No one and I mean NO ONE would gamble even with Jose at 9-Ball or Ten Ball for nearly twenty years! He was Amang (The Man) in the Philippines and he was THE MAN here as well. Interestingly though, Efren was still considered the better player at the Philippine's main game Rotation. Many don't know that in that game, which takes equal skill to One Pocket, Efren dominated for decades. Some of our top pros found out the hard way. Efren also excelled at One Pocket (we all know that), Snooker and Three Cushions. He may have been one of the top two All Around players of all time. Harold Worst is still the best in that category.
In my opinion, Jose Parica was the best 9-Ball or Ten Ball player I ever saw. His record in tournaments was good, but not great. He excelled in long matches where serious money was at stake. He seemed to thrive on pressure, and applied it liberally to his opponents. The next best pressure player was Dennis Orcollo who never flinched when big money was on the line.
The best US all around player was Nick Varner by far.
Name another American that has won at all levels as in collegiate through pro events in all disciplines, including banks, one pocket, 9 ball, 8 ball , etc.
If Jose wanted action Dave Matlock had an open invitation for anyone in the country to play bar box 8 ball for any amount. I must have missed where Jose showed up in Kansas City with a bagfull of money to play Dave. Both were of the same era, so that isnt an excuse.
I havent heard of Jose chasing down Buddy Hall playing 9 ball either......lest we forget his dominance.
IMO, one of the greatest stories was that of Scott Frost chasing after Efren and matching up. They played in many places, and Scott claims overall he is winner on money in his money matches with Efren.
Im not saying Jose wasnt a great champion, but IMO Efren is the greatest I have seen in the last 40 years.
So saying Jose couldnt get money matches is bull$hit.
JMO
Ken