What's Cooking in Manila?

S

sputnik

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
** The world 10-ball tournament, boasting of a $500,000 money purse, has yet to announce its sponsors. Yet, qualifiers have already taken place in different areas. There is very little time (a little more than a month) until the Sept. 29 slated date.

** The prospect of WPC in Manila for the third straight year is still under negotiations and being kept from the public until everything is ironed out. If ever it will push through, there will still be time to make preparations for the intended November date. If it does not push through, BMPAP would not have inconvenienced people since nothing has been officially announced.

** Until tournament details are announced with finality, there is always a possibility that neither will push through. Credibility and capital investment will play a huge factor in these tournaments.


** BSCP has come up with two tournaments in their program where city mayors sponsor tournaments. Both can be called successful in that it pushed through. Both tournaments compensated for the absence of the Filipino stars by inviting a few international players like Hohmann, Archer, and the Taiwanese.

** BSCP will hold a National tournament soon. The participants will be the BSCP players (Manalo, Gabica, De Luna) and probably many new faces from different pool halls. It should be a good prelude to their WPA sanctioned world 10-Ball tournament.

** BMPAP found itself a sponsor in Senate President Manny Villiar and has come up with more tournaments (both in frequency and funding) featuring the country's best players. Coming up are the Davao leg this August and the Bacolod leg on October.

** Since the February "The Two Visions of Pool" article here, the "insular" vision (of a lower island order as portrayed in the article) is now gaining momentum. The "cartoon" pro team tournament is coming to reality. It will be the 1st Pro tournament of its kind in the world that enlists 98 BMPAP pro Filipino pool players in different teams all year round. Huge sponsors who own Philipine Basketball Assoc teams now have signed up to own four teams. A TV station has likewise signed a deal with BMPAP for coverage (in the papers tomorrow).

As I understand it, there are provisions for absences due to international tournaments, so th Pinoys will not be missed. Despite the way this plan was looked down on in that mother-of-all-animosities article, this Philippine Billiard League will keep the pinoys in tip-top competitive form for everybody to enjoy in international tournaments.

** BMPAP will have a surprise gift to all billiard fans toward the end of the year.

==============
Hindsight has it that the two visions in pool are actually defined by how things are planned:

BMPAP silently works on things before announcing anything to the world because it makes sure that all the details are in order.

BSCP believes in creating the goal first, then getting everybody to work towards that goal - players, associations, and sponsors alike. Admirably, BSCP even got Mr. Ian Andersen involved in their goals!

There are two visions because one wants to make a fast buck, while the other wants to be sure-footed first.
 
If the WPC 9 ball tournament does not push through, I sincerely think it will be a big blow to the Pool World in general and to the BMPAP's credibility to a certain degree.
 
nbc said:
If the WPC 9 ball tournament does not push through, I sincerely think it will be a big blow to the Pool World in general and to the BMPAP's credibility to a certain degree.
Click to expand...

Please remember that:

Matchroom Sports had time in bidding out the WPC from when BSCP announced that they were doing their own stuff and compete against WPC (after two successive years of WPC being hosted by BSCP).

It was BSCP who walked away from the two year honeymoon because it is definitely more affordable to put up your own travelling show in a 10-Ball competition. Bottom line is money. Makabenta's discrediting 9-ball as if it was BMPAP had money written all over the article. Now they are in the market for Million Dollar Worl Pool tournamnets.

(Makabenta's articles here in AZ have cut down: players like Efren Bata, BMPAP, the Games and Amusement Board of the Philippines (responsible for making sure that every tournament has indeed funds for announced prizes), and the game of 9-Ball itself - all in lieu of M-O-N-E-Y.)

BMPAP entered the WPC scene only last month when it found out that WPC had no hosts this year. It is definitely a Plan B for Matchroom Sports to consider and a new pan for BMPAP in the works.

If WPC does not push through, there will be no harm done since is it is only in the Internet forums that the negotiations were mentioned. No individual is being inconvinienced, so questioning the credibility of BMPAP will be out of place.

Everything is being planned well before any official announcement, so if WPC pushes through, we can all be sure that everything will be in order.
 
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NBL in Today's papers

Today's papers:

National Billiards League draws support


By Jasmine W. Payo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:19:00 08/08/2008


MANILA, Philippines: It's go for the country's first professional billiards league as the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) and Solar Sports recently forged a memorandum of agreement to stage the event late this year.

"This is it, there is no turning back, and we're all excited to get the ball rolling and start the new era of Philippine billiards," said Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, a long-time pool patron who envisioned the creation of the National Billiards League (NBL).

"Finding a broadcast partner in Solar Sports, which is known for pioneering big time sporting events, will surely fast track the realization of this dream that we in the Philippine pool community, including the players, share."

The NBL aims to gather the country's top cue artists, including the legendary Efren "Bata" Reyes, former world champions Ronnie Alcano and Alex Pagulayan and top-ranked Dennis Orcollo?and group them into eight teams.

"NBL will be the next big thing in Philippine sports entertainment," said BMPAP founder Perry Mariano.

"It will also make billiards a really professional sport. And the players, especially the young ones, can make a career out of it."

Puyat, Mariano and BMPAP co-founder Jonathan Sy signed the agreement with Solar Sports chief operating officer Peter Chanliong and vice president for sales and marketing Jude Turcuato last Wednesday.

"Imagine, that's 48 players who will have a regular income," said Sy. "This is really a dream come true for all of us in Philippine billiards."

BMPAP officials said several sponsors, most of them franchise owners in the Philippine Basketball Association, have already signified their intention to join the league's maiden run.
 
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Appreciate the reply... but, i dont think you got my point.

As a poolplayer and avid pool fan, I have come to expect that every year, there will be a 9 ball World Pool Championship. So, if the WPC 9 ball event does not happen this year, I think it will be a big loss for the Pool World in general. Whether it was Matchroom's fault (for dilly-dallying, as you said) or BSCP's (for turning their back on 9 ball, as you said)... well, that was not my point.

My only point was that I would be sad if it does not happen this year, because I have come to expect that every year, there will be either a new 9 Ball World Champion or a Repeating Champion. To have that not happen this year (because of politicking or for whatever reason), would be, I feel, a big blow for 9 ball and for Pool in general.

Now,to hear you (BMPAP) say that the WPC 9 ball event may not happen, after reading in the different forums that your group would take over the reigns and would "host" this event, and then now, you come out with this statement

"** The prospect of WPC in Manila for the third straight year is still under negotiations and being kept from the public until everything is ironed out. If ever it will push through, there will still be time to make preparations for the intended November date. If it does not push through, BMPAP would not have inconvenienced people since nothing has been officially announced."...

well, you cant blame me for saying that if the WPC does not happen it would also be a blow to BMPAP's credibility, right? After all, it was your group that said a few months ago that you would continue the event after BSCP/Raya decided to drop it, right? And now suddenly, you come out with this "disclamer".

Anyway, if your group is able to pull it off and host the event, kudos for you. If not, I stand by my statement earlier that it would be a big loss for pool.


nbc
 
nbc said:
Appreciate the reply... but, i dont think you got my point.

As a poolplayer and avid pool fan, I have come to expect that every year, there will be a 9 ball World Pool Championship. So, if the WPC 9 ball event does not happen this year, I think it will be a big loss for the Pool World in general. Whether it was Matchroom's fault (for dilly-dallying, as you said) or BSCP's (for turning their back on 9 ball, as you said)... well, that was not my point.

My only point was that I would be sad if it does not happen this year, because I have come to expect that every year, there will be either a new 9 Ball World Champion or a Repeating Champion. To have that not happen this year (because of politicking or for whatever reason), would be, I feel, a big blow for 9 ball and for Pool in general.

Now,to hear you (BMPAP) say that the WPC 9 ball event may not happen, after reading in the different forums that your group would take over the reigns and would "host" this event, and then now, you come out with this statement

"** The prospect of WPC in Manila for the third straight year is still under negotiations and being kept from the public until everything is ironed out. If ever it will push through, there will still be time to make preparations for the intended November date. If it does not push through, BMPAP would not have inconvenienced people since nothing has been officially announced."...

well, you cant blame me for saying that if the WPC does not happen it would also be a blow to BMPAP's credibility, right? After all, it was your group that said a few months ago that you would continue the event after BSCP/Raya decided to drop it, right? And now suddenly, you come out with this "disclamer".

Anyway, if your group is able to pull it off and host the event, kudos for you. If not, I stand by my statement earlier that it would be a big loss for pool.


nbc
Click to expand...

TAP TAP TAP!
 
Sputnik, when will the groupings be done? How long will a NBL season last? Thanks.
 
NBC, if I had given the impression of pessimism rather than being sure-footed about WPC taking a 3rd year in the Philippines, it was not the intention by mentioning that there is always uncertainty until official announcements. Emphasis was only being put in MBPAP's not compromising any individual in planning its events. Of course, everybody will be disappointed. Rest assured, negotiations are going on, and the glass is half full.

Also, politicking is not a factor in WPC negotiations. It is business. In a business move, BSCP decided that they are ready to compete against Matchroom Sports by putting up their own franchise. On the other side of things, BMPAP is still ironing things out with Matchroom Sports. It should be noted that Matchroom Sports has the right to decide on whatever they want to do with their WPC, and that is a valid part of the equation.

JohnPT, as to the format of the PBL, it should be announced shortly.
 
nbc said:
Appreciate the reply... but, i dont think you got my point.

As a poolplayer and avid pool fan, I have come to expect that every year, there will be a 9 ball World Pool Championship. So, if the WPC 9 ball event does not happen this year, I think it will be a big loss for the Pool World in general. Whether it was Matchroom's fault (for dilly-dallying, as you said) or BSCP's (for turning their back on 9 ball, as you said)... well, that was not my point.

My only point was that I would be sad if it does not happen this year, because I have come to expect that every year, there will be either a new 9 Ball World Champion or a Repeating Champion. To have that not happen this year (because of politicking or for whatever reason), would be, I feel, a big blow for 9 ball and for Pool in general.

Now,to hear you (BMPAP) say that the WPC 9 ball event may not happen, after reading in the different forums that your group would take over the reigns and would "host" this event, and then now, you come out with this statement

"** The prospect of WPC in Manila for the third straight year is still under negotiations and being kept from the public until everything is ironed out. If ever it will push through, there will still be time to make preparations for the intended November date. If it does not push through, BMPAP would not have inconvenienced people since nothing has been officially announced."...

well, you cant blame me for saying that if the WPC does not happen it would also be a blow to BMPAP's credibility, right? After all, it was your group that said a few months ago that you would continue the event after BSCP/Raya decided to drop it, right? And now suddenly, you come out with this "disclamer".

Anyway, if your group is able to pull it off and host the event, kudos for you. If not, I stand by my statement earlier that it would be a big loss for pool.


nbc
Click to expand...
It's only Aug 8 and the first mention of WPC Manila COMING negotiations was when Sen Villar awarded Dennis, Alex and Gandy last July 09, 2008 http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.....ph/issues/2008/07/09/SPRT20080709129382.html . Not even a month yet! What are you talking about that's been a few months ago?
 
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Other update

BMPAP and BSCP rift is the easy part to fix. The tough part is the BMPAP and RAYA and the GAB-RAYA.

BMPAP's asks that Yen Makabenta leaves BSCP. Period. Then, BMPAP is willing to participate in the BSCP National Open even if it doesn't offer prize money. Trophies are good since this is a National Open in search of a National Champion for the year 2008. Very low or no entry fees to make it truly open to all Filipino Players.

RAYA can still proceed with its World 10-Ball Championship and may even see BMPAP support it as long as it follows local Philippine Laws as do other Promoters do.

1. As required by law, RAYA needs to have a current GAB Promoter's License.

2. The World 10-Ball Championship Event needs to acquire proper Philippine Permits for the event and fulfill the requirements. One of the requirements is putting prize monies in escrow.

This may be the hard part, GAB is the Government agency that regulates and supervises all play for pay sporting events. GAB's existence and authority, too, is who and what RAYA/BSCP questioned and challenged all the way to the point where RAYA/BSCP requested a Senate Hearing.

Now I ask these:
1. How can RAYA get the required paperwork from a Government entity whose existance and authority they question? That Senate investigation isn't even concluded yet!

2. The WPA issued a press release on July 20, 2008 http://wpa-pool.com/index.asp?content=localnews&newsid=93
but what most people may not know is that 2 days later on July 22, 2008 a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Games and Amusements Board(GAB) and the Beaureu of Immigration and Deportation(BID) took effect. It states that all foreign Players participating in Play-for-Pay events here in the Philippines need to acquire a Temporary Work Permit (TWP) before the event. Is BSCP/RAYA going to challenge this BID/GAB MOA and request a Senate Hearing too?

3. If RAYA does finally follow the law of the land and acquire the proper licenses and permits, which they've done before, won't the Senate be upset and rule against RAYA/BSCP's challenge on the GAB's existance and authority?


All this talk about a BMPAP boycott of the World 10-Ball Championship is hogwash for no boycott can occur without something to boycott. Make the event a reality first by:
1. Acquiring a properly recognized entity by the Philippine Government by getting the required Promoter's License. The Philippine Government issueing agency is the GAB.
2. Announce a legitimate event. Legitimacy depends on recognition by the Philippine Government with the acquisition of the proper Government permits. Again, the Philippine Government issueing agency is the GAB.
3. Place whatever percentage of the prize money is required by the regulating and supervising body, GAB, in escrow.

Until all the above is fulfilled then the word "boycott" doesn't have meaning.
 
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I Hope both these tournaments go thru as i want to participate in wpa 9ball as much as wpa10 ball.

Hopefully everything is sorted out in time and everone is happy:D
 
"It's only Aug 8 and the first mention of WPC Manila COMING negotiations was when Sen Villar awarded Dennis, Alex and Gandy last July 09, 2008 http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.p...709129382.html . Not even a month yet! What are you talking about that's been a few months ago?"


Edwin,

Fine... you dont have to get all antsy about it. I was not attacking your group.

Maybe I got my dates wrong... or maybe I was basing my chronology on the hundreds of text messages that I got from the other group.

I was only saying how I would feel if the WPC 9 Ball tournament doesnt push through. Im pretty sure that it isnt only me who feels that way.

nbc
 
nbc said:
"It's only Aug 8 and the first mention of WPC Manila COMING negotiations was when Sen Villar awarded Dennis, Alex and Gandy last July 09, 2008 http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.p...709129382.html . Not even a month yet! What are you talking about that's been a few months ago?"


Edwin,

Fine... you dont have to get all antsy about it. I was not attacking your group.

Maybe I got my dates wrong... or maybe I was basing my chronology on the hundreds of text messages that I got from the other group.

I was only saying how I would feel if the WPC 9 Ball tournament doesnt push through. Im pretty sure that it isnt only me who feels that way.

nbc
Click to expand...
Ah, how would you know if I was antsy with the clarification I gave to your statement below?

nbc: well, you cant blame me for saying that if the WPC does not happen it would also be a blow to BMPAP's credibility, right? After all, it was your group that said a few months ago that you would continue the event after BSCP/Raya decided to drop it, right? And now suddenly, you come out with this "disclamer".

So, even though the fact you based your statement from is false are you saying that your statement above is fair? We're just, in a way, "coming to the rescue" and you say that it'll be a blow to our credibility if it doesn't happen? And you owned up to that statement by even saying "you can't blame me for saying that if the WPC does not happen it would also be a blow to BMPAP's credibility, right?"! So you're saying that if our attempt to rescue fails then our reputation is tarnished?

I understand the part about you feeling bad if it doesn't happen because I will too.

Edwin<<< wonders if a good Samaritan clause applies to this situation:lol:
 
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No comment.

I do not want to be involved in a forum word war with you.

I dont need to be a part of these petty forum exchanges. I was just expressing my disappointment if the WPC 9 Ball tournament wont push through.

If you have a problem with what I said here in the forum, you can give me a call. You have my cell phone number.
 
sputnik said:
Please remember that:

Matchroom Sports had time in bidding out the WPC from when BSCP announced that they were doing their own stuff and compete against WPC (after two successive years of WPC being hosted by BSCP).

It was BSCP who walked away from the two year honeymoon because it is definitely more affordable to put up your own travelling show in a 10-Ball competition. Bottom line is money. Makabenta's discrediting 9-ball as if it was BMPAP had money written all over the article. Now they are in the market for Million Dollar Worl Pool tournamnets.

(Makabenta's articles here in AZ have cut down: players like Efren Bata, BMPAP, the Games and Amusement Board of the Philippines (responsible for making sure that every tournament has indeed funds for announced prizes), and the game of 9-Ball itself - all in lieu of M-O-N-E-Y.)

BMPAP entered the WPC scene only last month when it found out that WPC had no hosts this year. It is definitely a Plan B for Matchroom Sports to consider and a new pan for BMPAP in the works.

If WPC does not push through, there will be no harm done since is it is only in the Internet forums that the negotiations were mentioned. No individual is being inconvinienced, so questioning the credibility of BMPAP will be out of place.

Everything is being planned well before any official announcement, so if WPC pushes through, we can all be sure that everything will be in order.
Click to expand...

BSCP owns the WTBC franchise? BSCP wants to be the Matchroom of Asia? Isn't BSCP suppose to be a non-profit company? I thought BSCP was only a sanctioning body? :confused:

BSCP should not be partial to any cue sport: Snooker, Pool (9-ball, 10-ball, 8 balls, 14.1, 1-pocket, etc), 3C... BSCP sends/appoints representative for the Philippines to any cuesport it is allocated/invited with. If BSCP owns a franchise to a particular game of pool, then it won't be partial anymore to other cuesport.

Should this be Raya instead?
 
BlowFish said:
BSCP owns the WTBC franchise? BSCP wants to be the Matchroom of Asia? Isn't BSCP suppose to be a non-profit company? I thought BSCP was only a sanctioning body? :confused:

BSCP should not be partial to any cue sport: Snooker, Pool (9-ball, 10-ball, 8 balls, 14.1, 1-pocket, etc), 3C... BSCP sends/appoints representative for the Philippines to any cuesport it is allocated/invited with. If BSCP owns a franchise to a particular game of pool, then it won't be partial anymore to other cuesport.

Should this be Raya instead?
Click to expand...

I stand corrected, Blowfish. Yes, it is Raya. Quite confusing actually -- BSCP, Raya and Makabenta have gotten to seem like synonyms. But supposedly, it shouldn't be confusing. My mistake.

Well, since we are in the topic of which game to select, without consideration given in selling a tournament (airtime, etc.), I believe that a National Open should be in Rotation because it is the game that endowed the Filipino with creativeness and skill. Besides, that goes back to tradition.

But there is nothing anybody can do right now. The game 10-Ball has been decided upon by the elite in Philippine pool. From now on, everything in Philippine pool should be 10-Ball -- at least until there is a change in the oppressors of pool in the country.

Snooker? Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)... what snooker? Is there money in snooker here? If there is no money, then forget it. BSCP will not touch it even if there are medals and trophies to be won in friendlies.
 
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