Team Liquid PH’s Sanford shares personal journey in Amazon Prime’s “Level Up” docuseries
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
Team Liquid PH’s Sanford shares personal journey in Amazon Prime’s “Level Up” docuseries
MANILA — It’s rare to hear esports personalities share their stories beyond the game. Unless you’re a global superstar or building a brand around your name, most fans only know players by how they perform, celebrate, or grieve on the MLBB stage.
But that’s starting to change with Level Up, a docuseries currently streaming on Amazon Prime. The show gives fans around the world a rare chance to understand some of their favorite players on a deeper, more human level.
Among the featured names is Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, the shy but talented EXP laner of Team Liquid PH, who opened up for the first time about his journey from Pampanga to the international stage — and the quiet battles he’s fought behind the scenes.
Convincing the quiet star
Sanford has always been a reserved presence, often letting his gameplay speak for itself. But for Level Up, he finally shared the struggles he’s rarely talked about — thanks in large part to a familiar push.
“That time, ayaw talaga ni Fordie, kasi sabi nga niya, hindi talaga siya open sa personal niyang buhay. Pero kasi nag-usap-usap kami about this na mas makikilala kasi si Fordie. For me, sobrang ganda kasi talaga ng kwento ni Ford,” said team manager Mitch Liwanag, who was instrumental in convincing Sanford to join the project.
She also emphasized how the series highlights the emotional core of Sanford’s story — his family.
“Sobrang tight nila as a family. Yung supporta din ng mga kapatid niya. Hindi lang si Fordy as a player ma-highlight dito. Also yung culture ng isang family sa Philippines.”
Embracing the support of the team
Despite his initial hesitation, Sanford said the encouragement from his teammates helped him overcome his shyness.
“To be honest, nahihiya talaga ko kasi hindi po ako ganun na sobrang maipakita ang personal na buhay ko,” Sanford admitted. “Pero lahat naman po eh. Lahat sila like sobrang excited na ma-feature yung buhay ko. Sobrang saya lang din na masaya sila para sa akin po.”
According to Liwanag, it was an easy choice to recommend Sanford for the feature.
“Simula nung pumasok siya sa amin, sobrang bata niya. And then, ang dami din niyang pinagdaanan throughout the seasons.”
That included one of the toughest periods in Sanford’s life — right before flying to Indonesia for the M4 World Championships.
“So parang yung struggles na pinagdaanan ni Sanford, sobrang hirap na kahit para sa akin, parang feeling ko hindi ko nga kaya yun. Kasi knowing na kailangan mo lumipad, and then kailangan mo lumaro, and then the pressure na you have to represent the country, sobrang hirap. And those struggles, yun yung nagpatibay kay Sanford,” she said.
From viewer to subject
Sanford admitted that seeing himself on Amazon Prime, a platform he used to just watch casually, felt surreal.
“Ito pong platform na to, dati nanonood lang ng mga series ng K-drama and all sa mga movies tapos ngayon isa na rin ako sa mga nandoon. So, sobrang surreal feeling.”
Why stories like these matter
For Ray Ng, Moonton Games’ Head of Esports Ecosystem, Level Up offers a rare opportunity to give audiences a full view of esports athletes — not just as players, but as people.
“I think that’s a very important aspect because normally the audience have a chance to know what’s the story actually behind players. They might know a few by their interaction with fans or they perform on a stage or post-match interview. But I think that’s only the surface level.”
“But I think with the documentary series, I think it will highlight more personality of the players. And I think that will help to also let audience to have a deeper understanding and have a deeper connections with the players to really following that player throughout the scene.”
Liwanag echoed this, adding that the docuseries could change perspectives, especially among younger fans and their families.
“Hindi lang kwento ng players yung ma-highlight sa documentary, but to dream more about joining the esports side. Malaking bagay talaga ang documentary na ‘to para maging eye-opener sa lahat ng kabataan and also sa parents na hindi lang ‘to basta laro. Magiging inspiration sa lahat na meron ding trabaho sa esports.”
Hoping to inspire the next generation
Sanford hopes his story motivates others in similar situations.
“For me, to motivate others lang din yung mga aspiring players na nasa same situation po. Mas ma-inspire sila lalo para ipagpatuloy lang po nila.”
“And also para masuportahan din ng mga hindi pa mulat sa esports para mas lalo lumaki yung community po.”
A reluctant star
Neither Sanford’s team nor his family has seen his episode yet — and Sanford himself might skip the team viewing party.
“Nung nakita namin un, na yung trailer and nandoon si Sanford, nagtatago na siya. Ayaw niya talagang makita yung itsura niya doon sa screen,” Liwanag revealed with a laugh.
TLPH will have a movie night to watch the episode, but Sanford? “Matutulog daw siya,” she added jokingly.
Sanford’s episode is the second in the Level Up docuseries and also features Cindy Laurent “Cinny” Siswanto and Michelle Denise “Chell” Siswanto of Team Vitality.
Whether or not he watches it with them, Sanford’s story is already out — and it’s one worth remembering.
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