Heirs Apparent?
- Thread starter Renegade
- Start date
You are correct Shane. You ave to pardon me as I'm giving out answers from experiences in the local pool scene. Alex is very much respected here but somehow his poor showing against Dennis in their encounters before and after the WPC win put a damper on his reputation. But none the less, what he has achieved is already more tan most can dream of. I guess, the locals will always say that "Dennis is a stronger player" based on their eye witnessed account of the match-ups that Alex and Dennis have had. He needs to beat Dennis consistently here to change that.shanesinnott said:
Also people have followed the progress of players here and some how admire "rags to riches" life stories that came about from hard work. It isn't Alex's fault that he was fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in a more progressive country than the Philippines but Dennis' deep sea diver, from an impoverished family and town way down in Southern Philippines, now turned pool household name is an inspiration that people hold dear in their hearts.
Dennis started playing pool, in his grandfather's 1-table joint, when he was about 7 years old. He was forbidden to do so but still played by himself when no one was around. One day his grandfather was getting a beating in a money game, most small town small stakes money games last for hours, but requested an adjournment as he has to attend to some chores. Dennis talked his grandfather's opponent into playing him and eventually won all his grandfather's money back and some. This was the start of Dennis' love affair with the game.
TheOne said:
Valle and Gabica has the capabilities to hang with great players but Dennis and Marlon has that fire in their heart to push the bar of pool excellence higher. It is this desire and corresponding actions that they take to attain such that makes me state that they are the heirs apparent. Dennis more than Marlon because of him being ever humble and desire to attain, not the #1 status, the next level up. And with what I see, Dennis doesn't have an ultimate level that will make him stop trying harder.
I see it this way and draw a parallelism to understand such. I was lucky enough to have been driving since I was 2nd year high. Drove fast and weaving through traffic dodgeing all those crazy jeepney drivers who swerve from fast lane to shoulder with complete disregard to other who share the roads with. I drove a lot and went everywhare with my "from influential families" friends that I knew Manila streets like the back of my hands. Come 1984 and I find myself driving in California streets and highways. Crazy as it may be for most, it was pre-school to me but soon have to play by the rules and conform. Fast forward 1997, I'm back in Manila, I "feel lost" on the on the very streets I used to drive on and now riding the brakes. Get what I mean?TheOne said:
Ronnie is top-notch! But... the problem is he doesn't have his own identity. He has idolized Efren so much that he has unknowingly put a limit to his progress. He's always primed to pounce on an opportunity to show-off with Efrenesque-like magical shots! This I think hurts him a lot. Efren learned to do those shots in the course of his learning the game (natural progression and done because of the need to), Ronnie can do those shots because he saw Efren do it and feels the need to show people that he can too.Terry Ardeno said:
bandido said:
This probably explains why Efren, when asked who he thinks among the up and coming players we should watch out for, answered Ronnie Alcano because he's the one who most closely resembles his style of play. I didn't realize at the time that he was talking literally.
One Side, Rack N Roll, Bugsy's Lair, Side Pocket and Efren's Magic. Markus Juva stayed here for almost 2 years, Wu, Chao and Yang a week to couple of weeks at a time plus some others like Junarto and other Asians.Renegade said:
People from other parts of the world think that the Philippines has crime-laden and unsafe streets for visitors. On the contrary, people here are very hospitable, friendly and respect their visitors until the visitor starts being prejudiced and takes advantage of the friendship and hospitality.
I'm sure that it's the same in other countries.
I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of the people here that'll come for the WPC. Just holler and I can get you real affordable accomodations at the Ambassador Hotel and Casino (owner is a close family friend).
bandido said:
Are they good friends?
Are there any group/individuals among the top players (in RP) that don't like each other on and off the table?
karambolista said:
Some simple rivalries. Dennis is top of the heap now and everyone who"s got the b**ls and backer try to go after him as he's got the unlimited budget backer. Efren, Django, Alex vs Dennis most of the time but only during the match-up, game and immediate post-game do they hate each other. Otherwise they're all honky-dory.
Another story of interest. One night drunken Luat calls Dennis' backer(PM) and asks "Where's that Player of yours? I have a manager here that'll bet whatever!" And the reply was " Tell your f*%#king manager that we should just draw(western style) and he can bet the house!" LOL I'm friends with PM and he's a great guy but don't ever cross or be disrespectful to him! LOL
bandido said:
Dennis is definitely a great role model for pool, nice attitude on and off the table. He does'nt have the "star" pool player's attitude.
Is there anyone better than Dennis in the Philippines right now?
bandido said:
You and Dennis make good combo - best cue maker and pool player in the Philippines.
Thank you. We did team up starting when he was a high A player to after his Puyat stint but unfortunately the pool player's and cuemaker's time utilization doesn't jive. His competition times are my quiet creative times. At least Dennis, with his outside the country trips, is now getting aware of the time management that I was so insistent about back then. He'd just laugh whenever I get bent out of shape for trying to keep our appointments.karambolista said:You and Dennis make good combo - best cue maker and pool player in the Philippines.
Salamat pre.