Mabuhay Manila

Thanks, Hangem!

And to add: Jay looks good! Much better, IMO, than when
I saw him at the World 10 Ball last year - where I bought his book
personally from him. And yes, he autographed it and all! :)

At the World Cup of Pool, I was holding my camera,
taking pictures every now and then, and decided to check on
my memory card. Out of my peripheral vision, I saw a figure
enter the media area. 'Twas Jay! He was wearing a gray shirt
and a pair of jeans (if memory serves me right).
I promptly said hi to him. Shook his hand and chatted briefly.

One thing I like about the man is his smile! And I kid you not!
Very sincere! I like that very much in Jay. Hey Jay, you reading this? :)
'Twas nice seeing you again, man!

Btw, i have a special guest from the states.
He, together with his wife, will be arriving tomorrow night.
I have recommended them places to stay, and he has chosen one
that I really like - one that is very near my place of work
and even nearer to my second home - the AMF-Puyat Superbowl,
home of the Makati Pool Players Association.

Will update you all once they land here in the Pool Capital of the World - the Heart of Pool!


AnitoKid
 
Hy Krypto!

What pool room are you at? Coronado - the one at StarMall?

AnitoKid


Krypto said:
Hey Vickoy. Sure thing my friend. I'll be in the pool room near Mandaluyong where the locals are making payday of the Gago Cano from Alabama (smile).

Hey, Jay. For those of us arriving to watch the Sweet 16 and International on the North EDSA, when and where can we score tickets for some decent seats? I'll be in school until 4pm, but hope to get there each evening before 6pm. Will I still be able to get a good seat, or should I just stay at the poolroom and forget about it?

As far as Jay's illness, I just want to remind AZ Members visiting Manila to keep a careful check on your drinks when you are at the bars and clubs. Sorry to say this, but some folks will drug you, and yes it has happened to me once in Bacolod City. I'm not much of a drinker, but I could tell when it hit me as it came on strong and fast (a sudden staggering intoxication). I immediately got up, overpaid my bill to avoid any delays and barely made my way back to my room. I did pass out on my bed fully clothed. The headache lasted for another full day. I am sure this isn't what happened to Jay, but it is prudent to have those San Miguels delivered unopened and in the bottle unless you are with several friends to back you up.

Looking forward to more stories Jay. I'm gonna have to buy that book of yours man, but I want it autographed by the Man.
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I'm really liking this thread more and more each time I open it.:)
Jay gives the Mickey Spillane type posts that make you feel like you're there and AnitoKid gives the thread the New York Times type society page feel. Very cool!:thumbup:
 
Will arrive late Saturday. Looks like I may try Elbow Room to start, but we will see.
I sure hope Korea does well, I always enjoy watching the Little Devil Girl play. I love her attitude. Too bad Iris and Rubilyn cannot form a team as well.
Can you update on Austria? I am curious if Jasmin and the young prodigy can pull off a few upsets. I hear this kid with her can really play strong.

Oh yeah, thanks Vickoy. I am a giving person. I will give you a bet if you give me the 5 and out? I am just an old Cano with bad eyes, a nervous condition, and sore feet. My left arm hurts so bad, I may have to play you right handed.

R.C.

AnitoKid said:
Hy Krypto!

What pool room are you at? Coronado - the one at StarMall?

AnitoKid
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Sorry RC, but the Koreans didn't make it yesterday. Went down 8 - 6 to Italy. Austria will be playing today.

Krypto said:
Will arrive late Saturday. Looks like I may try Elbow Room to start, but we will see.
I sure hope Korea does well, I always enjoy watching the Little Devil Girl play. I love her attitude. Too bad Iris and Rubilyn cannot form a team as well.
Can you update on Austria? I am curious if Jasmin and the young prodigy can pull off a few upsets. I hear this kid with her can really play strong.

Oh yeah, thanks Vickoy. I am a giving person. I will give you a bet if you give me the 5 and out? I am just an old Cano with bad eyes, a nervous condition, and sore feet. My left arm hurts so bad, I may have to play you right handed.

R.C.
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I wasn't able to attend yesterday's sessions but I did get to watch the 3pm and 6pm sessions on Solar Sports channel in Manila.

Jay wasn't doing the commentary on TV.

I did see Jay from afar with a headset on during Tuesday's sessions so I'm wondering if he is now not doing commentary or if he is doing commentary for some other media?

--Jeff
 
Masirib5 said:
I wasn't able to attend yesterday's sessions but I did get to watch the 3pm and 6pm sessions on Solar Sports channel in Manila.

Jay wasn't doing the commentary on TV.

I did see Jay from afar with a headset on during Tuesday's sessions so I'm wondering if he is now not doing commentary or if he is doing commentary for some other media?

--Jeff
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hey Jeff

maybe you can ask your friends if time permit to go to Starbilliards and let them see the place, i will be glad to tour them around, once in a life time chance, well team USA and Germany really loves the place and always goes there to practise
then we can play pool, heard you have improve a lot and i must learn from you now, hahaha
 
Hi Joyren, nice seeing you Tuesday with Comebackid at the WCoP!

Yes, I will do that!!! I really love Star Billiards. Mr. Chua, has built awesome facilities and you have state of the art equipment and really great to watch the greats - not only on the big tournaments are in town but you can see the local greats live on any day live via the internet!

Mr. Chua is the only person on the planet that supports billiards in such a way. All for free - free table time, free soft drinks, the facilities are available for any group to use for their tournaments ALL FOR FREE!! Oh yeah, and free cell phone charging, free HP laptop use to connect to the internet while you are there as well as great bargains on quality tables and cues and accessories!! I probably missed other free stuff! Oh, and this place is located in a secure village behind steel gates with guards.

Hard to beat that! And Joyren, you are doing a great job of promoting Star Billiards!! And I know you do so much more!!!

--Jeff



joyren said:
hey Jeff

maybe you can ask your friends if time permit to go to Starbilliards and let them see the place, i will be glad to tour them around, once in a life time chance, well team USA and Germany really loves the place and always goes there to practise
then we can play pool, heard you have improve a lot and i must learn from you now, hahaha
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Star Billiards

What's the catch with Star billiards? How do they make money if they give away the table time? I plan on visiting, but all I see on the map is Star Paper. I am guessing that this is the same location? Do they serve food?

Ok, gotta check on Austria now...
 
Like you and the rest of the world of billiards (and like me before I moved here!) it seems to not make sense that someone would invest that kind of money for the love of it. But....

There is no catch at all. Star Billiards Center is owned and operated by Mr. Sebastian Chua and he owns Star Paper Corporation. Mr. Chua is an avid pool fan and built Star Billiards on the Star paper Campus. This was never intended to be some money making endeavor as far as I know.

Maybe Joyren can add or correct anything that I have said to make it official.

--Jeff

Krypto said:
What's the catch with Star billiards? How do they make money if they give away the table time? I plan on visiting, but all I see on the map is Star Paper. I am guessing that this is the same location? Do they serve food?

Ok, gotta check on Austria now...
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Wow, what I guy. When I win the Lotto, I'm doing the same thing guys. Better yet, would one of you super wealthy people move to my neighborhood, and I will manage the place for you? All kidding aside, he must be quite a guy to do that for his people.

I asked about the food, as I have travelled over there (Philippines) a lot, and any one-stop place with good food, quality pool tables, and decent restrooms is on my list of activites. Getting from one place to another with your cue in hand is sometimes half the battle.
 
AnitoKid said:
Arrived at the World Cup of Pool tournament rather late, around 4 PM.
Shook hands with the main man - Jay - while Team Korea
was battling it out with Team Italy. The gorgeous duo of Team Korea
were dressed in all black outfits. Twas one interesting match!
To wit, Yu Ram Cha seemed to have gotten better and stronger
in her game! And I kid you not!

One unforgettable shot from Yu Ram was her attempt to hit a 5-ball
that was partly covered by a cluster. Not only did she hit it,
she managed to pocket in via long rail to the corner pocket!
This had the crowd applauding!

Ted Lerner was also there - had a great conversation with him about
Django Bustamante. It's been quite a time since I last saw buddy.
Django's wife also came to see him play, as well as Susan Reyes, wife of the Magician.

Notable personalities in the stands included Masirib5, The General, Vin, and Kaduku (Roleigh). Bob Guerrero, Anthony Suntay, and Biboy Soriano
were also at the media table. I think i saw PoolHustler there at the
stands, too.

Here's looking forward to more exciting matches!

AnitoKid
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Yes!! I was there. I saw you and was going to say hello after the match,but when it ended I looked over and you were gone. Maybe next time.

:)

Edited to add: Went to One Side last night. Many pro's uptairs, I was drunk and didn'thave my cue, so I just stayed downstairs on the challenge table. 28 pesos per game, which is about $.50 usd. Had a great time and will go back tonight with my cue for some more serious pool.
 
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Hi Krypto! If you'll be somewhere in Mandaluyong area, just let me know and I can at least guide you and maybe even take you to the 'spots' here in Manila. Elbow Room is a bar with many tables, nice ambiance, good food, live band... and many uhrm.. girls. :) specially during weekend nights. It's not a place for competitive pool, but more of a chill-out have some steak, pizza & beer, and smoke also in one sitting. It's not a cheap-o place compare to like L.A. Cafe in Malate. Robinsons Galleria Skybowl (few minutes away from Mandaluyong) also has good tables, well-lit place. Tables are a bit fast though. Not a bar, but you can order Magoos Pizza. Makati Cinema Square (MCS) is one of the oldest pool joint in Manila. But the age of the venue is not to be a deterrent. MCS has many tables, a bit fast, but ambiance and more importantly, the people who frequent there, are nice people. Anito Kid and Jeff I believe are 'residents' there. :) Some of our pros hang out in MCS. Now, of course, I'm saving the best for last. For the ultimate billiard experience, there is Star Billiards. Yes, what they say is true. playing there and using the Grade A facilities is absolutely FREE. NEVER LEAVE MANILA WITHOUT VISITING STAR BILLIARDS. :D I can take or guide you to those places, just let me know. You can contact me at my mobile number +63 9228183362 once you're here.

Anito Kid, who was poolhustler in the stands? I saw one american guy who went to where Jeff was seated after the match between China & Belgium, just before the Korean ladies played. Is he the one? If he was, then he was seating beside me all along. Haha!

I still haven't said "hi" to Jay Helfert. I saw him but I know he was busy and all... and I was in a hurry also that opening day, that I didn't even stayed to watch the Philippines match. Tomorrow I'll watch again so I'll have another chance to meet our good visitors from azb. :)




Les
 
Krypto said:
Oh yeah, thanks Vickoy. I am a giving person. I will give you a bet if you give me the 5 and out? I am just an old Cano with bad eyes, a nervous condition, and sore feet. My left arm hurts so bad, I may have to play you right handed.

R.C.
Click to expand...

hahahahaha, that's awful....but make no mistake, am not that good. my forte is organizing mini tours :smile:

heck! too busy and far from the venue, i wish i could watch. :frown:
 
I haven't been able to log on for two days. A problem with the computers heree I guess. I have been working on the TV shows doing commentary for Solar Sports. I worked last nights match between Team Phillinppines A and Team Indonesia. The place was absolutely jammed with maybe 2,000 people hanging from every nook and cranny of the mall. In all my years of pool, I have never witnessed a more raucous crowd. I mean they were absolutely going crazy screaming and cheering for Efren and Django. But I must say they were polite to the other side, being quiet while they were shooting.

Bata and Django are super celebs in the PI, as big as any sports star in America. Just as big as Manny P. Crowds line up hours in advance to get a glimpse of them and hopefully a spot where they can see them play. And I had the best seat in the house, high up on a platform overlooking the arena. The crowd screamed every time they made a ball, and I mean a deafening roar! I have never heard anything like it in all the years I've been working events. Alas the heroes made too many errors (weak position play, missed balls and poor safeties) and Indonesia took advantage each time. Ricky Yang is a seasoned player and champion (he won the Philippine Ten Ball last year beating Jeff De Luna in the finals). It was his partner Mohammed Zulfrekti that surprised me with his solid play. He was right on with his shotmaking and position play, and made the difference in this match, coming up big shot after shot.

It was a very disheartening loss that sent 2,000 filipinos home with long faces. But they will return next week to cheer their heros on once again. I was most impressed with the play of Team Taiwan. Ko and Chang played a perfect match, not missing one ball in defeating a strong Japanese duo. Team USA meanwhile had their hands full with Sweden and just managed to squeak by 8-7. I still like thier chances though. Johnny and Rodney are a good team with lots of experience playing doubles. I also like the Philippines B squad of Orcullo and Gomez. I favored them from day one over the A team. Team China is another tough pairing to look out for.

Team Austria got knocked out (by France) and I was sorry to see Jasmin go. Her partner was young (17) Mario He and he is going to be a good one. Very solid and composed, I expect to see a lot more of him in the future.

A little good news for DCC fans. Looks like we may be seeing Roberto Gomez and Carlos Biado for the first time there. Carlos is all the rage here, the next big thing! We will see. Gotta run now. I will be working the first matches at Noon today.
 
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Thanks General for the detailed info on some of the spots around town. I found some photos of elbow room on the net, and you are right it looks like a very classy place. This will be new for me to be in the wealthy part of the PI. I have a Cousin that lives in the area, so I may have someone to guide me, not sure yet. It is very nice of you to offer your number for assistance. Thank you.

I also found some video of the Star Paper Room. It is a little smaller than I expected, and it looks like there are lots of people waiting on table time. Maybe this varies with the time of day, I don't know.

Cool report Jay, as always. Too bad the Cup is a single elim tournament. It would seem they could make it a double elim without too much trouble. As for the USA team, they are two of the best we have, so let things fall as they will. It will take a very fine team to bring them down, that is for sure.

Leaving in 13 hours and will have a 24 hour trip door to door.
Yes, it is hell getting there, but no backing out now.
 
AnitoKid picked up Pat Diveney and his wife at the airport on Wednesday night late and took them to the hotel in Makati. Pat was up and at 'em early on Thursday (yesterday here) and found Makati Cinema Square, which was just around the corner from the hotel and went straight for Puyat Superbowl to check out the tables etc.

Pat and wife then went to the WCoP in Ermita, Manila via taxi to check out the venue. At 1 PM AnitoKid picked up my girlfriend and I at our condo and we proceeded to Pat's hotel and waited for Pat to return to his hotel. Pat arrived and we all had some lunch at the hotel's restaurant. AnitoKid and Pat then went to Customs near the Manila Airport to pick up a few packages that Pat sent last week from Iowa.

We all met back at Makati Cinema Square at 3PM and played a little pool and just talked for a couple hours. My billiard instructor Lester Dulawan was also there to give me my lesson but we all ended up just talking mostly and checking out a few of Pat's cues he brought from Customs.

Later that evening we all met at the very exclusive seafood restaurant on Manila Bay called Harbor View. My girlfriend and I were invited by AnitoKid for this dinner that was by invitation only from Lee Vann Corteza. AnitoKid, Barry Behrman, Rodolfo Luat, Pat Diveney and his wife, Lee Vann's driver and escort were all the main invitees by Lee Vann.

As it turns out I sat right next to Barry and Lee Vann, and across from me was AnitoKid and Pat Diveney. We all had a great time and we had so many dishes that we all ordered and shared! The lobster was my favorite. Pat Diveney loved all of it!!!!!

Great stories about the past US Open events by Barry as well as some surprises for this year's even that he wouldn't share much about. Lee Vann was having a great time talking about his Pat Diveney cue that he loves so much.

Anyway we all departed about midnight. Thanks to my brother AnitoKid for the invite and the great time as usual! I feel very fortunate!!!

--Jeff
 
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jay helfert said:
Carlos is all the rage here, the next big thing
Click to expand...

Jay, could you talk more about him. I've been seeing him coupe times in some of Asia tours. He was really good and solid but not really special, so I just wonder if I have missed something or he has been improved his games so much recently.
 
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