For Sure. Jose Parica was leader of the Filipino Invasion, long before Efren came to our shores. In Filipino circles, he is treated as the legend that he is, but for some reason, our BCA's voting process for their Hall of Fame has changed at least three times in that last 10 years that I can ascertain, so I'm not sure how he gets skipped over each and every time, except recently I was told that since he is over a certain age, he will now only be considered every few years -- because of his age -- by a BCA veterans committee. I don't get it.
I personally believe the BCA's motives were political in nature to put Bustie in before Jose, and I like Francsico. Make no mistake about it, he is probably my favorite Filipino player and is deserving, but to put him in before Jose is almost like putting Shane in before Danny DiLiberto, IMO.
Jose Parica is the only pool player I have allowed to stay at my home. He's easy-going, has no bad habits, and I am comfortable around him. His aura is good.
I will never forget the first time I met Jose. It was actually the first time I met Keith. They drove to Maryland together from the Derby City Classic in Louisville to attend the Capital City Classic that was hosted by the Wilson family.
I was standing outside of the hotel smoking a cigarette, and out walked Keith. I had never met him, but I knew who he was. My old friend Geese and Keith traveled together in California. I made small talk with Keith, letting him know about Geese moving to Florida, his father dying, et cetera.
Up walked Keith's road partner, and Keith introduces me to him. I had been out of the pool scene for a long while, working full-time in my career, so I was a little green as to who's who. I shook hands with the little man and said, "I'm glad to meet you. Do you play pool, too?" Jose snickered, nodded his head yes, and walked into the hotel. In fact, he proceeded to win the Capital City Classic one-pocket tournament the next day.