Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is the newest Philippine ambassador of esports craze Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).
Moonton, the developer of the most popular mobile game in the country and arguably in Southeast Asia, made the huge announcement on the heels of celebrating a milestone of one billion downloads worldwide.
Pacquiao, the lone eight-division world champion in boxing history and also a senator in the country, said a lot of surprises await his avid followers and fans of Mobile Legends.
"On behalf of the MLBB team, we can assure you that you can expect more surprises from us in the coming months," said the 41-year-old athlete-politician, who also offered advice to gamers.
"To everyone who wants to venture into professional gaming or just wanted to be the best version of themselves, just be focused, keep pushing, and keep reaching for your dream because everyone can be a legend."
It is yet to be seen if Moonton will release a Pacquiao-inspired hero or legendary skin.
The Filipino pride from Saranggani shared that deciding to be an ambassador of ML was a no-brainer since he can relate to the game through his son.
"It was easy for me to say yes when Moonton approached me to be their Philippine ambassador. I already know of Mobile Legends even before they got in touch because my son Jimuel plays the game on his phone and regularly streams with his friends. So why not be a part of what my son loves?" he said.
Getting Pacquiao as the face of the game also came as an easy decision for Moonton.
"We've been working on this partnership for more than a year. Based on the studies we've done, 70-percent of our users are big fans of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao," said MLBB Philippines marketing manager William Mei.
"Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has a lot in common with boxing. Like boxing, it requires skill, determination, physical effort, and most importantly mental toughness. You can't beat your opponent just by being strong. You have to be smart also."