When ONIC Philippines reshaped its roster ahead of MPL Philippines Season 17, the changes didn’t just signal a new chapter. They marked the end of an era.
Superstar gold laner Duane “Kelra” Pillas took his talents to Indonesia, joining ONIC Esports, while long-time gaffer Anthony “Ynot” Senedrin also made the jump abroad, signing with Natus Vincere in MPL Indonesia.
With key pieces gone, ONIC PH faced tough decisions.
They brought in Indonesian gold laner Clayton “Savero” Kuswanto, elevated Jeniel “Haze” Bata-anon to head coach, and made one more move that quietly carried weight—bringing back Mark Kevin “Bluffzy” delos Reyes.
For Bluffzy, it wasn’t just a homecoming.
It was a return to a team he once helped rebuild—now stepping into a new era, armed with experience forged overseas.
Lessons from Indonesia
Bluffzy spent the last two years in Indonesia with Geek Fam, a stint that shaped him both as a coach and as a leader.
“It’s actually masaya, at the same time marami po akong natutunan dun sa for the past two years,” Bluffzy shared in an interview with TechBeat Gaming.
But beyond results, it was the cultural differences that stood out most.
“For me, it’s about handling players,” he explained. “Ang players po kasi sa Indo is more of like soft-hearted nila.”
Coaching in a different environment forced him to adjust—not just tactically, but emotionally.
“It’s more of like making them understand lang talaga na it’s all part of the process, na hindi naman siya palagi positive,” he said. “At some point sa buhay nila kailangan nila talaga maranasan yung mga downside para mas mag-grow sila.”
Passing It Forward
Now back in the Philippines, Bluffzy finds himself in a familiar yet unique position—guiding another import in Savero, who is experiencing his first stint abroad.
For the veteran coach, the situation feels almost poetic.
“Hindi ko inasahan na mapupunta rin talaga si Savero dito na parang meron ako realization na ‘Okay, hindi rin nasayang yung two years ko,’” he said.
One of his biggest advantages? Language.
Having picked up Bahasa Indonesia during his stay, combined with teammates like Nowee “Ryota” Macasa and Borris “Brusko” Parro who are also familiar with the language, communication becomes less of a barrier.
“At some point kasi, language barrier talagang number one problem po eh,” Bluffzy explained. “Kumbaga naging advantage sa akin na marunong ako magbahasa. Isang malaking tulong na meron kaming natutunan nung napunta kami sa ibang bansa.”
His message to Savero is simple—trust the process.
“Lahat naman ng imports ganun, either Kairi or Kelra,” he said. “May mga moments na mahirap sa simula. Pero as time goes by, parang makakasanayan mo na rin yan eh.”
“Kung pangit ang nangyayari ngayon or hindi pa nag-stick ngayon, part yan ng process,” Bluffzy added
No Pressure, Just Purpose
With Ynot’s departure, ONIC PH enters a new phase under Haze and Bluffzy—two longtime figures in the scene, now tasked with restoring the team’s championship form.
Naturally, questions follow. Can this new coaching tandem deliver?
For Bluffzy, the answer doesn’t lie in pressure—but in purpose.
“Para sa akin, hindi ko naman po siya tine-take as a pressure,” he said. “Kung ano po ang ibinigay sa akin na trabaho at kung ano yung kailangan kong gawin, gagawin ko siya ng buong puso regardless kung sino po yung pinalitan ko.”
His experience as a former head coach in Indonesia gives him a clearer perspective in his current role as assistant.
“Kung ano yung kaya ko i-contribute sa team, ibibigay ko po lahat,” he added. “Ngayon na naging assistant coach ako, yung mga experiences ko, pwede kong itulong kay Coach Haze at sa mga bata.”
The Fire That Never Fades
As one of the OG figures of MPL Philippines, Bluffzy has witnessed the scene evolve—players rising, veterans stepping away, and the game constantly changing.
Yet through it all, he remains.
“Yun ang lagi kong sinasabi sa mga players ko. Kapag same yung ginagawa mo, hindi ka naman palagi motivated,” he shared. “Pero I just stay disciplined lang, regardless kung gigising ako nang gusto ko pa ba o hindi.”
That discipline, he says, is what keeps the fire alive.
“As long as meron kang certain goals na gusto mong marating, hindi mawawala yung fire sa loob mo,” he said. “Lagi kang may gustong patunayan sa sarili mo.”
Back Where It Began
Bluffzy’s career has never followed a straight path.
From his early days in MPL Philippines, to coaching ONIC, to building his craft in Indonesia, and now returning to ONIC PH, Bluffzy’s journey has been shaped by adaptation, patience, and growth.
Now, with a second chance in yellow and black, the mission is clear. To guide, to contribute, to win.
And with the Immortal Cup once again within reach, Bluffzy isn’t just back where he started.
He’s back, ready to finish what he began.
