We got the unique opportunity to interview Mr. Bernard Chong and discuss Bren Esports, gaming, and esports, as well as his past and future projects.
Mr. Chong, the founder and namesake for Bren Esports, was involved in some controversy last year and has been out of the limelight for a while. Nearly a year after the fact, he cleared of all charges, but the damage to both his personal and esports brand was already done.
We discussed the challenges and difficulties he himself and the Bren Esports organization encountered over these difficult times.
Chong was, of course, grateful when he was cleared of all the charges and said that he was confident that justice would prevail since the beginning.
“I was confident that justice would prevail from the beginning, and now, I’m ready to put this challenging chapter behind me. My heart is full from the kindness of all who extended their good faith, understanding, and support during this difficult time. I’m using this experience as fuel and I’m focusing on many new ventures.”
While the exact details of the case aren’t available, Chong had told popular creator Jake Lucky, that he was an investor in a cargo company which was involved in the scandal, but wasn’t a part of its operations. It was enough scandal however, for esports publications including our own, to put Mr. Chong through the media grinder.
Bren Esports MLBB team continues to perform well
All events over the past year had consequences on the esports organization as well. Bren Esports remained functional over the past year, but they had to let go of almost all of its esports teams, except for MLBB.
“We had to make a lot of sacrifices with the size of our management team, reorganize and evaluate the resources that we have. We’re just thankful that our team maintains a positive attitude during those difficult times.”
Bren Esports’ MLBB team continued to play well despite the complicated situation of the organization. In the MPL Philippines Season 10 in October 2022, they placed fourth, up from their last-place finish in the previous season. The team also represented the Philippines at the 32nd SEA Games in May 2023, winning a gold medal for the country.
Chong felt that the win for the team meant that they were going to be more comfortable in international tournaments going forward. Bren Esports have a lot of fans who expect nothing less from the team, as they were the 2020 world champions.
“I’m very proud of our win in the SEA Games 2023, and the team is much more confident going into international tournaments. I feel that they’re getting comfortable because of the success that they are enjoying now.”
Bren Esports rebrands to AP Bren as Bernard Chong focuses on “new endeavors”
Despite the success, however, Bren Esports recently announced changes and upgrades to the team and brand. They have adopted a new name, AP Bren after a new ownership structure was announced during a press conference earlier this month. The org is now managed by Aces Pro Corp, with AJ Ponce as the new CEO.
Bernard Chong, on the other hand, has now set his sights on new things, which include a coffee shop.
“Now, I am focusing all my energy on my new endeavors. I am very passionate about creating new things that can help make a difference in the world. I’m starting a non-profit to support education, as well as opening a new coffee shop in Los Angeles, called Mendo Coffee Company. Also, I have a low-cost housing development I’ve invested in that we’re building in Panama. We’re exploring new ventures in tech and possible expansion into esports here in the United States. I will be pleased to share more information once our plans are finalized.”
AP Bren will next be seen in action in the 12th season of the MPL Philippines which will kick off in August. Mr. Chong has a positive outlook for the team’s chances moving forward:
“With the team’s success on the international stage, we are more confident going into Season 12. We have learned a lot from our recent tournaments and we will definitely bring all of that to Season 12.”
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