I am MVP

"I hate the feeling that I have nothing to be proud of myself", Is what Mario Valentino had been pondering almost everyday whenever he hasn't been thinking about his performance in college as well as his deteriorating relationship with his family. His only refuge was is being an exemplary and well respected player in AAL or (Arena of Ancients and Legends). He even grew a reputation of being one of the famous "carries" in the game. Then an opportunity came knocking on his own backyard and joined the local tournament in his hometown in Sitio Lakambini, Laguna.

Little did he know that this small victory would land him a spot at one of the famous professional teams in AAL. This is the first recognition that he had experienced, This excitement doesn't come without predicaments with his family, his career and his insecurities working with a lot of straight men come crashing down on him.

Nevertheless, with sheer determination and unwavering passion, Mario joins the team and meets the jolly yet elusive teammate of his, Dan. Together with their team they climb their way to the Nationals and Internationals. Along the way, new enemies, envy, an old team mate, homophobia, more insecurities as well as one kiss, comes to test Mario's physical and mental state, but also his yearning of being recognized as one of the most valued player in the realm of AAL but also his emerging and budding relationship with his team mate, Dan.

An official entry to the Hermoza Pieza Competition by Joshua Jorge