Alex Pagulayan Filipino Connection?

[BasementDweller]

Alright - I know this will probably stir up some controversy and that's not what I'm looking to do but I'm a bit confused as to why Alex is constantly lumped together with the other Filipino players (Efren, Busty, Orcullo, etc). I hear it all the time when I'm lucky enough to watch Alex play some. During the TAR match one of the commentators mentioned that all the Filipino's follow the ball so well (including Alex).

Now I understand that he is of Filipino descent but it's my understanding that he learned to play in Canada. Is this not the case? If he did indeed learn to play in the Philippines then I will stand corrected. If not, then I really don't understand the comparisons. I don't personally believe someone's race would make them play a certain way. I think the "Filipino" style of play would be a product of them all growing up and competing against each other (imitation).

 

[Black-Balled]

IMO, seems like you answered your own question there in the 2nd paragraph...his blood is Pinoy.

 

[Jason Koopman]

I believe he learned to play in the Philippines. Alex really emulated Jose Parica, Buddy Hall once said that you could put a bag over his head and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

 

[C.Milian]

They do some sort of windup stroke that puts a bunch of stuff on the ball to spin it forward. I'm going to have to fly to the Philippines to learn this from Bustamante. Is it wrist snap???? Help a brother out please.

 

[clintw]

if I read this correctly he learned to play in canada at a pool room that his dad managed. He was 13 years old.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pagulayan

 

[BasementDweller]

I believe he learned to play in the Philippines. Alex really emulated Jose Parica, Buddy Hall once said that you could put a bag over his head and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

That would explain the comparisons more I suppose. Although I don't really see the similarity with Jose that much. Alex has a much more controlled style. Jose seems to hold the cue much looser and I think he spins the ball around a lot more.