Dylan “Light” Catipon has come full circle.
After spending a season in Indonesia, the veteran roamer is back in the Philippines. His return could not have been more meaningful. Now playing for Aurora Gaming PH, Light has once again proven why he is one of the most respected names in Mobile Legends esports.
Light’s strategic edge in Season 16
Light first made his mark with RSG Philippines, where he first won his MVP award in Season 9. He then moved overseas to play in MPL Indonesia Season 15 for Bigetron Alpha. This MPL Philippines Season 16, his comeback has been shaking teams left to right, paving RORA’s way as the top seeded team of the season.
From the first week, Light helped shape RORA into an objectives-focused team. His rotations gave them early control in key lanes like mid and gold.
By placing vision and contesting river objectives, he limited the enemy jungler’s movement and created space for his teammates to farm safely and reach their power spikes faster. Furthermore, his precise timing on when to engage or back off helped RORA win Lord and Turtle fights, which allowed them to control the pace of the game.
RORA dominates TLPH in a battle of equals
On October 24, Aurora Gaming faced Team Liquid Philippines in a crucial playoff match. Aurora stood strong, pushing TLPH to the lower bracket and claiming their spot in both the MPL PH Season 16 Grand Finals and the upcoming M7 World Championship.
Despite the 3–1 victory against TLPH, Light admitted that both teams were evenly matched and that every move mattered in the series.
“Parang parehas lang kami eh, kung sinong makakauna, mataas na agad ang chance na manalo. Kaya nagpapaunahan na lang kami sa series na ‘yon: kung sinong mauuna lumamang, mauuna makapag-set up, at mauuna makapag-execute ng mga plano, ‘yon ang nananalo.” he said in an exclusive interview with the Pressroom Philippines.
Shortly after, he joined the MPL All-Star First Team alongside his teammates Yue, Edward, Domengkite, and Team Liquid Philippines’ Jungler Karltzy, before receiving his Regular Season MVP award in the Alamat Awards.
Dream chased, world stage unlocked by Light
For Light, his victories this season meant more than just advancing in the tournament. It fulfilled something he had been chasing for years: qualifying for the M-Series World Championship.
“Super special lang talaga siya sa akin kasi tagal ko na siyang hinahabol eh. To the point na nawala ako sa MPL PH, tapos kakabalik ko lang, so, yung expectations sobrang bigat na ‘di raw dapat kami mag choke, dapat mag champion kami.”
For RORA, Light has become a glue that holds the team together. In a press conference, his teammates emphasized his contributions on their victory against TLPH, and how it brought them the ticket to the world stage and the chance to compete for the MPL S16 Playoffs Championship trophy.
“Malaki yung role niya, isa siya sa nagh-hold ng bond sa team namin.” said Calad, Analyst for Aurora Gaming PH.
From being away from home, to returning with pressure on his shoulders, to lifting his team to the world stage, his journey will continue as the Northern Lights prepare for the M7 World Championship.
This time, he is not just back — he is ready to make history.
