At the top of his game, this Filipino Esports champ is living the dream

Even at a young age, Carlo Palad or more popularly known as “Kuku” in the gaming world, already knew what he wanted to be in life—to be a professional esports player.

“Bata pa lang ako mahilig na ako sa computer games, nangarap akong maging pro player 1st year high school pa lang ako,” Kuku shared.

“Mahilig akong manood ng tournament replays, tumingin ng pro players MMR (matchmaking ranking), magbasa ng game patch at magpataas ng rank sa MMR para mapansin ako sa pro scene,” he recalled.

Now 24 years of age, Kuku has won countless Dota 2 tournaments here and overseas, most recent of which was last June’s ESL One Summer 2021 that gave the first ever Dota 2 trophy for his team, T1.

Also in June, Kuku as the T1 captain led his team to a top three finish at the WePlay Animajor to punch their ticket to The International 10 this August, which is one of the biggest esports tournaments in the world.

“Sobrang saya dahil hindi namin inakala na kaya pala naming mag-champion dahil unang tournament pa lang naming magkakasama as a team after one year na sa kanya-kanyang bahay lang kami naglalaro,” he beamed.

Kuku indeed has come a long way, from a kid who played video games in computer shops to becoming an icon of esports in the Philippines.

Along the way, he has also provided well for his own family, building his own house in the province and investing in a condominium unit at DMCI Homes’ The Amaryllis in Quezon City.

Kuku and his wife, Windelyn, fell in love with The Amaryllis when his team held a boot camp in the single-tower condominium along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City in 2016.

“Last 2016, na-try naming mag-boot camp ng team ko dito for one year. Nagustuhan ng misis ko ‘yung place at nangarap kami na makabili ng unit dito,” Kuku related.

Smitten with the resort vibe of The Amaryllis, Kuku and his wife leased a unit for one year in 2018 and decided to finally invest on a two-bedroom unit in 2019.

“Na-love at first sight talaga ako dito. Maganda ang location at malapit sa hospital, malls, restaurants, school, city hall at iba pa,” he disclosed.

Apart from the property’s excellent location, Kuku said they also relish The Amaryllis’ resort-feel.

“Bilib talaga ako sa amenities ng DMCI talagang resort feel!” he exclaimed.

“Plus point din na hindi nagloloko yung internet connection dahil siyempre as a professional Dota player, number 1 na kailangan is good internet connection,” he pointed out.

Most importantly, Kuku said he invested in the DMCI Homes’ Quezon City community because of its amiable support staff.

“Mababait ang mga staff dito mapa-guard, maintenance, housekeeping and admin staff talagang maaasahan and very approachable,” the T1 captain shared.

Kuku said living in a good community makes him appreciate the fruits of his hard work more and inspires him to continue to be at the top of his game for his family and his team.

“Ang lahat ng ito ay para sa pamilya ko na nagsisilbing inspirasyon ko sa paglalaro. At sa T1 organization, na sumusuporta at nagtitiwala sa kakayahan namin,” Kuku enthused.

The Amaryllis is one of the developments of DMCI Homes, the country’s first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio, Boracay and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.'s over 60 years of expertise in the construction and development industry.

To learn more about The Amaryllis and other DMCI Homes projects, call (632) 5324-8888.  News and other updates are also posted on the company's official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.