Team at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Bangkok, Thailand. The roster features NAVI PH's core five—Gwyneth Diagon (PHI.Diagon), Kaye Alpuerto (PHI.Alpuerto), Rica Amores (PHI.Amores), Sheen Perez (PHI.Shinoa), and Mery Vivero (PHI.Vivero)—led by coach Salman Macarambon (PHI.Macarambon). Team Liquid PH's Gold Laner, Clarisse Nicole Cordova (PHI.Cordova), strengthens the lineup as the team's sixth player. This is not just a team. It is a statement. A statement that women belong in esports. And they belong at the top.

Let's take a closer look at the Athena League's structure and its impact. The league was designed to be more than a one-off event. It provided a sustainable ecosystem. Here are some key features:

Feature	Description
🏅 Open Qualifiers	Anyone could compete, ensuring talent was discovered from all corners of the Philippines.
📺 Broadcast Support	Matches were streamed with professional production, giving players exposure.
💰 Prize Pool	A substantial prize pool motivated teams to take the competition seriously.
🎓 Coaching & Mentorship	Workshops and guidance helped players improve their game and professional skills.
🌐 International Pathway	The top teams earned spots in the MWI, connecting local talent to global stages.

This table shows just how comprehensive the initiative was. It wasn't just about winning. It was about building. Building skills. Building careers. Building dreams.

The recognition from GAB and PESO is not just a trophy. It is a validation. It tells young girls across the archipelago that they can aspire to be more than just players. They can be champions. They can be leaders. They can be role models. And MOONTON Games has committed to walking that path with them.

In the end, the Paragon Award is a milestone. But it is not the destination. The journey continues. As the SIBOL MLBB Female Team prepares for the SEA Games in Bangkok, the whole nation will be watching. They will cheer. They will hope. And they will remember that it all started with a commitment to inclusivity. A commitment that MOONTON Games made—and kept. So here's to the women of esports. Here's to the future. And here's to more victories, both in-game and out. 🎮✨