From a Simple Photo Editor to an Esports Visionary

The Unexpected Beginning

It was 2022—my first year in college. Just like most freshies, I had no clear path yet, no big plans. I was simply navigating college life, one assignment at a time. Then out of nowhere on our second semester, our section chairperson casually asked me:

Do you know how to edit photos?

I said yes. That one answer unknowingly lit the first spark of what would later become a blazing passion for esports.

---

Chapter 1: Pressures, Posters, and Professor Visaya

That simple editing request led me into the inner workings of our school's esports organization. Suddenly, I was part of something bigger—creating graphics, supporting tournaments, designing livestream overlays. I became one of the "go-to" graphics guys.

But it wasn't always fun and games.

Under the intense guidance of our esports adviser, Mr. Ralph Visaya, we were pushed hard—tight deadlines, last-minute edits, nonstop revisions. I remember how often I'd feel frustrated, overwhelmed, even angry.

Growth begins where comfort ends.

At the time, I didn't see the value of the pressure. I only saw the clock ticking and a demanding professor expecting me to deliver. But despite the frustration, I still found a way to get things done—on time, every time.

And looking back now, I realize: I wouldn't have it any other way.

---

Chapter 2: Passion Beyond Posters

What started with simple posters quickly evolved into something far greater. Thanks to Mr. Visaya and our tech-savvy mentor, Mr. Daniel Bermodez, I was introduced to the technical side of esports:

• Setting up OBS for livestreams
• Handling virtual event layouts
• Laying down Cat6 fiber optic cables for our gym's esports events

These were tasks I never imagined doing as a student. And yet, I found myself enjoying every bit of the chaos—every cable plugged, every livestream scene configured, every digital backdrop designed. It wasn't just about aesthetics anymore. It was about bringing esports to life.

---

Chapter 3: The Flame Ignites

The stress, the pressure, the unexpected responsibilities—they didn't break me. They built me. Somewhere in the middle of all that tension, I discovered something I never expected:

Sometimes, the fire that burns you is the same fire that forges you.

I was no longer just a student assigned to make posters. I was now a creative lead, a production tech, a broadcast organizer—someone who could imagine, design, and execute an entire esports event from scratch.

---

Gratitude in Hindsight

Yes, I once got mad at Mr. Visaya. Yes, I was stressed beyond belief. But if I met him again today, I would thank him.

Because he saw a spark in me that I didn't yet recognize myself.

Because he pressured me, challenged me, and pushed me to grow.

Because of him and Mr. Bermodez, I now hold a burning passion not just for playing games—but for building the very stages where they're played.

This is more than just a story about esports. It's the story of how I found my path—one deadline, one design, one livestream at a time.