Female Filipino Professional Players

ragbug74

ragbug74

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With the list of great Filipino players that have made a name for themselves in the U.S. as well as across Asia/Europe, does this list include any female players? Do women play pool seriously in the Philippines?......I don't really know much about their culture and if it is "acceptable" for females to play, especially on a professional level.
 
Bob, thanks for the link. I don't remember ever running across that thread before.

How about Alex's wife Phoebe....is she Filipino? I know she plays pretty strong.
 
Socially I think a woman going into a Pool Hall in the Phillipines today would be like a woman in the US going to a PH in the 50's 60's or so. They are not encouraged from what I hear. Consequently you dont have too many. Rubin Amit, Iris Ranola and Phoebe are the only ones i know.
 
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I don't know for sure but I would think there have to be more than 3 strong women players there. Johnnyt
 
ragbug74 said:
Bob, thanks for the link. I don't remember ever running across that thread before.

How about Alex's wife Phoebe....is she Filipino? I know she plays pretty strong.
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Yes, she said she is. She also said:


"Philippines top three girls:
1. Rubilen Amit
2. Iris Ranola
3. Mary Ann Basas

I went to the Philippines with Alex January 2005 and Busti set me up playing a girl race to 5 for $10. I was down for it...gave me something to do while Alex was playing Luat. This girl was older, can't remember her name, played like C, if anything. I was playing with Busti's cue...he even told me to hold up...and I couldn't play seriously at all in a race to 5 for $10!!!!! So I end up 1 set down...but she proceeds to get on her phone and call someone to play me....she said she could tell I played a lot better so she would get me real competition and shes taking the win.

Okay...nowI'm looking at Busti like "help" what's going on??? He said don't worry, jut play, you're on vacation anyway. Who walks in...Mary Ann. The girls proceed to tell me that her name was Ann and that I need to give her weight. I pretend like I don't know her...and that I'm scared to play someone I don't know. She getting a little antsy thinking that they could take me for some good money....and brushes off all conversation and says ok we can play even. I'm like cool!!!! I played pretty sporty then...and I loved the challenge.....plus I hated the fact that they were trying to rob me.

We agree to races to 7(or 5 can't remember) for $20. Right away I know she can play...she's strong like a man and a good shot maker. Her draw and follow shots were just incredibly strong. But I think she was trying too hard or trying to show too much...cause she lost 2 sets to me then noone wanted to back her anymore.

Then later Alex told me that I gotta play Iris cause she was a better player and that we'd match up well. It never happened, I was only there for 2 weeks and got to the hall a handful of time...plus I was pregnant with #2 child. Alex said that Rubilen would be tought to beat period...like she was way stronger of a player than the other two.

But, I am glad to see one of the three girls trying to get out there and do it...I am not suprised by all the good results that Iris has had. Alex never lies about how good people play."
 
Nostroke said:
Socially I think a woman going into a Pool Hall in the Phillipines today would be like a woman in the US going to a PH in the 50's 60's or so. They are not encouraged from what I hear. Consequently you dont have too many. Rubin Amit, Iris Ranola and Phoebe are the only ones i know.
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This is not the case anymore. A lot more of women are hanging out at pool rooms. Although just to play socially. Filipinas who take the game seriously is still not that much though compared to other asian countries
 
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