Building Philippine esports, one generation at a time

MANILA, Philippines – There’s a generation of Gen Alpha kids who may never fully understand what it felt like when esports wasn’t “esports” yet. It was just passion, internet cafés, late-night scrims, and parents asking you to stop “kakakompyuter.”

But for the fathers who helped build the scene in the Philippines, that struggle is exactly what makes today’s progress feel like a victory they’re passing down.

This Father’s Day, we look at three voices from Philippine esports. Aaron Paul “Burrito” Paragas, Santie Magcalas, and Benet “Prof B” Felix reflect on building an industry their children will inherit.

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When esports was still “just a game”

For Paragas, the memory of esports’ early days carries both pride and disbelief. He reflects on how far things have come from gig work shoutcasting, and uncertain career paths.

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He shares the emotional weight of seeing that struggle finally bear fruit. “It feels incredibly rewarding because I can see that all the contributions and sacrifices made by those who came before us, up to our era, have finally borne fruit.”

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Back then, esports wasn’t recognized. It wasn’t stable. It wasn’t respected. It was questioned. And yet, people kept going.

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He recalls how even basic opportunities looked very different:

“They would probably be surprised by the hardships that the pioneers of esports went through and how the industry grew through sheer passion. “

From small gigs to being dismissed as “just gaming,” the foundation was built on persistence more than privilege. Seeing esports now on stages like the SEA Games and Asian Games feels surreal.

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From Resistance to Recognition

Magcalas remembers a time when choosing esports meant going against expectations, not just professionally but socially.

Today, Magcalas’ experience has evolved into something more hopeful. It has become a shared journey with his family.

“It’s exciting because my kids and I are already watching esports together.”

What was once a point of tension is now a bonding space.

He reflects on how personal the shift really is:

“Esports is the reason our family came together. It’s time to break the stigma that esports is just a game. “

Still, he carries a reminder from the early days that he hopes Gen Alpha never forgets:

“The lesson remains the same, too much of anything is bad. “

Even in a more established industry, balance remains important.

From Uncertainty to Understanding

For Benet Felix (Prof B), esports is no longer just a career. It is something he experiences as a father alongside his children.

What once required convincing others is now something his kids already see as normal.

Still, he remains grounded in how difficult the early days were.

“I think my kids will be surprised when they compare how esports was back then to how it is now, how low the payments were and how limited the opportunities used to be.”

But what he values most is not just how far esports has come. It is the mindset that built it.

“What I always tell them is that, most of the time, when you do something wholeheartedly with passion and dedication it opens pathways you never expected and can take you further than you ever imagined.”

For him, esports is a lesson in persistence, curiosity, and listening.

What Fathers Would Tell Their Children Today

Across all three stories, one thing becomes clear. If their children choose esports, they will not be met with doubt but with understanding.

Paragas shares a perspective shaped by years of uncertainty and risk:

“Stay true to yourself and pursue what you’re genuinely passionate about. “

Magcalas echoes that shift in mindset, now rooted in support rather than fear:

“I would also be able to help my child more if they ever want to pursue this path. “

Felix balances support with guidance:

“It would be very different. I would respond with curiosity and support, but I would also try to understand how committed they are to what they want to do—and of course, finishing their studies would still be the priority. “

It is not blind encouragement. It is informed support shaped by experience.

Building the Future They Once Dreamed Of

Perhaps the most emotional shift is not just recognition but infrastructure.

Scholarships, school teams, organized leagues, and families watching together are now part of the scene.

These are things their generation could only imagine.

Burrito now sees esports as something institutionalized:

“I’m happy that schools are now supporting this and are also offering scholarships for esports. “

Magcalas dreams of a future where no one is dismissed for their passion:

“Support from schools or families, because back then there really wasn’t any structure or solid blueprint you could follow.”

Felix hopes future generations keep the heart of it all:

“Learn to listen and talk to the right people.”

Because beyond systems and success, it always started with people willing to try.

A Father’s Day for the Ones Who Built the Game

Esports today is fast, global, and professional. But it was not always this way.

It was built in internet cafés, late nights, small paychecks, and big dreams that most people did not understand.

Now, the children of Gen Alpha will grow up never having to question if esports is real.

Because people like Paragas, Magcalas, and Felix already answered that question through years of work, sacrifice, and belief.

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This Father’s Day is not just about celebrating fathers in esports. It is about honoring the ones who turned doubt into history and made sure the next generation never has to start from zero.