Aurora Gaming's official launch in the Philippines. Photo from MPL Philippines

MANILA (UPDATED) – Aurora Gaming has entered the local MPL scene with a bang.

The newest franchise in the MPL Philippines has unveiled its star-studded roster ahead of Season 14 on Saturday at Parqal mall in Parañaque City.

The squad will be occupying the 8th slot in the league after Minana Esports made its exit just this July.

"We believe in the immense potential of MLBB as an esports discipline and we eagerly look forward to our roster showcasing their talents as part of Aurora's hearth and home," the squad said in a statement.

Members of the newly minted team are ex-Blacklist International stars Edward "Edward" Jay Dapadap, Renejay "Renejay" Barcarse, and Kenneth "Yue" Tadeo, former RSG Philippines jungler Jonard "Demonkite" Caranto, former Minana EVOS gold laner Domeng, and TNC Pro Team roamer Ben "Benthings" Maglaque.  

Aurora revealed this in a roster reveal party masqueraded as a meet and greet for both Johnmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna and partner Danerie James "Wise" Del Rosario.

Wise, OhMyV33nus, Yue, Edward, and Renejay all came from Blacklist, which did a massive overhaul of its roster.

Speaking on behalf of Wise, OhMyV33nus said the "royal duo" left the Code Breakers to grow and further their careers.

"I chose Aurora kasi siguro mas maraming opportunity and naniniwala kasi ako na parang — naramdaman ko na kailangan ko na talagang umalis sa comfort zone ko," she said.

"Kasi feel ko, kung 'di ako aalis sa comfort zone ko, hindi magpa-progress or 'di maggo-grow 'yung career ko and career namin ni Wise," she added.

V33wise's role in the team would focus on ambassadorship, said the team.

"OhMyV33nus and Wise hold a pivotal position in Aurora's management team, where their responsibilities convey Aurora's of building an organization that is truly for the players and by the players," the team said.

Dexter "Dex Star" Alaba will be taking on an analyst role, and Aniel "MasterTheBasics" Jiandani — also a former mentor from Blacklist — will be the head coach.

Blacklist saw a massive exodus last June, with Edward, OhMyV33nus, and Wise leaving the team first. The triad led Blacklist to three local titles and one world title.

Renejay, who played in the M4 World Championships as the Codebreakers' mainstay roamer, hinted his transfer to Aurora after changing his profile picture early July.

Demonkite, an MSC 2022 champion, was RSG Philippines' franchise player and won Rookie of the Season in MPL Season 9. He was also the regular season MVP in MPL Malaysia, after a brief stint with RSG Malaysia's team, leading them to a near-spotless record in the regular season.

MPL Philippines is slated to start this August. 

--with reports from AC Coloma, ABS-CBN News