"The Magician" Written by Marlon Manalo

[fjk]

I just received my copy. Anyone else read it?​

'Bata' Reyes marks 71st birthday with launch of book, pool club​

First 500 copies of 'The Magician' sold out

POOL legend Efren 'Bata' Reyes was feted on his 71st birthday with the launch of his autobiography and a state-of-the-heart pool club as well as a tournament named in his honor that offers a guaranteed P2 million in pot money.

The former world 9-ball champion's birthday celebration was held on Tuesday night at the Pacman Cue Club, a brand-new facility in Mandaluyong billed as the 'Home of Champions' with 18 tables, one TV table and a players' lounge.

The club will be open for 24 hours seven days a week, officials said, to give pool players a 'real home.'

There, the book 'The Magician,' written by pool player and Pacman Cue Club COO Marlon Manalo, was launched and the first 500 copies have been sold out. Manalo said plans are afoot for the printing of 1,000 more copies, sold at P1,699 per.

Proceeds from the sale of the book and other merchandise sold at the Pacman Cue Club will go to a fund for senior and current pool players, Manalo said.

'Bata' Reyes marks 71st birthday with launch of book, pool club

First 500 copies of 'The Magician' sold out

www.spin.ph

 

[Bob Jewett]

I hope they find a better way to publish. Print-on-demand through Amazon would be one way. The price is about $30.

 

[Poolplaya9]

I just received my copy. Anyone else read it?​

'Bata' Reyes marks 71st birthday with launch of book, pool club

First 500 copies of 'The Magician' sold out

www.spin.ph

I'm confused. The article you reference is from seven months ago in August of 2025, and it only mentions the book being available for purchase onsite at the Pacman's Cue Club in Mandayulong City, Philipines. But you said you just received your copy, which makes it sound like it was shipped to you, and that it may even still be available to be ordered today.

I did an admittedly quick Google search and didn't see it being for sale anywhere outside of onsite at Pacman's Cue Club some months ago. Can you share where you were able to order the book so that others who are interest can do so also?

And presumably it is written in English since the cover is in English, but can you confirm? Thanks.

 

[fjk]

Mine was sent to me from a buddy in the Philippines. I didn't notice it was only for sale there. Mine is in English. I also got a baseball cap with Efren's initials. Efren appears to have his own line of apparel there.

 

[fjk]

Here what my buddy said when I thanked him:

"Wow, Great to know that you appreciate my simple gift to you.

I found out that Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo, Efren "Bata" Reyes our great billiard players and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao - our boxing great opened their PACMAN's CUE CLUB billiard hall. So I went there but to my surprise it is also the 71st birthday of the Magician and his book launch wrote by Manalo. As usual there are so much billiard patrons in the place so I decided to leave but manage to get an appointment with Captain Manalo the week after to personally ask for his signature and of EBR.

A week later I met with Captain Manalo and told him that you are a great fan from the USA and a good friend of mine. He was thankful that you appreciate Filipino talents and promised me that he will ask Efren to sign the book for you since he was stuck in traffic."

Here's some pics he sent me. Pacquiao seems like a good dude; I'm glad he's involved in supporting pool.

 

[kling&allen]

Mine was sent to me from a buddy in the Philippines. I didn't notice it was only for sale there. Mine is in English. I also got a baseball cap with Efren's initials. Efren appears to have his own line of apparel there.

Seems like your buddy could make some money selling this book to AZBers in the states.