While the world moves forward and live poker events are coming back to Asia, The Philippines took a step back due to the coronavirus.
Yes, a lot of organizers may have moved forward with other countries and may have left the Philippines out of their future plans. It does not mean they will not be back.
They will be back.
Because the Philippines is home to some of the greatest players in Asia. We even have a WSOP bracelet holder. We have many great talents.
The pandemic may have hit the Philippines hard, but soon it will rise again.
Meanwhile, we took this opportunity to look for those great players and share their stories.
And today we are featuring one of those under-rated poker players and a good family man.
Virtual coffee cups with Janno Eliel Cruz Alvarez
How did you start playing poker?
If I remembered it right it was around 2004. I was at a friend’s house with his cousins and we started playing 100 buyin tournaments winner takes all. Then suddenly I got addicted to the game LOL.
Why do you love poker?
I love playing poker because of the competition, I love competing, back then I was playing playing counter-strike bet games, I find poker similar to it because of reading of people and the adrenaline while playing a big hand for all the marbles.
Who is your poker idol and why.?
I would say idols, international players like durr, fedor, patrick antonious and esfandiari. But locally, I look up to all the metro card club team pro asking them tips on how to improve my game.
What were you doing during the lockdown?
Valorant haha! Dave Spade and I teamed up to build a PRO valorant team and Ive been doing some streaming on the side.
During the lockdown were you playing online.?
Valorant haha! Dave Spade and I teamed up to build a PRO valorant team and Ive been doing some streaming on the side.
There is a 10 million gtd this week at Upoker. will you play it?
Prolly not I feel like a dead money when playing online poker but goodluck to all pinoys playing it.
Now that the world opening. what are your plans??
Right now me and my girlfriend is planning to put up our own business.
What is your best advice to new poker players?
Just study the game and keep on grinding because the game never stops form evolving. Read poker books or watch vids to improve your game. And lastly stay away from other card games LOL.
Did you learn any lessons due to the pandemic?
that family is everything! This pandemic thought me that time is very valuable so dont waste it on any unnecessary things
Any message to our readers?
To all the readers out there just keep on grinding and soon you will reach your dream. Anything is possible. Peace!
