"on a shoestring"

Filipinos love BBB (Basketball, Boxing & Billiards), only now that we are seeing other games given lots of exposure like Football and Running.

9-Ball Game Giants

This is the reason why today’s opening match has seen a lot of local registrants vying for the championship. What more, it is an opportunity to play with the masters like Efren “Bata” Reyes, Dennis Orcollo, Jeffrey “Jeff Bata” de Luna, Ramil Gallego and Carlos Biado. Names that echo in the world of billiards and is an inspiration to a lot of young people to excel in this ball game.

Amateur billiard players are excited to compete with these giants and even hope that maybe luck with be on their side. Who knows they will be the next Bata Reyes, right?

An 10-year old against the Masters

Yet the organizers were surprised to see lots of local entries, one of them an 10-year old kid wanting to challenge the greats. C’mon! It’s okay to dream but we also should be realistic in our dreams unless we want frustrations after frustration to happen.

For now, the best way for them is to watch the National Games and be inspired to practice on their chosen sports. Time will come, they will be the one breaking the table and their parents proud of their feats.

Efren “Bata” Reyes’ Dilemma

Efren “Bata” Reyes is torn between smiling because these young players are the future of the sports and frowning because it will somehow lessen the prestige of the event. He participated in the opening games and won the race to 9 against Dennis Tugado which pocket the 9-ball five times.

Carlo Biado at the end of the clean up

Carlo Biado wins over a Negrense local

I was able to watch the game between a local Negrense named Sandy Ferrer, who came from Pulupandan, Negros Occidental and Carlo Biado. Biado won over Ferrer with the score 9-5. Carlo enjoyed the game and at times experimented some shots. He adds that the locals has skills in the game so it will not be impossible for them to reach the finals round come May 29, (Sunday).

Sandy Ferrer, who hails from Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, lost against Biado with the score (5-9)

Tomorrow, the table will be given to the lady billiards aficionados. It will be another exciting event as they break the 9-ball game at the 2nd floor of Gaisano City Mall.

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Philippine National Games 2011 Series is a break from my usual running event posts. The series will highlight stories behind every sports represented as well as athletes who display big potential in their own field. My gratitude goes to PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez, Sir Lito Cinco and Ms. Mylene Conception for the opportunity to cover such a big event. Mabuhay po kayo pati narin ang PSC at POC!