In the MPL Philippines Season 10 reverse sweep over Nexplay EVOS, ECHO rookie Justine “Zaida” Palma showed off incredible mechanical prowess on Sunday night. 

In the first two games of the series, Zaida’s Retribution timing was unquestionably spot on, defeating Nexplay EVOS jungler John Paul “H2wo” Salonga in nearly every Lord and Turtle fight. 

None of it, however, was more significant than his pivotal Retribution, which helped his team secure the victory in the 14th minute of Game Three.

However, the upcoming jungler played down his performance, claiming that he mostly just got fortunate. Zaida also gave Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, a superstar colleague, credit for assisting him in honing his abilities and raising his spirits each time he takes the stage.

“Di ko naman po siya nahigitan. Team play po yung nangyari, nagkataon lang na ngayong araw mas swerte ako,” shares rookie Zaida when asked regarding his performance in the 2 – 1 win.

(I didn’t surpass him. What happened was team play, it just happened that today I was luckier)

Zaida says continues to says humbly of his influencer, “Yung napakataas na confidence po niya, yun po yung bininigay po niya na aral sa akin.” 

(His very high confidence, that’s what he taught me)

“Napakalaking bagay po (na kasama ko siya) kasi po lagi niya po akong binu-boost. Nagsusuportahan po kami sa mga gagawin namin bawat game.”

(It’s a big deal [that I’m with him] because he always boosts me. We support what we do every game)

Since his arrival at ECHO before Season 10, KarlTzy, who guided Bren Esports to the MPL PH Season Six and the M2 World Championship crowns, has taken Zaida under his wing. In previous interviews, the former child prodigy has also given the rookie jungler some high accolades. 

But Zaida, who is 17 years old, has more than simply a mentor in the M2 World Championship MVP.

“Gusto ko rin po maabot yung mga naabot niya kasama siya,” the aspiring and humble rookie says fondly.

(“I also want to reach what he reached with him.”)

On Zaida

Justine “Zaida” Palma (born July 25, 2005) is a Filipino player who serves as the Jungler for ECHO at the moment.

On KarlTzy

Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, a Filipino player who now competes and plays with ECHO, was born on August 22, 2004.

ECHO Roster

3MarTzy, Bennyqt, Jaypee, KarlTzy, KurtTzy, Outplayed, Sanford, Sanji ,YAWI, Zaida