After struggling for most of the regular season, Team Falcons dramatically booked their playoff bid after a close 2-1 series win against the defending champions, Team Liquid Philippines, last Saturday (October 11).
Replaced in the first half of the season by a standout rookie, Edferdz “Ferdz” Fernandez, David “Flaptzy” Canon returned in Week 5 to lead the comeback rally for the Falcons.
Although things didn’t work out right away, the former world champions were able to find their game in the last two weeks of the regular season as they soared to the coveted playoff spot. Flaptzy admitted that he was filled with huge relief after their dramatic victory.
“Parang nanggigigil ako. Sobrang excited ako saka thankful kay Lord kasi binigyan kami ng opportunity na makapag-playoffs pa at wish ko sana, hindi naman sayangin yun,” Canon revealed.
The seasoned EXP laner also looked back on the team’s struggles during the interview.
“Nung time na alam naming nag-struggle na talaga kami, wala akong ibang iniisip kung hindi yung mga loved ones ko. Hindi na para sa sarili ko, para sa kanilang lahat.”
For most of the season, Flaptzy’s name kept being mentioned in forums and discussions online as one of the major factors in the team’s struggle. Which is why their win turned out to be an iconic one as well, as he clinched the MVP award for their fate-deciding Game 3 win.
But for Flaptzy, that irony was just a bonus.
“Para sa akin, bonus na lang yun. Sobrang saya ko ‘rin talaga kasi may chance ulit ako makapag-champion. So never ko sasayangin ‘yung mga ganung opportunity na binigay sa akin.”
“Wala ‘rin akong paki sa sasabihin ng ibang tao or what. Focus lang talaga ako sa sarili ko and teammates ko. Basta ginagawa ko yung best ko.”
Before he left the interview with a celebratory dance for everyone back there in the room, he expressed his gratitude and hope for the team.
“Sobrang proud ako sa kanila at sana ipagpatuloy pa namin ‘yung pag-dodouble efforts, lalo na at binigay kami ni Lord ng playoffs.”
