AP Bren Jamepangks shares new mindset for MPL PH Season 16: “Just do it”

John Dave T. Rossel

John Dave T. Rossel

AP Bren Jamespangks is heading to the MPL PH Season 16 with a fresh mindset but the same goal.

Jonathan James "Jamespangks" Mendoza of AP Bren is heading into the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) Season 16 with a new mindset. He made a promise to himself, his team, and the fans that they were at least heading to the playoffs. However, he couldn’t keep this promise as the team finished in 7th place in Season 15. 

However, this season might be the turning point for Jamespangks. AP Bren is currently in 3rd place in the MPL PH Season 16 Week 1 standings.  They won one out of their two series, but it was already a huge improvement from their lackluster performance last season. 

In an interview with esports.gg, Jamespangks shared how his mindset has shifted in MPL PH Season 16.

A fresh mindset for Jamespangks this Season 16

AP Bren celebrating their win against Smart Omega. (Photo via MOONTON Games, MPL Philippines)
AP Bren celebrating their win against Smart Omega. (Photo via MOONTON Games, MPL Philippines)

Jamespangks is one of the more vocal members of AP Bren. Whenever questions are asked, he takes his time to think before giving a detailed and thoughtful response. Looking back at his first week in Season 16, Jamespangks couldn’t help but share his excitement about the improvements he’s been making.

With a new lineup this season, Jamespangks also fresh new mindset to take with him this season. He admits that he still has a long way to go, but he takes it one step at a time.

"Right now, my mindset is simply ‘just do it.’ If I think it’s the right move, I go for it immediately. Last season, I used to rely too much on my teammates, waiting for their go signal. Now, I take the initiative. I’m glad I can finally show that, even if it’s not yet my full potential, it’s progress."

This shift in mindset reflects not just a change in how he plays but also his personal growth as a professional player. With AP Bren’s roster revamp for MPL PH Season 16, he had to make adjustments now that he is no longer playing with some of his former teammates. It’s a bittersweet change for someone who had built bonds for over three years.  

"At first, I was really sad because I still wanted to play with them. We were together for three years, and they became my comfort zone. But then I realized that having new teammates and a new environment would also push me to improve more. Change gives me new opportunities to grow."

Jamespangks came from an amateur team called Lazy Esports. He and his squad were the Mobile Legends Development League Philippines (MDL PH) Season 4 champions. After showing off their potential, they were acquired by AP Bren to play in the pro league for Season 15. Unfortunately, it did not go as expected, and they had to revamp their roster for Season 16.

A promise to make the playoffs this season

For this season, Jamespangks is still not setting his eyes on the championship title. Rather, he is laser-focused on taking it game by game and securing a playoff spot first. This was one of his promises last season that he couldn’t deliver. For Season 16, he wants to make it up to the fans who were left disappointed.

“My first goal this season is to reach the playoffs. Last season, I promised that AP Bren would make it, but we didn’t. Now, I’ll make sure to continue that promise and redeem ourselves."

It’s clear that, for him, this season isn’t just about winning—it’s about keeping promises and proving growth.

AP Bren only has one match in MPL PH Season 16 Week 2, but it’s going to be a tough one. They will be up against ONIC PH on the first day of the week, Aug. 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM (PHT). For more information, be sure to check esports.gg’s tournament hub, where we update the scores and livestream links. 

Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news and MLBB coverage for MPL PH Season 16.