Hadji Joins Team Falcons, Replaces Iconic Pheww
Team Falcons PH has made one of the most significant roster moves of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang preseason, replacing veteran midlaner Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel with decorated champion Salic “Hadji” Imam ahead of MPL Philippines Season 17, which opens on March 20, 2026.
The decision closes a chapter for Pheww, a two-time world champion and MPL Hall of Legends inductee, while ushering in a new phase for the franchise. In a statement announcing the change, Team Falcons described the shift as a transition “from one legend to another,” underscoring the scale of the move in the country’s most competitive esports league.
A High-Stakes Swap Before Season 17
MPL Philippines Season 17 is an A-Tier offline tournament featuring eight franchise teams and a total prize pool of $150,000 (approximately ₱8.7 million). Organized by Moonton and managed locally by Mineski Global, the league will run from March to June.
Team Falcons’ updated lineup now features:
- Salic “Hadji” Imam – Midlaner
- David Charles “Flap” Canon – EXP Lane
- Michael “Kyle” Sayson – Jungler
- Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano – Gold Lane
- Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo – Roamer
The organization formally unveiled the roster on February 24, days after Smart Omega confirmed it had parted ways with Hadji in what it called a preseason adjustment that “immediately reshapes discussions surrounding MPL PH Season 17.” Liquipedia recorded the transfer on February 23.
The timing leaves little room for transition. With less than a month before opening day, Team Falcons will need to integrate Hadji quickly into an already competitive core.
The Departure of a Hall of Legends Icon
Pheww’s exit marks the end of an era. Widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ most accomplished midlaners, he was instrumental in AP.Bren’s M2 and M5 World Championship victories. His induction into the MPL Hall of Legends cemented his legacy as one of the league’s foundational figures.
In announcing the change, the team described the move as follows: “In a stunning roster move, Team Falcons has parted ways with renowned midlaner Angelo ‘Pheww’ Arcangel and enlisted fellow icon Salic ‘Hadji’ Imam ahead of MPL Philippines Season 17 that kicks off March 20.”
For longtime supporters, the shift may feel akin to the transfer of a franchise athlete in traditional sports — a reminder that even storied veterans are not immune to the calculus of competition.
Hadji’s Championship Pedigree
At just 22 years old, Hadji brings a resume that rivals more senior counterparts. Born on April 23, 2003, he has accumulated career earnings of more than $132,000 (roughly ₱7.7 million) and secured:
- Two MPL Philippines titles (Seasons 8 and 10) with Blacklist International
- A World Championship at M3 in 2021
Team Falcons signaled confidence in the acquisition, stating that “Hadji’s arrival marks a new era for Team Falcons.”
Known for calculated rotations and disciplined team-fight control, Hadji’s methodical midlane presence could sharpen Falcons’ macro play. Analysts suggest the move strengthens the team’s claim as an early contender for the Season 17 crown.
League Landscape Shifts
The ripple effects extend beyond a single roster. Smart Omega must recalibrate without its former midlane anchor, while rivals such as ONIC Philippines and Blacklist International continue fine-tuning their own lineups.
With eight franchises vying for supremacy, MPL Philippines operates under private franchise agreements governed by Moonton and Mineski Global. Although esports events require local permits for offline venues, roster decisions remain private contractual matters.
In practical terms, the change reshapes midlane matchups across the league. The departure of Pheww and arrival of Hadji could alter power rankings heading into the season’s opening week, though ultimate outcomes will hinge on in-game chemistry and adaptation.
The View From the Ground
For the wider Filipino gaming community, the impact is less about contracts and more about spectacle. Mobile Legends remains a staple in internet cafés and neighborhood pisonet stations from Luzon to Mindanao. High-profile roster moves often translate into heightened online viewership, busier sari-sari store Wi-Fi sales, and impromptu watch parties.
While there are no direct economic shifts for the average fan, esports continues to stimulate peripheral employment for streamers, event staff, and digital content creators — particularly in urban hubs where offline matches are staged.
A Season Defined Before It Begins
Roster changes rarely guarantee trophies. Yet in competitive esports, the midlane functions much like a team’s central nervous system — directing tempo, dictating rotations, and shaping late-game decisions. By installing Hadji, Team Falcons has signaled its intent to control that nerve center with a player who has already proven himself on the world stage.
MPL Philippines Season 17 begins March 20. By then, the debate over whether this move marks evolution or upheaval will give way to results on the battlefield. For now, one thing is certain: the race for the Philippine crown has grown markedly tighter.
