Alparas, though, is more than meets the eye. Aside from his triumph in the esports stage, he also has a life outside of the virtual battleground.
Coaching a rag tag of NBA 2K dreamers is one thing. Helping another sector of the community is another. The decorated coach aspires to accomplish both.
With eGilas, he wants to give back to the Philippines’ esports-crazed fans.
Outside of the competition, the NBA 2K19 ProAm Invitational champion aims to repay the efforts of hardworking Filipino farmers.
He has his auntie’s business to achieve that.
Established in 2006, Coffee for Peace is a business built on the idea of giving back to the backbone of the community.
‘It’s my auntie’s business in Davao which started in 2006. They came from Canada and they went back here to help farmers. Their mission is to help farmers sell their products at a high price,’ Alparas told Tech INQ.
‘In other words, we give justice [to their work].’
Wearing one cap is hard enough. The weight of carrying the heavy crown of being a National team coach is tough as is.
Having to wear another in the form of a business handler adds up to Alparas’ responsibilities.
The young tactician has no qualms with that.
In Coffee for Peace, Alparas plays the role of marketing director for institutional and industry clients.
Much like his ways with eGilas where he bolsters the bond of his young team, Alparas’ role in his family’s business is centered on building partnerships and connections with organizations, companies and other institutions.
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Giving back outside of esports
‘Honestly, it’s hard to balance esports and organization. In the morning, I’m in the coffee shop. When I get home, I focus on NBA 2K.’
‘Fortunately, I was able to manage it even if it’s hard. It’s well worth it too because we’re champions.’
Even with a bevy of roles on his table, Alparas was able to accomplish multiple things.
For one, he continues his advocacy in helping Filipino farmers.
‘Since I went to Davao before and stayed there for six months, I saw the good things that my aunt was doing. I enjoyed it so I ran a coffee shop of my own. I went there [to Davao] voluntarily. I trained there for six months.’
Alparas’ quest with Coffee for Peace is built on three core ideals; environment, farmers and peacebuilders.
Aside from promoting sustainable farming practices, Alparas’ family also aims to promote fair trade with farmers to give them a more desirable profit and transform communities in areas like Mindanao, where armed conflicts usually take place.
Keeping the focus
In July, Alparas and eGilas made the Philippine-based esports fans proud by reigning supreme in the eFIBA Season 4 World Championship in Qatar.
Backed by his squad of Miguel Hubillar, Kenneth Gutierrez, Joshua Machado, Chris Briones and Prich Diez, Alparas fueled the Philippines past Turkey, 3-0, in the Finals.
Then, when the lights went out and the dust settled in Qatar, the decorated mentor went home to manage his coffee business.
Because he’s not just doing these for NBA 2K fans or Filipino farmers alone, Alparas is doing these for everyone he can lend a hand to.
‘It’s really nice because with the coffee business, we’re helping farmers. Then, in 2K, whoever Pinoy is playing, they’re supporting and every time we win, we’re all happy.’