From grassroots amateur tournaments, TNT, the value brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has stepped into the professional esports scene with the launch of its team, Tropang Alab.

The team is set to compete from 13 to 15 December and 20 to 22 December to qualify for the upcoming Honor of Kings (HOK) Invitational Season 3.

Tropang Alab's roster includes Midlaner Carlito Ribo, a former M2 World Champion for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (IGN: Ribo); Clash Laner Carl Jioseppe Lacsam (IGN: Calm); Jungler Mark Clinton Pelayo (IGN: Fate); Farm Laner John Christian (IGN: Jaycee); Roamers Ronnel Tan (IGN: Stronger) and Charles Richard Orlain (IGN: Yato); and team coach Jemvic Pingol (IGN: Mori).

Wearing TNT’s signature colors on their collared jerseys, Tropang Alab is competing in Honor of Kings (HOK), a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. The game challenges teams to strategic, fast-paced battles, with players selecting heroes with unique abilities to outmaneuver their opponents. Since its introduction to the Philippines in June by Level Infinite, HOK has gained popularity among Filipino gamers for its visuals, gameplay, and competitive opportunities, attracting teams like Tropang Alab.

"With Honor of Kings growing in popularity, TNT is proud to support the esports landscape by introducing Tropang Alab, showcasing our commitment to the gaming community, and empowering Filipino talent to shine globally," said Lloyd R. Manaloto, TNT Group Head.

Road to HOK Invitational Season 3

Tropang Alab has built a reputation in HOK tournaments, winning titles such as the Rumble Royale (September 2024), Kings Ordeal Southeast Asia (October 2024), Blacklist Initiation (November 2024), and realme Regional Wars South Luzon (November 2024).

The team is gearing up for the local qualifiers of the HOK Invitational Season 3, which will take place in early 2025 in the Philippines.

"We warmly welcome Tropang Alab into our growing tropa. More than showcasing their fiery passion and skill, the team embodies the camaraderie and brotherhood that define TNT. True to their name, Tropang Alab will ignite the spirit of gamers everywhere and prove that Filipinos have what it takes to succeed and dominate in HOK, powered by TNT," Manaloto said.

"Isang karangalan para sa amin na officially ma-represent ang TNT, na laging naniniwala sa talento at galing ng Filipino mobile gamers. Sana ay makapagbigay kami ng saya at inspirasyon sa mga gamers sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng aming skills at determinasyon sa esports journey namin," said Tropang Alab Head Coach Jemvic Pingol.