Is ONIC Philippines ‘Ready for It?’
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
Is ONIC Philippines ‘Ready for It?’
ONIC Philippines captured the hearts and minds of MPL fans when they became the league’s most dominant team — a Love Story that spanned every major title between mid-2024 and early 2025. But just like The Archer, even the strongest sometimes bend. In Season 15, the Sonics fought tooth and nail to finish second behind Team Liquid PH in MPL, and later claimed a hard-earned third-place finish at MSC 2025.
Still, the Super Fam never believed in eras ending. As Season 16 rolled in, ONIC PH knew it was time to Begin Again — not from scratch, but from strength. Their mission? To reclaim the crown and maybe, just maybe, go Back to December (or January) — to the feeling of being world champions.
mirrorball
The Sonics added one piece to their storybook: Nowee “Ryota” Macasa, returning home after four seasons away — a chapter that once took him to ONIC Esports Indonesia. Ryota played seven games this season and won four, providing tactical flexibility for Coach Anthony “Ynot” Senedrin.
ONIC came out Fearless in Weeks 1 to 4, dropping only to Aurora and Twisted Minds in their first seven matches. But the sequel to that hot start wasn’t Enchanted — a three-match skid, including a shocking 0–2 upset versus AP.Bren, nearly rewrote their narrative.
Still, like every Mastermind, ONIC found their rhythm again just in time. They clawed back to finish second, edging Team Liquid PH only through head-to-head advantage — a poetic mirrorball moment showing how fine the line between triumph and tension can be.
Shake It Off
ONIC Philippines turned their setbacks into motivation, leading the league in total kills (11.20 per game) while conceding just 9.09 deaths on average. Six of their nine victories were 2–0 sweeps — a reflection of their Style: clean, efficient, and commanding.
But even the best Midnights come with restless questions. Their win rate dropped from 70.59% in the first half to 55.56% in the second, proof that the league had caught up — or maybe that ONIC was simply testing their own limits.
Still, their stats sang You Need to Calm Down energy: most total damage dealt, most lords taken, and second-best in deaths allowed. The team’s coordination was a Cruel Summer for their opponents — radiant on the outside, lethal underneath.
Two Is Better Than One
Two names stood out under the ONIC banner: Frince “SuperFrince” Ramirez and Duane “Kelra” Pillas.
SuperFrince, the Anti-Hero who never lost his spark, remained ONIC’s creative constant from the Monster Anarchy days to their championship reign. Averaging 1.77 kills, 1.09 deaths, and 6.51 assists, he was among the league’s most efficient players — his 7.63 KDA and 5.33 damage per gold ratio topping the charts. Quietly brilliant, his magic makes everything around him shimmer.
Kelra, meanwhile, once again proved You Belong With Me wasn’t just a song — it’s how ONIC fans feel watching him play. Second in total damage dealt, fifth in KDA (6.89), and first among non-junglers in lord takes (10), his precision and presence remain unmatched. Fourteen heroes deep in his pool, he embodies what ONIC has always stood for — excellence through evolution.
Long Live
ONIC PH will wait for the storm to settle between Team Liquid PH and Team Falcons PH — both familiar foes in their own Reputation era.
TLPH has something to prove after losing twice to them this season. Falcons, meanwhile, once pulled off a 2–1 upset that still echoes in the Super Fam’s memories.
But ONIC knows this all too well — legends aren’t defined by ease, but by endurance. Whether they rise or fall in this next chapter, their story remains one of Fearless pursuit and Evermore resilience.
The back-to-back M-Series dream is alive, and the Sonics are ready for it. After all, Long Live the ones who dared to believe that even after the storm — they could still shine like daylight.
(Stats courtesy of MPL Philippines, Drew Malihan, and Jesus Evan Bonjibod)
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