World Ten Ball - Will the show go on? Will it be cancelled?

[azhousepro]

1. So, is this an organized boycott by members of the BMPAP or are each of the players boycotting on their own? Is a player boycotting because their manager is a part of the BMPAP, or because they honestly don't think that the BSCP is above board? Do the players really honestly care about how Alex was treated at the Guinness Tour and whether 5% of the money from last year came from the government? In the states, players are struggling just to pay for their rent from month to month. If given the chance to win enough money to pay their bills for well over a year, they don't care if the money where the money came from or how another player was treated.

2. There is not enough space on this message to provide you a list of players who would pay without seeing the money in escrow. But if you look at the players who have competed in the US Open every year, as well as just about any pro event to ever take place in the states then you have a good start. I don't know of one promoter in the states who has ever shown the money in escrow.

3. I was not aware that Yen had the permit for the 06 event. I guess he did not have one for the 07 event. If he didn't feel he needed one for the 07 event, then I would assume he does not feel he needs one for the 08 event.

4. Yes, there is nothing wrong with voicing concerns with things that someone don't see as right. But all that person is doing is voicing their opinion. There is a big difference though, between stating that you don't agree with the way someone does business and actively trying to attack that person and their business.

With all of this said, please understand that these are just my opinions. I am speaking for myself and only myself. I consider Yen a business acquaintance, and I do respect what he has done in the past. From what I have read and been told about the current situation, I don't think that either side is 100% right or 100% wrong.

I do however, see the damage that is being done to pool not only in the Philippines but in the rest of the world as well.

Mike

Let me clear it up for you.

1. This is about the complaint of "conflict of interest" for ONE. Represent as BSCP and pocket as RAYA. Projects here involving government funds require a bidding before its awarded to a private entity. From what I understand, this is being looked into by the Ombudsman. Second part of this, as has been stated in this forum a number of times, is his unfair treatment of players for which he has a lawsuit against by Alex Pagulayan and more to come from othwer players because of the Ginness Qualifier issue. Lawsuits Mike so these aren't just make-believe grievances. The players want him out of BSCP because of the above among others. They, the players, make their own decision when it comes to participation in tournaments. As evidenced by their non-participation in the just concluded National Open. This eventuallity of making a decision to or not to join a tournament happens all over the world for whatever reason a particular player has. So if the top players here decided not to because of, amongst others, the reasons stated above then they have every right to that decision. BSCP being an NSA has a responsibility to the country and the participants and their loosing constituents reflect badly on them.

2. Show me a player who'll fork out his/her entry fee and not want to know where the prize money is coming from or kept.

3. Yen is fighting the law of the land and the process is on-going so until a judgement is laid down the law still applies. You can't just have the citizenry in limbo while a law is still being contested right? They haven't even pinned down what exactly he is contesting to start hearing his contention for whatever he is contesting. Personally, I still consider that a nuisance complaint. Unlike the players complaints against him, where a lawsuit has been filed on a defined complaint (libel), they're just at hearing on the term definition of the word "games" and "sport" to determine if Yen's complaint has merit. So PD 871 still applies.

There already is a precedent, too, since Yen did acquire a Promoter's license from GAB and an event permit for his 2006 WPC. What then is the problem now in acquiring these?

4. Wouldn't you voice out against a supposed leadership if there were evidences to his improprieties?

So does the above look like all the same reason? In a way they all point out to his need to get out of the NSA or BSCP. He cannot use its powers of affiliation to financially benefit his personal corporation, RAYA.

 

[bandido]

Mike, also:

There are just too many indicators that are so out of the norm based on their previous practice that brings up red flags telling us to be cautious.

1. They used to announce every detail of their event as early as possible.
We fully understand that some of those announcements are requirements set forth by contractual agreements with event sponsors regarding media values. Did these contractual agreements change or is there even a contract?

2. The Games and Amusements Board of the Republic of the Philippines has Police Powers. Should proper documentation not exist for this event, our players don't want to be hauled off in the Pokey-wagon.

3. Should the foreign players not be able to present the Beaureu of Immigrations and Deportation's (BID) Temporary Work Permit, the US INS has such a thing too, then I'm sure that our players don't want to be a part of a supposed World Championship that's composed of all Filipinos. That'll be embarassing!

4. The fans here don't even have any idea where to purchase event tickets let alone the prices of. The ticket sales was announced 1 1/2 months (Sept 15, 2006 http://yen.chlopez.net/tickets.htm) before the 2006 WPC while this was announced 3 1/2 months (July 10, 2007 http://www.worldpoolchampionship.com/Tickets.htm) before the 2007 WPC. So basing on both their previously promoted events, the non-announcement of information about ticket sales is considered a red flag with just 23 days to the WTBC event.

Now none of those are reasons originating from us Mike. Those are all within their control and requirements that they need to address as event promoters.

Respectfully,
Edwin Reyes

 

[azhousepro]

And while it would seem logical that the BMPAP would be the main body out there trying to convince players not to play in Manila, my understanding is that it is many more entities than the BMPAP doing this.

Mike

 

[bandido]

1. So, is this an organized boycott by members of the BMPAP or are each of the players boycotting on their own? Is a player boycotting because their manager is a part of the BMPAP, or because they honestly don't think that the BSCP is above board? Do the players really honestly care about how Alex was treated at the Guinness Tour and whether 5% of the money from last year came from the government? In the states, players are struggling just to pay for their rent from month to month. If given the chance to win enough money to pay their bills for well over a year, they don't care if the money where the money came from or how another player was treated.

2. There is not enough space on this message to provide you a list of players who would pay without seeing the money in escrow. But if you look at the players who have competed in the US Open every year, as well as just about any pro event to ever take place in the states then you have a good start. I don't know of one promoter in the states who has ever shown the money in escrow.

3. I was not aware that Yen had the permit for the 06 event. I guess he did not have one for the 07 event. If he didn't feel he needed one for the 07 event, then I would assume he does not feel he needs one for the 08 event.

4. Yes, there is nothing wrong with voicing concerns with things that someone don't see as right. But all that person is doing is voicing their opinion. There is a big difference though, between stating that you don't agree with the way someone does business and actively trying to attack that person and their business.

With all of this said, please understand that these are just my opinions. I am speaking for myself and only myself. I consider Yen a business acquaintance, and I do respect what he has done in the past. From what I have read and been told about the current situation, I don't think that either side is 100% right or 100% wrong.

I do however, see the damage that is being done to pool not only in the Philippines but in the rest of the world as well.

Mike

Regarding #4, there already is a lawsuit filed against one of those complained of business practice. If it weren't that serious then it couldn't have reached the courts.

#3 2007WPC wasn't checked by the GAB because they were all focused on the Filipino Boxer that died in a match outside of the Philippines. But that didn't mean that 2007WPC was excempted from following the law. I think that the promoter willfully neglected it. Isn't it a citizens duty to abide by the law of the land?

Are you saying that if one gets to steal once and got away unnoticed it'll be ok for him to steal again?

#2 Our players specially the pioneers like Efren, Busty, Luat, etc. has experienced a lot of hassle related to non-payment of prize monies and one real good example is the US Camel Tour. Not only did they not recieve their cash but were also inconvenienced with lawsuits. Best to avoid such eventuallity.

These players just want to play and play with a clear and focused mind. if they found that security, respect they deserve and peace of mind with their BMPAP then who can blame them?

#1 Alex was the one who filed the lawsuit, right? And yes the players here do care because they see themselves so often in such a position (being treated like dirt by supposedly learned people) in the past that they want to put a stop to it! Realistically speaking about prize money from 1 tournament, these players rather have the monthly earning and backing to be able to participate in other tournaments. Much more financially advantageous for them or they really could've gone to each his own by now, isn't it?

 

[MasterClass]

Can someone help me with this question i have in my head.

Irregardless of which party is involved in what in the Philippines.

I would like to know Just one thing.

Is this years World 9 ball and World 10 ball championship screwed up because of Philippines? Is there a straight forward answer to that?

It is called a world championship for the reason that the REST of the world is involve in it too. Why should it get screwed up because of internal squabbles.

If the rest of the world should have to suffer because of this then no tournament should ever be allowed to be organize by or held in the Philippines ever!

 

[azhousepro]

I apologize ahead of time for constantly comparing this to the scene in the US, but that is what I am the most experienced with.

#4. In the US, anyone can file a lawsuit against anyone else. They are not always filed because someone thinks they can win. They are sometimes filed just to cause annoyance and/or distraction.

#3. No, I am not saying that getting away with theft is reason to continue doing it. I have no idea why a permit was not acquired for the 07 event as I have not asked anyone with the BSCP about it. If a permit was acquired for the 06 event, then I would think logically that one should be acquired for the 07 and 08 events.

#2. So a problem that took place in 1999 is just now prompting the players to decide that they want to see money in escrow? From what I can see, Efren has played at Derby, The Desert Shootout and the Qatar event. Busty played Derby, World Pool Masters, Predator 10-Ball, Qatar, Million Dollar Challenge, Turning Stone, A Blaze Tour stop and Predator 14.1.

So, I can assume that Greg Sullivan, Chuck Bobbitt, Matchroom Sport, Charlie Williams, Allen Hopkins, Mike Zuglan and Jose Burgos were all required to show money in escrow before those events started?

#1. If the Filipino players are really individually up in arms over how Alex was treated at the Guinness stop, then they definitely have a much bigger understanding of the pool scene and a bigger amount of concern for their fellow players than any players here in the states.

In the states, if Shane were to win a major event and not get fully paid for six months, there is not one player who would be concerned at all.

And if the Filipino players have enough monthly earnings and backing to pass on a possible $100,000 payday, then the Philippines must have a much stronger pool scene than any place else in the world.

Mike

Regarding #4, there already is a lawsuit filed against one of those complained of business practice. If it weren't that serious then it couldn't have reached the courts.

#3 2007WPC wasn't checked by the GAB because they were all focused on the Filipino Boxer that died in a match outside of the Philippines. But that didn't mean that 2007WPC was excempted from following the law. I think that the promoter willfully neglected it. Isn't it a citizens duty to abide by the law of the land?

Are you saying that if one gets to steal once and got away unnoticed it'll be ok for him to steal again?

#2 Our players specially the pioneers like Efren, Busty, Luat, etc. has experienced a lot of hassle related to non-payment of prize monies and one real good example is the US Camel Tour. Not only did they not recieve their cash but were also inconvenienced with lawsuits. Best to avoid such eventuallity.

These players just want to play and play with a clear and focused mind. if they found that security, respect they deserve and peace of mind with their BMPAP then who can blame them?

#1 Alex was the one who filed the lawsuit, right? And yes the players here do care because they see themselves so often in such a position (being treated like dirt by supposedly learned people) in the past that they want to put a stop to it! Realistically speaking about prize money from 1 tournament, these players rather have the monthly earning and backing to be able to participate in other tournaments. Much more financially advantageous for them or they really could've gone to each his own by now, isn't it?

 

[azhousepro]

Not an easy question.

As far the World 10-Ball, there is a list of players at http://www.worldtenball.com/news_106_Players.html who obviously feel that this is an event they want to win. Looks like a "who's who" of top players from everywhere but the Philippines.

No other countries appear to be boycotting this event and a number of the countries involved have very strong federations that look out for their players.

World 9-Ball is a completely different story.

Mike

Can someone help me with this question i have in my head.

Irregardless of which party is involved in what in the Philippines.

I would like to know Just one thing.

Is this years World 9 ball and World 10 ball championship screwed up because of Philippines? Is there a straight forward answer to that?

It is called a world championship for the reason that the REST of the world is involve in it too. Why should it get screwed up because of internal squabbles.

If the rest of the world should have to suffer because of this then no tournament should ever be allowed to be organize by or held in the Philippines ever!

 

[bandido]

Can someone help me with this question i have in my head.

Irregardless of which party is involved in what in the Philippines.

I would like to know Just one thing.

Is this years World 9 ball and World 10 ball championship screwed up because of Philippines? Is there a straight forward answer to that?

It is called a world championship for the reason that the REST of the world is involve in it too. Why should it get screwed up because of internal squabbles.

If the rest of the world should have to suffer because of this then no tournament should ever be allowed to be organize by or held in the Philippines ever!

World 10 Ball? No definite answer until event date. But APBU's member BSCP's failure to fix its internal problem may affect WTBC negatively. World 9 Ball? Well as mentioned in an earlier post in this thread, people should be made aware that the previous (2006 & 2007WPC) event promoter, RAYA, who had the option to hold a 3rd WPC didn't inform Matchroom that he's not taking the 3rd year option until it was too late for Matchroom to entertain other interested parties. What we, the BMPAP, is trying to do now is help salvage this 2008 WPC event.

So if both fails then the finger will be pointed towards 1 direction >>> BSCP/RAYA's Yen Makabenta and WPA/APBU to a lesser degree for failing to recognize the seriousness and implications and act on (instead of washing their hand from) a member's problem that they're aware of since the start of this year.

It is called a world championship for the reason that the REST of the world is involve in it too. Why should it get screwed up because of internal squabbles.

Sure! Everybody wants a party but the headache for its preparation is not for everybody! We were having the so-called internal squabble here and the Pool world was made aware of it as early as the end of 2007. Where were you and your comment then?

 

[bandido]

I apologize ahead of time for constantly comparing this to the scene in the US, but that is what I am the most experienced with.

#4. In the US, anyone can file a lawsuit against anyone else. They are not always filed because someone thinks they can win. They are sometimes filed just to cause annoyance and/or distraction.

But such annoyance/distraction goes both ways considering the nature of the profession. Such causes deterioration on a players ability to focus. So, there really must be something seriously wrong for a lawsuit to be initiated by a poolplayer here. I can't speak for your end.

#2. So a problem that took place in 1999 is just now prompting the players to decide that they want to see money in escrow? From what I can see, Efren has played at Derby, The Desert Shootout and the Qatar event. Busty played Derby, World Pool Masters, Predator 10-Ball, Qatar, Million Dollar Challenge, Turning Stone, A Blaze Tour stop and Predator 14.1.

So, I can assume that Greg Sullivan, Chuck Bobbitt, Matchroom Sport, Charlie Williams, Allen Hopkins, Mike Zuglan and Jose Burgos were all required to show money in escrow before those events started?

Now now Mike, you know what they say about ASSUME. the 1999 problem was just a very good EXAMPLE. Remeber, our players had to travel long distances to top of all the hassles that you visualized. We, too, have a law here governing professional sports that seem like other countries not have so it maybe hard to comprehend that. Regarding other promoters, if they don't have a history of none/delayed payment like RAYA then there shouldn't be any problem.

#1. If the Filipino players are really individually up in arms over how Alex was treated at the Guinness stop, then they definitely have a much bigger understanding of the pool scene and a bigger amount of concern for their fellow players than any players here in the states.

In the states, if Shane were to win a major event and not get fully paid for six months, there is not one player who would be concerned at all.

And if the Filipino players have enough monthly earnings and backing to pass on a possible $100,000 payday, then the Philippines must have a much stronger pool scene than any place else in the world.

Mike

Don't you think that that may be one reason for why progress for the sport there is at a stand-still?

 

[jay helfert]

World 10 Ball? No definite answer until event date. But APBU's member BSCP's failure to fix its internal problem may affect WTBC negatively. World 9 Ball? Well as mentioned in an earlier post in this thread, people should be made aware that the previous (2006 & 2007WPC) event promoter, RAYA, who had the option to hold a 3rd WPC didn't inform Matchroom that he's not taking the 3rd year option until it was too late for Matchroom to entertain other interested parties. What we, the BMPAP, is trying to do now is help salvage this 2008 WPC event.

So if both fails then the finger will be pointed towards 1 direction >>> BSCP/RAYA's Yen Makabenta and WPA/APBU to a lesser degree for failing to recognize the seriousness and implications and act on (instead of washing their hand from) a member's problem that they're aware of since the start of this year.

Edwin, I love you brother but enough is enough. It is NOT Yen's fault if the 2008 WPC does not take place. Matchroom did in fact "entertain" other parties (including BMPAP), but nothing panned out for one reason or another.

I know you have a beef with Yen and you have your reasons, not all of which you've ever stated on here. I was hopeful you could see fit to bury the hatchet for the good of the filipino pool players who would like to have a shot at a big payday. You do have their allegiance, but it's under duress this time, and you know it.

I wish you and Perry all the success in the world with BMPAP and I will help you in any way I can, but striving to disrupt the WTBC is not something I can agree with. Whether this event will take place and be successful I don't know. Like Mike I have my ticket and I'm coming. It will be nice to see you when I get there. I still consider you a friend even if I don't agree with you all the time.

I have my own issues with Yen and the WPA, but they don't belong on this thread.

 

[thomba02]

it seems to me that Money has a BIG part in this conflict...someone is getting it, and someone else wants some of it...

 

[azhousepro]

As Jay pointed out, other parties were offered the World 9-Ball and it has not happened for different reasons. I don't think anyone is pointing the finger at the BSCP for this event not happening.

I do know that Yen mentioned last year that he was disappointed in the World 9-Ball and wanted to move to World 10-Ball.

I am not a member of the WPA, so I would not know when they were notified that Yen was not going to run the World 9-Ball. I do know that I posted Yen's article on the 10-Ball event (http://www.azbilliards.com/yenmakabenta/yen4.php) in late February. That was over 6 months ago.

As for the 10-Ball event being affected. If the absolute top Filipino players do not compete in the event, I don't think the eventual winner will have an * next to their name in the record books.

Mike

World 10 Ball? No definite answer until event date. But APBU's member BSCP's failure to fix its internal problem may affect WTBC negatively. World 9 Ball? Well as mentioned in an earlier post in this thread, people should be made aware that the previous (2006 & 2007WPC) event promoter, RAYA, who had the option to hold a 3rd WPC didn't inform Matchroom that he's not taking the 3rd year option until it was too late for Matchroom to entertain other interested parties. What we, the BMPAP, is trying to do now is help salvage this 2008 WPC event.

So if both fails then the finger will be pointed towards 1 direction >>> BSCP/RAYA's Yen Makabenta and WPA/APBU to a lesser degree for failing to recognize the seriousness and implications and act on (instead of washing their hand from) a member's problem that they're aware of since the start of this year.

 

[azhousepro]

So, Alex's ability as a player was lessened this year because of the Guinness Tour thing? He has already won more money playing this year than he did last year.

I am not assuming anything. I am asking you. Did those promoters have to show the money in escrow to the BMPAP before the players competed?

You say that it is only events with a history of payment delays that were forced to show the money in escrow.

So the players did not get paid on time by Yen in 06 and 07?

Barry had to lower the payouts when 9/11 happened and some players are still not happy with him over that. Chuck Bobbitt had no history of promoting an event at the level of the Desert Shoot Out. As far as that goes, Kevin Trudeau had a less than favorable history of paying off players.

So did/do those 3 promoters have to show evidence of the money in escrow to the BMPAP before their players compete?

Mike

But such annoyance/distraction goes both ways considering the nature of the profession. Such causes deterioration on a players ability to focus. So, there really must be something seriously wrong for a lawsuit to be initiated by a poolplayer here. I can't speak for your end.




Now now Mike, you know what they say about ASSUME. the 1999 problem was just a very good EXAMPLE. Remeber, our players had to travel long distances to top of all the hassles that you visualized. We, too, have a law here governing professional sports that seem like other countries not have so it maybe hard to comprehend that. Regarding other promoters, if they don't have a history of none/delayed payment like RAYA then there shouldn't be any problem.


to be continued.....

 

[azhousepro]

tap tap Jay.

I have my ticket, and if they pull the plug on the event then I am stuck with the cost.

We are all (or should be) working towards what is best for the entire game as a whole. Not just our own little piece of the pie.

While I don't agree with everything that Edwin is saying, I respect his opinion and I welcome further debate on the issue.

Only with open debate, will the public be able to form an educated opinion on the issues.

Mike

Edwin, I love you brother but enough is enough. It is NOT Yen's fault if the 2008 WPC does not take place. Matchroom did in fact "entertain" other parties (including BMPAP), but nothing panned out for one reason or another.

I know you have a beef with Yen and you have your reasons, not all of which you've ever stated on here. I was hopeful you could see fit to bury the hatchet for the good of the filipino pool players who would like to have a shot at a big payday. You do have their allegiance, but it's under duress this time, and you know it.

I wish you and Perry all the success in the world with BMPAP and I will help you in any way I can, but striving to disrupt the WTBC is not something I can agree with. Whether this event will take place and be successful I don't know. Like Mike I have my ticket and I'm coming. It will be nice to see you when I get there. I still consider you a friend even if I don't agree with you all the time.

I have my own issues with Yen and the WPA, but they don't belong on this thread.

 

[azhousepro]

That could describe every single dispute in the pool world.

Mike

it seems to me that Money has a BIG part in this conflict...someone is getting it, and someone else wants some of it...

 

[berry]

Hi Roy,

Can I still place a bet? Not in this strange currency that is worth peanuts in this part of the world but in strong Euro's . I'll take you up for 50 Euro.

Playing Eurotour Weert?

 

[BuckinghamGuard]

it seems to me that Money has a BIG part in this conflict...someone is getting it, and someone else wants some of it...

It's "Filipino Crab Mentality (tm)" at its finest.

wiki entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_mentality


--

 

[sputnik]

And while it would seem logical that the BMPAP would be the main body out there trying to convince players not to play in Manila, my understanding is that it is many more entities than the BMPAP doing this.

Mike

You may be right Mike, perhaps there are many who are convincing players not to play, as there are as many reasons why they want to convince players not to play.

I would be bothered if I were Raya. Why is this happening? If only one is doing this, maybe it is the antagonist who has the problem. But if it's coming from all quarters, I must have been doing something wrong.

Personal differences would be a shallow reason to dissuade the players. Perhaps business ethics is a more sensible one. Maybe business competition too.

But if we put it the other way around, Raya has gone to war with only stun guns. Their project has too many holes to hold water, giving hints of the absence of a project study. To get into a project of this magnitude definitely will rock the entire international pool world. This project attempts to craft world pool with a promising dimension, and something like this not only needs a grand entrance -- it needs substance.

Many of the issues brought up in this thread point only to BSCP/Raya as the root cause:

1. Who did not take care of the supply side (top pinoy players who bolted away because they were being deprived of equal chances in WPA quota system)? There will be no horse races without the horses.

2. Who brought the Games and Amusement Board (a body that issues licenses for professional tournaments) to a Senate Investigation? They woke up proper implementation of licensing, including the GAB requirement of putting up escrow money.

3. Who announced the prize money for their tournaments without a ready sponsor? The least they could have done was to address item #1 to make their project sponsorable. But even then, the fact is that they have no sponsors!

4. Who invited all the players (all the international qualifiers) without an irrevocable blueprint? This hinges on a moral responsibility to the entire pool world. The lack of concern for everything outside the prospects of making huge money shows itself here.

We here in Manila are concerned about how we may be perceived with a nasty hasty generalization after a possible blunder of this magnitude. The managers in BMPAP had difficulty with the non-businesslike ways of Raya ever since. We have been in the know of how Raya can pull everybody down in this project, and we have been sending off smoke alarms to people so as to delineate that Raya is not like all the rest of the Philippine organizers, specifically BMPAP.

BMPAP has to protect itself as BSCP/Raya never showed any reconciliatory move ever since November, 07. BMPAP could have helped Raya, but perhaps the prospects of huge profits made them very protective in keeping the predicted income intact, and the only way that they dealt with BMPAP was with arrogance and with the use and abuse the WPA accreditation.

Warning the people and sabotaging the event are two different things. As far as BMPAP is concerned, the way BSCP/Raya runs business is bad for the industry, and BMPAP rightfully protects its place in the industry, and the industry itself.

BMPAP has taken matters in its own hands after futile efforts in appealing to BSCP/Raya's parent organizations. BMPAP has moved on and is now gaining momentum with a methodical business approach that will benefit all the players of pool, both here and abroad. If anybody will wrong BMPAP for sticking it out with what is right and just, then only results will change perspectives in the future.

If you cannot help in the plight of BMPAP, and if what is enfolding before your eyes does not make sense to you, then it is best that you stick to the old system of pool where associations are contented with having their players settle for a life of having to find money here and there to pay their rent.

BMPAP has been working from the grass-root level in its own country. It has come up with a total of over $400,000 worth of local tournaments for 2008, with over $100,000 fro the Quezon City vs the Rest of the World, and if WPC pushes through, another prize money of over $800,000. That's a total of $1.3M!

Aside from that, we have organized a non-profit Professional League Association for the players' all-year round income. We are finilizing eight Corporate franchise team negotiations for our first 3-Month conference where yours truly acts as Commissioner. A-Players will have over $11,000 monthly salary cap in this design. We already inked an agreement with Solar Sports cable/free TV for a thrice weekly two hour broadcast. We are also looking into Internet live TV. But then again, we will officially announce everything when the template turns into signed contracts.

We are thankful that we have parted ways with BSCP because we have experienced tremendous growth outside of all the accreditation limitations that BSCP indiscriminately imposes. Ours is a working blueprint that gets rid of the red tape in pool. Perhaps in time, we will be considered as a pilot project for others to take after - without sanction fees and accreditations!

 

[bandido]

Edwin, I love you brother but enough is enough. It is NOT Yen's fault if the 2008 WPC does not take place. Matchroom did in fact "entertain" other parties (including BMPAP), but nothing panned out for one reason or another.

Hopefully where the talk of a delayed response, in taking the 3rd year option, originated would step-up and explain the impact of such action. Notice Jay that I did write "as mentioned in another post here". So, I take that as the root of the hardship now because of the disruption of the time element needed to prepare for such an event.

I'm sure you're aware that recruiting sponsors for such an event, US$1Million worth to produce, require a considerable leeway of time. So that element of time is what's also bringing hardship to the "other" parties that were entertained.

Looking forward to seeing you again Jay.

 

[azhousepro]

In the pool world, if you threaten someone's wallet then you make an enemy. If you threaten multiple people's wallets then you make multiple enemies.

Obviously, Raya has their hands full with this event.

1. The WTB event looks to be a very interesting horse race with the horses that are already at the gates ready to race. If the top Filipino horses (your analogy, not mine) are going to stay home, then it is their loss.

2. You are the saying the the BMPAP had nothing to do with the GAB's involvement?

3. I believe the prize fund was announced as the same as the 07 WPC prize fund. And it was announced back in February. I would imagine that was before any sponsorships were set in stone, but the benchmark of the 07 event was already set and had to be met.

I would not be surprised if Raya were having problems lining up those sponsors. With all of the negative press they have been getting in the Philippines, how could they not be having problems. That is not necessarily a good thing.

4. Were the 06 and 07 events, not the blueprints for the 08 event? Looks like a similar format and payout structure.

Was the BMPAP's scheduling of events on the same weekends as BSCP events a case of warning the public or of trying to make sure another event did not flourish? Would the players in the Philippines not have been better off with the chance to play in both events instead of having to choose just one?

What exactly does the BMPAP have to protect themselves from? How would the success or failure of the WTB event reflect on the BMPAP?

You mention that the BMPAP only announces things when they have them already set in stone and that you are just now finalizing the details? Is this the same system that was announced on February 11th in this press release?? http://www.azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?id=5103

You mention another $800,000 in prize money. So, can the players count on twice as much prize money if the BMPAP is successful in holding the World 9-Ball event? That would be $200,000 for the winner, etc.

I can see that you have been very successful with your endeavors in the Philippine pool world. And for that, deserve all of the accolades.

Raya Sports also deserves accolades for what they have accomplished in the pool world.

Just imagine what could have been accomplished if both sides were working together.

Mike

You may be right Mike, perhaps there are many who are convincing players not to play, as there are as many reasons why they want to convince players not to play.

I would be bothered if I were Raya. Why is this happening? If only one is doing this, maybe it is the antagonist who has the problem. But if it's coming from all quarters, I must have been doing something wrong.

Personal differences would be a shallow reason to dissuade the players. Perhaps business ethics is a more sensible one. Maybe business competition too.

But if we put it the other way around, Raya has gone to war with only stun guns. Their project has too many holes to hold water, giving hints of the absence of a project study. To get into a project of this magnitude definitely will rock the entire international pool world. This project attempts to craft world pool with a promising dimension, and something like this not only needs a grand entrance -- it needs substance.

Many of the issues brought up in this thread point only to BSCP/Raya as the root cause:

1. Who did not take care of the supply side (top pinoy players who bolted away because they were being deprived of equal chances in WPA quota system)? There will be no horse races without the horses.

2. Who brought the Games and Amusement Board (a body that issues licenses for professional tournaments) to a Senate Investigation? They woke up proper implementation of licensing, including the GAB requirement of putting up escrow money.

3. Who announced the prize money for their tournaments without a ready sponsor? The least they could have done was to address item #1 to make their project sponsorable. But even then, the fact is that they have no sponsors!

4. Who invited all the players (all the international qualifiers) without an irrevocable blueprint? This hinges on a moral responsibility to the entire pool world. The lack of concern for everything outside the prospects of making huge money shows itself here.

We here in Manila are concerned about how we may be perceived with a nasty hasty generalization after a possible blunder of this magnitude. The managers in BMPAP had difficulty with the non-businesslike ways of Raya ever since. We have been in the know of how Raya can pull everybody down in this project, and we have been sending off smoke alarms to people so as to delineate that Raya is not like all the rest of the Philippine organizers, specifically BMPAP.

BMPAP has to protect itself as BSCP/Raya never showed any reconciliatory move ever since November, 07. BMPAP could have helped Raya, but perhaps the prospects of huge profits made them very protective in keeping the predicted income intact, and the only way that they dealt with BMPAP was with arrogance and with the use and abuse the WPA accreditation.

Warning the people and sabotaging the event are two different things. As far as BMPAP is concerned, the way BSCP/Raya runs business is bad for the industry, and BMPAP rightfully protects its place in the industry, and the industry itself.

BMPAP has taken matters in its own hands after futile efforts in appealing to BSCP/Raya's parent organizations. BMPAP has moved on and is now gaining momentum with a methodical business approach that will benefit all the players of pool, both here and abroad. If anybody will wrong BMPAP for sticking it out with what is right and just, then only results will change perspectives in the future.

If you cannot help in the plight of BMPAP, and if what is enfolding before your eyes does not make sense to you, then it is best that you stick to the old system of pool where associations are contented with having their players settle for a life of having to find money here and there to pay their rent.

BMPAP has been working from the grass-root level in its own country. It has come up with a total of over $400,000 worth of local tournaments for 2008, with over $100,000 fro the Quezon City vs the Rest of the World, and if WPC pushes through, another prize money of over $800,000. That's a total of $1.3M!

Aside from that, we have organized a non-profit Professional League Association for the players' all-year round income. We are finilizing eight Corporate franchise team negotiations for our first 3-Month conference where yours truly acts as Commissioner. A-Players will have over $11,000 monthly salary cap in this design. We already inked an agreement with Solar Sports cable/free TV for a thrice weekly two hour broadcast. We are also looking into Internet live TV. But then again, we will officially announce everything when the template turns into signed contracts.

We are thankful that we have parted ways with BSCP because we have experienced tremendous growth outside of all the accreditation limitations that BSCP indiscriminately imposes. Ours is a working blueprint that gets rid of the red tape in pool. Perhaps in time, we will be considered as a pilot project for others to take after - without sanction fees and accreditations!