Phillipino dominance?

[gopi-1]

Today he understood he could easily beat me compared to the match at Side Pocket, so he smiled and sang while playing.

After a shot I played I said "safety", it looked like a good shot for me, and he just laughed and said "no no, no safety" before he without hesitation made an incredible bankshot...

What was the worst for me today was that Jay Helfert was looking at my match, I hoped I could have played better with him as a spectator

What was he singing Roy? Was it "Fools rush in?"

 

[fanthom]

What's 3000 pesos in American money?

Roughly $60. Consider it as a tuition fee. You're in the game to learn hopefully have a good time while at it, not to make a living.

 

[fanthom]

The referee in the match against Efren wanted to play me in one-pocket, and wanted to give me handicap. But after the match against Efren he doesn't want to play me in one-pocket at all... haha... That's cool for a beginner of the game!

But they all want to play me in 9-ball though...

Am at One Side poolhall now, nice place, but all the money matches are at Side Pocket. That's a place all pool players should visit during their life, and I am def back tomorrow...

Hey Roy, where exactly is Side Pocket? I know a Side Pocket in Quezon Blvd in Quezon City. The entrance is through the side of what looks like a driveway. Is there another one? You mentioned the place you've been to is kinda not quite up to standard. Where is that exactly?

 

[fanthom]

Read my other posts on this subject and you'll see I share your viewpoint.

As for what $10 is worth in the Phillipines I certainly understand that. The poolroom economy doesn't mirror the economy at large. People who gamble on pool aren't thinking of the prevailing wage.

I want to ask what happens if these kids lose? Say somebody with money is backing them and they lose? I am not going to go so far as to say that they get beat up for it. But I am going to guess that they don't get a lot of chances to keep playing on other people's money if they don't win. No victory, no payday, and no "job". And that's my point entirely.

Yeah, I can figure how tough it must be to try to earn a living as player in the Phillipines, especially when the GIs are gone and the odd white suckers are few and the champion caliber players many.

I am not losing to any ten year olds when I go to the Phillipines. You have to be at least 13 to play me.

When I go I am only going to play rotation anyway. We'll see how much of a spot they will give up in that game.

. . . bring one of those reels with numbered tickets on them so the throng of crowd will have some order when you yell out the numbers. They'd much rather prefer to play rotation than anything else. It's more challenging and fun for them.

 

[gopi-1]

. . . bring one of those reels with numbered tickets on them so the throng of crowd will have some order when you yell out the numbers. They'd much rather prefer to play rotation than anything else. It's more challenging and fun for them.

 

[bandido]

Bandido,

What's the current sentiment about Asian 9-Ball skipping Manila?

Those who are pro-SMC and Efren and Co. doesn't really care but the true-blue Phil pool crowd are upset. This is one of the business related outcome that negatively affects the sport.

There may eventually be a good thing coming out of this if SMC "counters"
by sponsoring more international tournaments here from other promoters. If SMC doesn't then they'll just have to accept the ............ that a competitor has put them in. If they do "counter" then they'd better maintain their 100% support and not have the same attitude as last year where they thought that they had a monopoly and can just half-&*^ their support of an advertising vehicle. It always is all about the business. JMO

I heard that SMC even lost Alcano as an endorser. Sad for both parties from what I gathered as the Marketing people in charge of that got a tongue-lashing from the boss and Ron lost a promised car. It's all business, it's all about the money.

 

[gopi-1]

Those who are pro-SMC and Efren and Co. doesn't really care but the true-blue Phil pool crowd are upset. This is one of the business related outcome that negatively affects the sport.

There may eventually be a good thing coming out of this if SMC "counters"
by sponsoring more international tournaments here from other promoters. If SMC doesn't then they'll just have to accept the ............ that a competitor has put them in. If they do "counter" then they'd better maintain their 100% support and not have the same attitude as last year where they thought that they had a monopoly and can just half-&*^ their support of an advertising vehicle. It always is all about the business. JMO

I heard that SMC even lost Alcano as an endorser. Sad for both parties from what I gathered as the Marketing people in charge of that got a tongue-lashing from the boss and Ron lost a promised car. It's all business, it's all about the money.

I read that from out of the blue, SMC "rewarded" Ronnie with cash (305 Gs?),
and a dealership in Calamba for all SMC products. This was the first time I
heard of the promised car that wasn't delivered, big ups to you pare for the
inside info.

In the long run, I hope pool in general will come up the winner as more
sponsors means more money for the players to stay motivated, more action
for the fans, and a lot of chances to do the hustle for some!

 

[cuetechasaurus]

So if I was to go to the Phillipines and I wanted to gamble with a top player like Efren or Orcullo etc, what's the least I could bet with them to play them for a few hours? I'm sure that there's got to be an amount where they just wouldn't want to waste their time with. Would they play me long races for like 5000 pesos?

 

[gopi-1]

So if I was to go to the Phillipines and I wanted to gamble with a top player like Efren or Orcullo etc, what's the least I could bet with them to play them for a few hours? I'm sure that there's got to be an amount where they just wouldn't want to waste their time with. Would they play me long races for like 5000 pesos?

Anything goes with Effie! He just loves the action! The bet is insignificant to
him. I used to play him for lunch, dinner, midnight snack or whatever! But
I don't know about Dennis and his backers though.

5,000 pesos is like 98 dollars, I'm sure you can afford it. Be sure to get some
photo opps to get your money's worth!

 

[crosseyedjoe]

So if I was to go to the Phillipines and I wanted to gamble with a top player like Efren or Orcullo etc, what's the least I could bet with them to play them for a few hours? I'm sure that there's got to be an amount where they just wouldn't want to waste their time with. Would they play me long races for like 5000 pesos?

However you might have a better chance with shorter races for small amount because lady luck might be on your side. In longer races, the skill difference becomes apparent.

 

[cuetechasaurus]

I wouldn't expect to come even close to winning. But just to be able to play with one of them for a few hours, costing me at most maybe like $300 usd would be great. Just for the experience.

 

[bandido]

So if I was to go to the Phillipines and I wanted to gamble with a top player like Efren or Orcullo etc, what's the least I could bet with them to play them for a few hours? I'm sure that there's got to be an amount where they just wouldn't want to waste their time with. Would they play me long races for like 5000 pesos?

Good answer and advise from gopi-1 and crosseyed joe. It's not really about the money plus Filipinos are naturally hospitable.

They won't be exhibiting any "shots under pressure" though as they'll be in a more relaxed state considering the wager. But, you'll do see, as I've noticed, a higher number of magical shots. I think that this is one of the benefits of playing these "low-wager" matches against different people for them. They get to practice these shots in actual game situations to later be confident enough to pull it out of their bag of tricks in high pressure matches.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

Those who are pro-SMC and Efren and Co. doesn't really care but the true-blue Phil pool crowd are upset. This is one of the business related outcome that negatively affects the sport.

There may eventually be a good thing coming out of this if SMC "counters"
by sponsoring more international tournaments here from other promoters. If SMC doesn't then they'll just have to accept the ............ that a competitor has put them in. If they do "counter" then they'd better maintain their 100% support and not have the same attitude as last year where they thought that they had a monopoly and can just half-&*^ their support of an advertising vehicle. It always is all about the business. JMO

I heard that SMC even lost Alcano as an endorser. Sad for both parties from what I gathered as the Marketing people in charge of that got a tongue-lashing from the boss and Ron lost a promised car. It's all business, it's all about the money.

What will happen if Beer na Beer jumps into the prey and sponsor their on players? Then some American players get Budweiser sponsorship. The same thing with the top players from other countries.

What if San Miguel decided to put their money on the next WPC? Who's gonna show up now?

So Ronnie won't be playing in any tournament that is sponsored by SMC then?

 

[bandido]

What will happen if the Beer na Beer jumps into the prey and sponsor their on players? Then some American players get Budweiser sponsorship. The same thing with the top players from other countries.

What if San Miguel decided to put their money on the next WPC? Who's gonna show up now?

With how things are going that would be a mess, wouldn't it? Me, I'm just going to sit and watch the continuing story and product of the F)%& up. I hope it straightens up.

 

[jay helfert]

Manila Days and Nights

Having fun in that warm Manila sun. My sweet little GF is here with me at City States Towers on Mabini street, only three blocks from One Side. We visited her family in Pasay City, so they can approve me. We play basketball there and walk to neighborhood poolroom with two very funky old tables.

The owner apologizes and I say no problem. It is still pool, only a little more challenging. You must hit the ball firm to avoid the rolls, but the banks all work and I slam a few in to their delight. I play all the neighborhood kids a game of 8-Ball. I win every game, so I am now the neighborhood champ. Haha.

Mikaela's brother (19 yr. old) loves pool and he is happy to watch. I promise to play with him another day. Handsome young lad with wife and 4 month old baby.

I send this to make sure it works.

 

[jay helfert]

Have been here a week now and only three times in poolroom. First night I met Chris and Roy from Norway. Both are good players, maybe third tier level here. But that is not too shabby. They have some gamble and seem to be in action all over. I'm not so quick to gamble unless I see something I like. Just my nature I guess.

The next time I see them it is at Bogey's, a supercool little spot devoted to heads up games on their one tight Metro table. Great gallery viewing upstairs and I watch Dennis go down to Van Van 23-21. They are playing 9-Ball and I suggest to Dennis they change to Ten Ball. But Van won't budge. And the bet is small, only 25000p ($500 U.S.).

Dennis wants to play high, at least double the bet. Van Van beats him three times at 9-Ball. Dennis and I talk again. I tell him when Van is ready for Ten Ball and 50000p bet, I will be in for 10000. Not before. Remember Dennis became money king by beating the top players and betting high ($2,000 U.S. and up), and playing Ten Ball. He does not like the small bet.

I explain again to Dennis that any top player may beat him at 9-Ball. It is the nature of the game, with all the break and run outs. He seems determined to win anyway, because it is the main tourney game. I tell him gambling and tourneys are not the same, and besides it will never hurt his 9-Ball game to play Ten Ball. I say that Efren would practice for a 9-Ball tourney by playing Rotation.

Send number two.

 

[jay helfert]

Back at One Side and Roberto matches up a game with Dondon for 10000. One problem, he needs a backer. So Chris and I get involved to the tune of 7000. Roberto gives up three games on the wire to 13 (Ten Ball), a huge spot. But he overcomes it and Chris is happy to book a winner, as he has been running bad. I tell him I'm good luck, Roberto plays hard for me. I can feel the energy, when he makes a nice runout, he looks over for approval.

When Roberto makes a good billiard on the Ten, I give a cheer, and he looks over and smiles. I believe in supporting my man, and tonite it's Roberto and he comes thru.

I watch Efren and Ronnie play Rotation, and Efren seems to win effortlessly. Busty plays Lugong and wins a long race also. But the BIG game is none other than boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who is betting $10,000 U.S. with some rich Japanese guy who can't play. Manny gives up the Five ball. Manny can play, maybe U.S. shortstop speed. The crowd is behind him and he gets the cash.

Between sets I go over to say hello to Manny. We had met at the Bicycle tourney two years ago, and I want to see if he remembers me. I approach the table and his armed bodyguard stops me. Oops. I tell him I know Manny and just want to say hello. He hovers as Manny comes over. He remembers me from the Bike and all is well. I don't get shot. Manny couldn't be nicer. He asks how long I will stay and where I am staying. He says maybe we can visit more later. I say sure. After all he is getting ready to play a second set for 10K. I exit stage left.

 

[jay helfert]

Money changers abound on Mabini St. but beware! Some are scam artists. They offer a good rate, in this case 50p per dollar. I give the lady a $100 bill and she counts out ten 500p notes. I go to pick them up but she picks them up to hand to me. Hmmm.

I see her hide one note under her pinky, a quick and deceptive little move. She is attempting to give me 9500 and not 10000. A $10 ripoff. I catch her tho and grab ALL the money. I have nine 500p notes and the $100 bill now. If it is in the U.S., I will take it all and leave. My attitude is that a thief is fair game for the consequences. But here I hestitate. She has a young man who is standing behind me while argue with her over the money.

Here I am warned watch out for the knife, because the thieves all carry them. I watch him out of the corner of my eye. He keeps his distance. I am unarmed but prepared if he makes a move. I finally get all ten 500p notes and let go of the $100. My GF and I leave. I am a little wiser now. Not everyone has good intentions in Manila. So be warned.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

What Manny is doing there? Should he be courting the voters now? Oh well, sometimes popularity gets to you, and you start to think you can do everything. I just hope he practice well for In Jin Chin. His fight in Macau is almost up.

Jay or Bandido,
Any insight about Ronnie Alcano no longer his sponsored player?

 

[crosseyedjoe]

Money changers abound on Mabini St. but beware! Some are scam artists. They offer a good rate, in this case 50p per dollar. I give the lady a $100 bill and she counts out ten 500p notes. I go to pick them up but she picks them up to hand to me. Hmmm.

I see her hide one note under her pinky, a quick and deceptive little move. She is attempting to give me 9500 and not 10000. A $10 ripoff. I catch her tho and grab ALL the money. I have nine 500p notes and the $100 bill now. If it is in the U.S., I will take it all and leave. My attitude is that a thief is fair game for the consequences. But here I hestitate. She has a young man who is standing behind me while argue with her over the money.


Here I am warned watch out for the knife, because the thieves all carry them. I watch him out of the corner of my eye. He keeps his distance. I am unarmed but prepared if he makes a move. I finally get all ten 500p notes and let go of the $100. My GF and I leave. I am a little wiser now. Not everyone has good intentions in Manila. So be warned.

Next time, go to the shopping mall if you want to exchange money. It's still a better choice than banks and much safer than street side exchanger. If you're a foreigner don't exchange big amount of money alone. But I really advice you to go to the shopping mall.

Good warning though. Don't be greedy just to get extra 500pesos ($10).

I know it's a shameful act, but "live and let live" is the mantra down there.