This Engineering student worked in the esports scene to pay his tuition

This Engineering student worked in the esports scene to pay his tuition

ESPORTS? SPORTS? ACADS? WORK? GGWP?

That's exactly what was written on Echo Raquion's Facebook page upon realizing that he can now graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in Columban College, Inc.

Being able to juggle everything while finishing his college degree proves that esports and gaming shouldn't be viewed as a hindrance to one's education since the proper discipline and time management are keys to accomplishing one's goal.

And that's exactly what Echo highlighted in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.

"Time management yung pinakaimportante at yung focus mo sa goal. Lagi kong inaalala yung sabi ni CongTv na, 'Mata sa langit, paa sa lupa," he started. "Nagamit ko yun para magawa lahat nung bagay malayo pa po ako sa success pero gagawin ko ang lahat hanggang magawa ko mga pangarap ko."

Echo has done everything in his college life, from being the esports coach, a varsity player in table tennis, a shoutcaster, and even the President of his Home org. He even garnered the 'Leadership and Athletics Awardee' accolade.

It was well deserved as he mostly spends his time hustling across numerous jobs in the esports scene, which led to him to make that leap of faith to leave Olongapo City and travel to Cavite.

He promised his parents that he will still pursue his studies in Cavite, where he took up online classes, yet this still draw a negative reaction from his parents.

"Siguro yung pinakamalaking decision na ayaw nila nung una is yung pag-alis ko. Parang tumanggap ako ng work sa esports pero in-explain ko naman ng mabuti at sabi ko, 'Makakatulong naman yung sasahurin ko.'

"Now po they are supporting me and nakapagtapos po ako this year with a degree po na BSCE," he revealed.

Queso, Echo Raquion, esports, Omega Academy

PHOTO: Queso

Digging deep into esports

Upon entering Cavite, Echo became involved in an esports tournament, Himagsikan 2023, held at SM City Rosario. He was working under GO Philippines Esports.

"One of the biggest proud moment at work the HIMAGSIKAN 2023 at SM City Rosario. That was the first ever LAN tournament na ginawa after the pandemic so I am the script writer, content writer, social media manager for that event. It was also the event na na-meet ko ang Team payaman, SB19, Sir Marlon Marcelo, Boss Tryke Gutierrez, and other influencers," reflected Echo.

Working for GO Philippines Esports meant that Echo had the opportunity to write stories about the esports scene in different provinces.

He wasn't just limited to working on content or writing the script for events as he can also extend his craft to shoutcasting.

There was even a time he got the opportunity to travel to Zambales to showcase his mic skills.

But there is more to Echo than just doing communications work.

"I do MLBB coaching din po I am the assistant coach of Hermana Esports one of the amateur teams sa female league, together with the head coach po na si Mage Dad Yuji Aizawa, so kami po yung team na nakipagsabayan din sa Omega Empress and Bren Victress," explained Echo.

And with his relentless passion for the scene, Echo was rewarded with an opportunity that would shape the future of his College.

Upon returning back to Olongapo, the school gave him the keys that would instill hope to aspiring esports enthusiasts.

"Pagbalik ko pinayagan ako ng institution namin na magtayo ng esports org so I told them that there is a future in esports and may mapapala sila," started Echo.

He further elaborated: "So nagkaroon ng platform ang mga students ng school namin with the Columban Knights Gamimg Guild na patunayan na hindi puro laro."

"Ngayon po na nakapagtapos na ako balak ko pa rin sa esports scene at sana maabot ko din pangarap ko sa professional scene kahit hindi player but as a backend."

Queso, Echo Raquion, esports, GO Philippines Esports

PHOTO: Queso

What drives Echo?

Back when he was in highschool, Echo would oftentimes lie to his parents saying that he would accomplish a school project, only for him to end up in the computer shop.

Initially he only aspired to become a table tennis player in college, which he managed to accomplish.

He even aspired to go to Manila one day to pursue his studies...until the pandemic slowed him down.

But this became a blessing in disguise as this opened the doors for him to fall in love with esports.

Upon venturing into the scene, Echo's motivations in life have evolved.

"Nagwo-work po ako para matulungan ang parents ko na mabawasan ang gastos nila dahil hindi naman po kami mayaman para bayaran agad ang tuition fee," he said. "And gusto ko rin ma-promote yung esports hindi lang sa Olongapo kundi sa buong Zambales.

"Lastly gusto ko din mapatunayan na hindi lang basta laro ang esports."

What he accomplished was no easy task, but at the end of the day, Echo managed to balance everything and graduate.

"Sa pagma-manage ng time, as a Civil Engineering student, at the same time working student, President of the College of Engineering, esports coach of our school, Vice President for esports management, and varsity po ng school namin," he narrated.

"Siguro lagi ko pong tinitingnan yung mga importante na kaya agad gawin at yung mahirap ay dahan-dahan. Wala naman pong madali sa mga gagawin kaya iniisip ko po kung ano ba yung mga possibilitiies if magagawa ko na agad yung ganitong bagay."