JoeyA said:
The winner tips them, usually in the 5-10% range of the bet.
Back in Manila again
- Thread starter jay helfert
- Start date
The winner tips them, usually in the 5-10% range of the bet.
poolhustler said:Jay,
Just one question, and you don't have to anwer if you don't want to........
........."I spent the afternoon roaming the Robinson's Galleria Mall with Michaela and her two year old boy Amaru."
Are you Amaru's father??
Have a great time buddy!!
Russ....
No, I'm not.
Went back to Horizon mall yesterday with Michaela, and her equally attractive friend Jennifer, to do a little shopping. Naturally I had to pass by Bon's little three table poolroom. There was a pretty good game going on for only 1PM in the afternoon. Two guys were betting 1,500p on a Race to Three Rotation game.
In the crowd watching I noticed several familiar faces from One Side. I soon realized that with One Side not getting going until about 7PM, this was a good spot for daytime action. When the set was over a few of the local guys asked me to play. They all wanted a piece of me. Bon had told them I beat him a couple of days before. I finally matched up with one guy whose name I do not know, but he is a familiar local shortstop. He (and the others) absolutely refuse to play One Hole or Banks, so I agree to play Rotation for 200p a game, a very cheap bet (about $5). He wanted to play me a Race to Three for 2,000p, but I passed.
I won few games while I was learning the rules they play by here. I won't go into it now, but it took me three or four games to figure out what was going on. We were playing on a "Hollywood" table, decent enough and comparable to a low end Gandy. With very slow cloth. One of my strengths is adjusting to new equipment. I can learn a lot about a table just by watching other players shoot on it.
After about ten games, I'm two games ahead and we agree to play two more games. There has been a fairly large crowd watching the whole time, and I was having a blast. One guy kept giving me a high five when I won a game. I did make a few circus shots that livened up the crowd. I win the first game to go three ahead and dog a ball that would have given me the last game. He runs out the last four balls and I end up two games winner. The time is 440p, and I won 400. So I tell the guy to pay the time, which he gladly does. I got some good free play (maybe two hours) and had a a lot of fun in the middle of the mall. I love the filipino people, pool fans to the core.
I'm playing pretty fair these days since I have been playing again for a couple of months. But please don't anyone tell Joey. Mum's the word!
In the crowd watching I noticed several familiar faces from One Side. I soon realized that with One Side not getting going until about 7PM, this was a good spot for daytime action. When the set was over a few of the local guys asked me to play. They all wanted a piece of me.
Bon had told them I beat him a couple of days before. I finally matched up with one guy whose name I do not know, but he is a familiar local shortstop. He (and the others) absolutely refuse to play One Hole or Banks, so I agree to play Rotation for 200p a game, a very cheap bet (about $5). He wanted to play me a Race to Three for 2,000p, but I passed. I won few games while I was learning the rules they play by here. I won't go into it now, but it took me three or four games to figure out what was going on. We were playing on a "Hollywood" table, decent enough and comparable to a low end Gandy. With very slow cloth. One of my strengths is adjusting to new equipment. I can learn a lot about a table just by watching other players shoot on it.
After about ten games, I'm two games ahead and we agree to play two more games. There has been a fairly large crowd watching the whole time, and I was having a blast. One guy kept giving me a high five when I won a game. I did make a few circus shots that livened up the crowd. I win the first game to go three ahead and dog a ball that would have given me the last game. He runs out the last four balls and I end up two games winner. The time is 440p, and I won 400. So I tell the guy to pay the time, which he gladly does. I got some good free play (maybe two hours) and had a a lot of fun in the middle of the mall. I love the filipino people, pool fans to the core.
I'm playing pretty fair these days since I have been playing again for a couple of months. But please don't anyone tell Joey. Mum's the word!
Last edited:
jay helfert said:Went back to Horizon mall yesterday with Michaela, and her equally attractive friend Jennifer, to do a little shopping. Naturally I had to pass by Bon's little three table poolroom. There was a pretty good game going on for only 1PM in the afternoon. Two guys were betting 1,500p on a Race to Three Rotation game.
In the crowd watching I noticed several familiar faces from One Side. I soon realized that with One Side not getting going until about 7PM, this was a good spot for daytime action. When the set was over a few of the local guys asked me to play. They all wanted a piece of me.
I won few games while I was learning the rules they play by here. I won't go into it now, but it took me three or four games to figure out what was going on. We were playing on a "Hollywood" table, decent enough and comparable to a low end Gandy. With very slow cloth. One of my strengths is adjusting to new equipment. I can learn a lot about a table just by watching other players shoot on it.
After about ten games, I'm two games ahead and we agree to play two more games. There has been a fairly large crowd watching the whole time, and I was having a blast. One guy kept giving me a high five when I won a game. I did make a few circus shots that livened up the crowd. I win the first game to go three ahead and dog a ball that would have given me the last game. He runs out the last four balls and I end up two games winner. The time is 440p, and I won 400. So I tell the guy to pay the time, which he gladly does. I got some good free play (maybe two hours) and had a a lot of fun in the middle of the mall. I love the filipino people, pool fans to the core.
I'm playing pretty fair these days since I have been playing again for a couple of months. But please don't anyone tell Joey. Mum's the word!
Maybe you are soon ready to take on Efren or Ronato in rotation?
Can you please explain when they spot balls in rotation? I seem to have forgot the basic rules again...
Roy Steffensen said:Maybe you are soon ready to take on Efren or Ronato in rotation?
Can you please explain when they spot balls in rotation? I seem to have forgot the basic rules again...
If it's your turn to shoot Roy, but the object ball is hidden, you have the option to kick or spot. If you
chose the spot option, it means you lose your turn and the lowest object ball will be spotted and your
opponent will have to shoot it behind the kitchen.
Another scenario for the spot is if you fouled, your opponent has the option to shoot as is, or have the
lowest object ball spotted.
If you fouled or scratched, the ball/balls that you've pocketed from your shot will be re-spotted.
Just in case you really forgotten the basic rules, first to 61 points wins!
Jay could you ask the people at One Side if it is true that the Philippines decided to pass 9-ball Worlds to another country (since they got 10-ball franchise for 5 years)? I've read it here with a link to local site but here in Russia some people are still uncertain about that and claim both 10-ball and 9-ball championships will be held in the PHI.
I suppose they One Side locals know it for sure.
I suppose they One Side locals know it for sure.
Vahmurka said:
It's a little more complicated than that. Has a lot to do with the rivalry between the two factions over here. I'd rather not get into all that now.
Yesterday went to the Robinson's Galleria Mall in Makati. Michaela wanted to get her nails done so we went to Ricky Reyes, a high end beauty parlor here. The girl who did her nails was breathtakingly beautiful. And I mean a TEN!It was going to take an hour, so naturally I wandered down to the bowling alley/poolroom in the mall. Kinda nice that's there's always a poolroom nearby in Manila.
It was about 4PM and the place was packed (16 tables), very unlike U.S. poolrooms. I asked if there was anyone who I could play with, and the house boy said he'd check for me. Meanwhile he gave me a set of balls and found an open table for me to practice on. I then did something that I have never done in over 40 years playing pool. On my first break shot, I broke the table light! Yes, my cue went up after the break, hit the light and a six foot tube fell out and EXPLODED on the table. What a noise and what a mess! HOW EMBARASSING! The table lights are set very low here, maybe two feet above the table. But still no excuse. They were very nice and moved me to another table. No more break shots I said, just throw the balls onto the table.
In the PI, there is always someone who racks for you. Kind of old style USA. These tables were AMF "Gold Crown" lookalikes. Pretty nice tables with very fast cloth and huge pockets, at least 5". Soon enough, they found me a player, a young Chinese looking kid, maybe 20 years old. He came with a full contingent over to see me, about four or five other Chinese looking guys. We went thru the age old routine of deciding what game to play and how much.
We were playing a Race To Seven for 500 bucks. Yes they actually say that over here, even though it's really pesos and only amounts to about $12. He played good (why not, how can you miss), and had me down 4-1 quick. I came back to tie it at 5-5, but he got one very lucky roll to win one game and played a nice safe to win the last game. He looked nervous running out the final four balls, and I think he might have dogged it for a bigger bet.
Time to go get Michaela so I told him I would be back tomorrow. Turns out he is half Chinese, half filipino. He said his name was John Patrick but everryone calls him JP. Well JP just beat J for 500p.
I'm enjoying all the games I'm getting into over here. More for fun and competition, nothing wrong with that. Last night my buddy Bob Guerrero took me to a legal poker room not too far from One Side. I sit down and someone says JAYYY. It's none other than "Filipino Gene", the first filipino pool player I ever met. He lived in the Bay area for years, but now has relocated back to Manila. Also a very small No Limit game with blinds of 25 and 50p. I bought in for 1000p and cashed out nearly 4000p two hours later. A big score of $75.
Last edited:
jay helfert said:
It was going to take an hour, so naturally I wandered down to the bowling alley/poolroom in the mall. Kinda nice that's there's always a poolroom nearby in Manila.
I then did something that I have never done in over 40 years playing pool. On my first break shot, I broke the table light! Yes, my cue went up after the break, hit the light and a six foot tube fell out and EXPLODED on the table. What a noise and what a mess! HOW EMBARASSING! The table lights are set very low here, maybe two feet above the table. But still no excuse. They were very nice and moved me to another table. No more break shots I said, just throw the balls onto the table.
In the PI, there is always someone who racks for you. Kind of old style USA. These tables were AMF "Gold Crown" lookalikes. Pretty nice tables with very fast cloth and huge pockets, at least 5". Soon enough, they found me a player, a young Chinese looking kid, maybe 20 years old. He came with a full contingent over to see me, about four or five other Chinese looking guys. We went thru the age old routine of deciding what game to play and how much.
We were playing a Race To Seven for 500 bucks. Yes they actually say that over here, even though it's really pesos and only amounts to about $12. He played good (why not, how can you miss), and had me down 4-1 quick. I came back to tie it at 5-5, but he got one very lucky roll to win one game and played a nice safe to win the last game. He looked nervous running out the final four balls, and I think he might have dogged it for a bigger bet.
Time to go get Michaela so I told him I would be back tomorrow. Turns out he is half Chinese, half filipino. He said his name was John Patrick but everryone calls him JP. Well JP just beat J for 500p.
Last night my buddy Bob Guerrero took me to a legal poker room not too far from One Side. I sit down and someone says JAYYY. It's none other than "Filipino Gene", the first filipino pool player I ever met. He lived in the Bay area for years, but now has relocated back to Manila. Also a very small No Limit game with blinds of 25 and 50p. I bought in for 1000p and cashed out nearly 4000p two hours later. A big score of $75.
Now that sounds like a good way to get weight... break a few pool lights with your stick, not the cueball. Jay it's easy to see you know a few moves. You've been sitting on that one for 40 years waiting for this big $12 action, haven't you?
Filipino Gene
Jay,
Did Gene chase you around the poker room saying come on Jay lets play some $25 a game one pocket just to see how we would play. I hope you are having a good time over there and see you in Az next month. Also how is Gene doing.
Steve
Jay,
Did Gene chase you around the poker room saying come on Jay lets play some $25 a game one pocket just to see how we would play. I hope you are having a good time over there and see you in Az next month. Also how is Gene doing.
Steve
jay helfert said:Last night my buddy Bob Guerrero took me to a legal poker room not too far from One Side. I sit down and someone says JAYYY. It's none other than "Filipino Gene", the first filipino pool player I ever met. He lived in the Bay area for years, but now has relocated back to Manila. Also a very small No Limit game with blinds of 25 and 50p. I bought in for 1000p and cashed out nearly 4000p two hours later. A big score of $75.
Good ol' Philipino Gene!!! I'm glad to hear that he is alive and well. I heard about a month ago that he got married and was playing poker. I knew when he left San Francisco that he would never return, but I was glad that I had the chance to learn from him.
Tablemechanic said:
Gene plays poker every day and is doing quite well. He cashed in the same time as me, a 1500p winner. They just put the money on his account there. He may be the best player in the place.
bandido said:Bugsy's Lair last men standing at 3am.
Wow, that was quick. I went out there last night to hang with Edwin and Perry (aka Bugsy). I got into a seven man ring game with a bunch of champions. Don't worry, I'm not going crazy. We each put up 100p ($2.50) and play one on one games until someone wins seven games total. The winner of each game keeps playing and plays the next guy in line. Kind of "King Of The Hill" style. I had ZERO chance with this crew of killers.
Then Edwin and Perry and I went out clubbing for a while. These guys know all the best spots. Yum yum is my only comment.
We got back to Bugsy's about 1 AM and it was quiet, so Edwin and I got to play on the one Metro table with tight pockets. Bugsy's is the coolest place in Manila to play. One table in a pit like arena. Think about playing in your favorite "home table" set up, and you have an idea what it's like. There are many BIG games at Bugsy's between the top guys. This is where Shane played Jeff Deluna for $2,000 in November. 100,000p is not a small game here!
Edwin and I played for a couple of hours and he let me use his personal cue. To say it is unique is an understatement. He has put long slits thru the shaft just below the ferrule. About three inches long, very thin slits that go all the way thru the shaft. You can see thru them to the other side. Strangest thing I ever saw. He says it makes the shaft play stiff, and IT DOES!
His cue had a very solid hit to it, almost like playing with a Predator. It was heavy for me, about 20 oz., but once I got the feel of it I liked it. The kind of cue you just guide thru the shot, with a very light grip. It had so much impact on the cue ball. I could actually follow the ball around the table with accuracy.
One of the things the filipinos do so well is shoot follow shots so effectively. It was so easy with this cue. Maybe it's their secret weapon. Edwin plays good also. In 9-Ball we played about even, but he then agreed to play some Banks and One Pocket with me. I can see that these are games he rarely (if ever) plays. I told Edwin that I can play a top player and if he doesn't know how to play One Pocket he has NO chance to win. This may be a player who could spot me the 6 in 9-Ball, but in One Pocket I will totally control the game. That's why I love this game. Next time we play, I'll teach Edwin the basics. A few lessons and he would terrorize the locals.
Last edited:
jay helfert said:Wow, that was quick. I went out there last night to hang with Edwin and Perry (aka Bugsy). I got into a seven man ring game with a bunch of champions. Don't worry, I'm not going crazy. We each put up 100p ($2.50) and play one on one games until someone wins seven games total. The winner of each game keeps playing and plays the next guy in line. Kind of "King Of The Hill" style. I had ZERO chance with this crew of killers.
Then Edwin and Perry and I went out clubbing for a while. These guys know all the best spots. Yum yum is my only comment.
We got back to Bugsy's about 1 AM and it was quiet, so Edwin and I got to play on the one Metro table with tight pockets. Bugsy's is the coolest place in Manila to play. One table in a pit like arena. Think about playing in your favorite "home table" set up, and you have an idea what it's like. There are many BIG games at Bugsy's between the top guys. This is where Shane played Jeff Deluna for $2,000 in November. 100,000p is not a small game here!
Edwin and I played for a couple of hours and he let me use his personal cue. To say it is unique is an understatement. He has put long slits thru the shaft just below the ferrule. About three inches long, very thin slits that go all the way thru the shaft. You can see thru them to the other side. Strangest thing I ever saw. He says it makes the shaft play stiff, and IT DOES!
His cue had a very solid hit to it, almost like playing with a Predator. It was heavy for me, about 20 oz., but once I got the feel of it I liked it. The kind of cue you just guide thru the shot, with a very light grip. It had so much impact on the cue ball. I could actually follow the ball around the table with accuracy.
One of the things the filipinos do so well is shoot follow shots so effectively. It was so easy with this cue. Maybe it's their secret weapon. Edwin plays good also. In 9-Ball we played about even, but he then agreed to play some Banks and One Pocket with me. I can see that these are games he rarely (if ever) plays. I told Edwin that I can play a top player and if he doesn't know how to play One Pocket he has NO chance to win. This may be a player who could spot me the 6 in 9-Ball, but in One Pocket I will totally control the game. That's why I love this game. Next time we play, I'll teach Edwin the basics. A few lessons and he would terrorize the locals.
Please ask Edwin to tell us why the slits will not cause the cue to warp or have other adverse conditions as the shaft is used. It seems that the slits will weaken the shaft. Also, please ask when his cues may be available for purchase and what are his price ranges.
I like Edwin's ingenuity and would love to hit some balls with one of his cues. Beauty doesn't matter to me. Performance is the main interest I have in cues.
Thanks,
JoeyA
Friends in Low Places
Jay,
Have Ed take you to the place he took me. He should remember. I don't remember the name? Yum Yum might be it?
Only in Manila.
jay helfert said:Then Edwin and Perry and I went out clubbing for a while. These guys know all the best spots. Yum yum is my only comment.
Jay,
Have Ed take you to the place he took me. He should remember. I don't remember the name? Yum Yum might be it?
Only in Manila.
I came out to Angeles yesterday. Almost every bar has a 9' table. Bar tables are unheard of here. Seems like everyone here plays on a bar team. League pool is huge in Angeles. It's hard to find a game here. Strictly amateur pool and few good players. At best you play for a drink, and I don't like to push the issue. I go in and ask if there are any good players and see what develops.
Kind of like the old days when I was playing pool regularly in the States. So maybe I'm reminiscing a little when I come here. The good thing is I don't need the money now, like I did back then. I just like to play now, and know that I don't have too many years left to play this beautiful game.
I don't shoot as straight as I did when I was 25 or 30, but my disposition and attitude are better. I have more composure now and don't get upset if I miss a ball. All in all, my game may be just as good overall.
Okay who wants to play?
Kind of like the old days when I was playing pool regularly in the States. So maybe I'm reminiscing a little when I come here. The good thing is I don't need the money now, like I did back then. I just like to play now, and know that I don't have too many years left to play this beautiful game.
I don't shoot as straight as I did when I was 25 or 30, but my disposition and attitude are better. I have more composure now and don't get upset if I miss a ball. All in all, my game may be just as good overall.
Okay who wants to play?
jay helfert said:I came out to Angeles yesterday. Almost every bar has a 9' table. Bar tables are unheard of here. Seems like everyone here plays on a bar team. League pool is huge in Angeles. It's hard to find a game here. Strictly amateur pool and few good players. At best you play for a drink, and I don't like to push the issue. I go in and ask if there are any good players and see what develops.
Kind of like the old days when I was playing pool regularly in the States. So maybe I'm reminiscing a little when I come here. The good thing is I don't need the money now, like I did back then. I just like to play now, and know that I don't have too many years left to play this beautiful game.
I don't shoot as straight as I did when I was 25 or 30, but my disposition and attitude are better. I have more composure now and don't get upset if I miss a ball. All in all, my game may be just as good overall.
Okay who wants to play?
Sounds like you are living the life. Money not a problem, beautiful women everywhere you look, and you can just enjoy the game for what is. I am jealous! I'll be there one day Jay
JoeyA said:
I read Jay's post stating that the shaft is "stiff hitting" but that hit wasn't caused by the slits. It "stiff hit" is a product of the shaft manufacturing process and profile (parabolic taper).
Jay also mentioned "close to a Predator" in the same sentence. I think he was referring to the low to "0" CB squirt (aim like you're shooting centerball even though it's loaded up with max inside or outside english). This " shaft performance" is a product of the "beyond normal", wierd or strange (as Jay described it) "shaft completion technique" and the slits are just one part of that. It is not always that the slits are 3 inches long (Jay's approximation) as each shaft gets tested first before that slit length is determined. This somewhat is a hindrance to mass production until I find a way to refine this testing/slit length determination stage so 'til then this shaft is "custom".
As for durability of that area, all I can say is that I use all the experience I have from dealing with/selling to people from different continents for more than a decade now plus I subjected this to abuse. We break with this as Jay did when we played 9-Ball (no soft break) but I do have a different configuration to address the requirement of the "break shot", power and accuracy. Thank you JoeyA.
Hey Jay! I was trying to get a hold of you last night.
Last edited: