Meet the Mineski Ladies.

Once again, Mineski ran a succesful season of its Pro Gaming League. Now, let us take a peek at the ladies who play under the Mineski tag. I am sure you all know them, but let us see who the people are behind the success of this all-girls team from the Philippines.

Your team is well known in the Philippines but I do think you need to introduce yourselves for our international readers, so please, if you could.
Hi! I'm Rea Aguinaldo, founder of PMSki, one of the pioneering Philippine all-girls teams managed by Mineski. With me today is my co-founder, team mate and good friend, Eleanore Kuo.”

Don't you think its odd that ladies like yourselves play DotA instead of doing other things? What is it about this game that made you fall in love with it?
A lot of people tend to be surprised when they find out that we are an all-girls team. Despite our passion for gaming we still enjoy normal things girls our age do. I think what drives us to play the game is the thrill of being challenged, plus it's such a high when we own guys. HAHA!”

In the past you battled it out with male teams, but today a lot of female DotA teams have emerged from the crowd and joined in the war. Any insights on why?
It's great to see the rise of female gamers locally and internationally; awhile back here in the Philippines, all the girl gamers knew each other well, but a lot of new faces are showing themselves now, so it's quite fun! Well honestly, girls like the limelight. In my humble opinion, they want some of the light to be shed on them, so that's why I think they started to learn the game and, and why the try to knock off the ones on top. The ones worth noticing are the ones who aren't afraid to play against guys.”

What problems do female teams usually encounter inside and outside the game?
Most female teams don't always play together, unlike guys who do nothing but play with each other (that doesn't sound right, haha). That's probably the reason why skill-wise, the guys really have the upper-hand, save for a few special lasses. Another problem in-game - especially when it's not LAN - is the lack of respect. When guys find out we're girls, it's either they say they idolize us just to score points, or they outright say nasty and lewd things. Sheesh. Outside the game we can handle ourselves, but the lack of support is depressing. It's hard to find someone to back us up when compared to guy teams.”

What does it feel like being a captain of an all girls team?
Its hard being the captain, because I can't always control my team-mates on what to do and what is not to do. But I can say that experience has been by my side ever since I began playing five years ago. What we just need to do is practice our team play. The hardest part of being a captain is that you take in all the pressure, starting from picks, gank calls, clash calls and the like. In the end, you either take the blame for it or get praised for it, just like any other captain does.”

One of the problems that I see in female teams is that they play good, but then sometimes there is an emotional outburst in the middle of a game and it greatly affects the outcome. Is it true?
EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS?! We don't cry when we die! I think it's better to see a gamer as an individual rather than by their gender. Anyone can have an emotional outburst in game and it will definitely affect the outcome of the game if one cannot control it especially when its anger. HAHA”

Any tips for fellow girl gamers that plan joining or forming a team, and for those who are already with a team?
Actions speaks louder than fan pages! Haha, just kidding. To those who want to start a team: props to you! Mind you; be patient, because you won't be receiving the same kind of support that guy teams get. If you want to make it in the competitive scene, then:

1. Do practice
2. Do not be afraid of the guys
3. Just have fun!

To those who already have a team, stick with them. Do not constantly change your roster, because your game play will change too (unless of course it's for the better).”

Speaking of female teams, what is your relationship with PMS like at the moment?
Since we changed our roster and are finalizing a lot of things, we haven't had much talk with them lately, but they are always ready to give us a hand at any time.”

Well I had a good time with you ladies, especially when you were arguing and trash talking each other during our conference *laughs*. Any final shout outs?
Greetings to all my team mates and their boyfriends, and to our team mate PMSki.Joy who now resides on Singapore. And hi to our sister team PMS Asterisk (PMS*), and also our brother teams Mski.ASUS and HF.MskinF! Special thanks to Mineski Events Team and the whole of Mineski Family, KoA, Menyakz, Mski.Heartz for the interview and to Fox <3 from foxylady, Happyfeet's captain Wootz<3 from Angel, and lastly Ik hou van je Perry <3 from kat.”


PMSki Roster:
Eleanore 'Elle' Kuo (Captain)
Rea Lynne 'rheadoo' Aguinaldo
Katrina 'katrina16' Ferrer
Ana 'miele' Bartolome
Girlie Ysabel 'FoxyLady' Policarpio
Joy 'JoY' Eusebio
Milcah Angelica Cristina 'Angel' Dacanay

Links
Facebook.com - PMSki Facebook Fanpage
Blogspot.com - PMSki Blogspot