Edgie is just one in the endless swarm of strong players in the Philippines. He has already made his bones here, both in tournaments and money matches. First arrived a good six or seven years ago. Guys like him often have trouble coming here due to travel complications and lack of sponsorship. That's why they are often here for awhile and then can be missing (back in the PI) for a long period of time.
There are dozens with his skill level over there that have yet to come here. You can often see them on some of streams originating in the Philippines. They are playing people like Bustie and Efren dead even or maybe in the case of present day Efren giving him weight! These second level players are anxious to play people like Dennis, DeLuna and Carlo just to improve their games, and work their way up in the pool heirarchy. Dennis keeps active in games like this playing for relatively small stakes, like $500-$1,000 a side. He usually gives up a small spot, like a few games on the wire going to 25. Manny Paquiao is his backer.
I used to be awestruck by Keith Mcready but as simple as it looked, that pace and rhythm was a failure recipe for me. As I get older - late 60s now, I'm comfortable watching the slowbots as long as they play well. I take my time too, unless I found myself with 500 hours to get in gear. Not happening with no pool rooms so slow and economical is fine for me as well.
