The most recent edition of Esquire Philippines includes an article featuring Team Secret as the Filipino representatives competing at the pinnacle of VALORANT Esports.
PHILIPPINES – Team Secret were featured in an article titled ‘Beyond VALORANT: Unlocking the Stories Behind Team Secret’ that ran in the January edition of Esquire Philippines Magazine.
Founded in 1933 by Arnold Gingrich, Esquire was the first men’s lifestyle magazine with the first thirty issues having writings from Ernest Hemingway. The magazine has garnered a number of accolades, among them 14 National Magazine Awards, the United States magazine industry’s highest honor.
Since 2011, the Philippine edition of Esquire has been published by Summit Media, contributing to the magazine’s global presence in more than 28 countries.
ALSO READ: VALORANT team-branded skins to be available throughout the VCT season, as revealed by Leo Faria
(Photos via Esquire)
The article puts a spotlight on Team Secret as the Filipino representatives in the tier-one VCT Pacific League and their recent victory on home turf at the 2024 APAC Predator League.
Jim “BORKUM” Timbreza (27) and Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco (33) shattered the preconceived notion of age as an invisible barrier in esports. Both players are determined to continue competing at the highest level in the upcoming season. In-game leader JessieVash emphasized, “I was never bothered by my age. What matters is not your age but your rank and performance in games, that’s why I always strive to be included in the leaderboards,” as shared with Esquire.
Noel “NDG” De Guia, the sole new addition to Team Secret from the previous season, made a successful debut during the OFF//SEASON, showcasing his capabilities against international opposition. His performance at the 2024 APAC Predator League, where he delivered the second-highest individual performance, contributed significantly to the all-Filipino side’s triumph, taking home the US$65,000 first-place prize.
“Apart from my desire to improve myself, I am also doing this for my family, who became my foundation when I pursued esports. They helped me grow as a person,” said NDG, who plans on going back to school if given a chance.
In the meantime, Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera has been providing support to his family, helping with their relocation to New Zealand where they currently reside with his aunt. “I’m independent now, so I want to build a house of my own,” added Jremy.
Read more at Esquire Philippines.
For more insights on the Asian VALORANT scene and upcoming content like this, be sure to like and follow VALO2ASIA on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Cover photo courtesy of Esquire PH
