This is so heartwarming and inspiring to read about, Jay. Few better to movingly, eloquently and clearly "sing" about such men -- sparsely sung-about heroes -- than yourself.Perry Mariano is a long time friend of mine. He is a good man who has dedicated much of his time and money to supporting the pool industy in the Philippines. Dennis Orcollo would have never made it over here without his support!
One other unsung hero of pool in the Philippines is a wealthy businessman named Sebastian Chua, who created Star Billiards, a huge pool complex on his company property in Quezon City. All aspiring players can practice free of charge all day and well into the night on the 30 or so high quality pool tables set up there. Chua also provides them with free refreshments. He does this for no other reason than to give the players an affordable place to hone their skills playing against each other. He asks for nothing in return. I've been there a few times and met Mr. Chua. There is nothing like this in the USA! It is the defacto training ground for pool players in the Philippines.
I salute these men and others like Mr. Puyat for creating an enviroment that has fostered and encouraged so many young men in their journey to become professional pool players. EVERY filipino champion you see who is playing successfully now has been supported and aided by these men.
And now, a very practical suggestion: think about presenting these specific facts and the provocative human interest elements exactly as stated within, to the attention of the editors of at least half-dozen widely read weekly news magazines, also the editors of general interest sports magazines, and to the attention of those who welcome special-segment material such as yours -- that radiates positivity -- for various leading TV news programs.
Do this purposeful contacting with the specific intent of piquing the attention of exactly the right wealthy individuals and business entities who can become so stimulated & sufficiently motivated as to cause parallel creative things to come about for our beloved sport. Definitely worth the effort to try this. I know you have the passion. See what it can lead to.
Arnaldo