Hey, poker playas!
It is now November 2021, and to start with this month. Why don’t we share the story of a man who has made a difference in the industry?
In the Philippines, when you talk about online poker. Only one app and one union stand out. PP Poker and Pinoydonks.
And the man behind it, Monching Talisayon
A guy who literally started from the bottom and made his way to go to where he is now with nothing but hard work.
Here is his story
Of humble origins
Monching Talisayon or SuperMon was not born on the planet Krypton. Nor did he grow up on a farm and later. But he did start from humble beginnings.
Although he was not born into a poor family, making his way to where he is now was a long road paved with hard work.
The fact is when he started out or his first job was an actual waiter from one of the upscale bars in BGC. Yup, he could have been one of those waiters serving you drink back then when you were celebrating your poker victory.
He was living on tips as most of the waiters do in the club industry. Normally, they only get the most basic amount and the real money was tips.
Until today, you still see that humble background as he tries to serve each person with a smile.
PP Poker and Pinoydonks
His big break finally came with PP Poker, Although he is not really a professional poker player as he often classifies himself as a fish. But running a club and being a pro are two different things.
The skills you have as a poker player have little to do with managing a club. But in actuality. the skill he has learned from being a waiter is probably even more valuable.
Serving the client with a smile and not judging people base on their appearances. These were the skills that made Pinoydonks great.
Even till now with so much new competition. Monching big online cash games have a loyal fan base because of the trust he has built through the years. Most of his big players are constantly being wooed by the competitors. But they chose to stay with Monching
They trust Monching and stayed with Monching as some things are bigger than rake backs and promotions. It is the friendship and trust he has built over the years that made him who he is.
Respect begets respect.
Even till now Monching respect and considers his inside group as friends rather than business partners.
Poker sites are not really big in PH. Poker apps are the way to go. although many have tried to challenge pinoydonks throughout the years. They still remain to be on top.
It was not an easy road to the top
Compared to now, a lot of the poker apps and poker sites are chasing Monching and offering big deals to Monching just so he would shift to their app. But he still stayed with PP Poker.
But here is common knowledge to a lot of his group.
He was not that supported during the starting years. He had to prove himself and he did. There were years that he had tried to push for changes for the growth of the app. but it fell on deaf ears, but still, he did not complain about it but merely push things and work even harder with what he had.
Safe to say it was not PP Poker that made Monching great in the Philippines. It was Monching hard work and determination that put PP Poker on top in the Philippines.
Even today, there have been issues that still plagued the sites like people claiming that PP Poker is plagued with bots. but in reality, those are mere rumors.
Pinoydonks have been strict with bots but need to make sure they have the proof before they can make their move.
Hence he spends from his own pocket to create a team to monitor suspicious activities. And when they have legitimate proof of such dirty work. he has no qualms to squash them and kick them out of the union.
back in 2019, he removed a big club as their activity has been questionable. He gathered his teams and leaders and after much deliberation. He kicked out the questionable club and used the bond to hold one of the biggest poker parties that were held in Okada Manila “the Cove” for all the members of the union.
The truth is if PP poker was really plagued with bots. then how come their big games are still growing strong?
The charity works during the pandemic.
Maybe it was because Monching started from a humbler beginning hence he has never forgotten his roots. He has been active in charity works especially during the pandemic.
He has actually helped some of the big names of the poker industry during their times of need and even help them have a new start.
Even to this day, he has committed to helping other people especially as the pandemic is still wreaking havoc. packing relief goods and distributing them to make sure people are fed.
People even thought he was running for politics as he was very active in this part. but the truth is that Monching is just being Monching. He has no political aspirations as of now but he knows when people need help and would gladly offer a hand when they need it.
Looking towards the future
Although Monching is busy with other business stuff lately, he has never forgotten his roots and he will always love poker.
He is still pushing for the growth of the industry and is actually quite a deep person when you get to sit down with him.
He once shared that clubs and unions should create their own association to help weed out bad clubs and create a more balanced ecosystem.
Unlike today, when Pinoydonks hold a tournament. the other clubs would follow suit with a lesser buy-in. but it is the agent that would suffer. He understands that agents are vital and that the agents are trying to make a healthy living. but if there is no coordination with clubs and unions of different apps. agents and players will suffer.
Although he has been busy with other works lately. He still loves poker and will continue to support it
Keep at it Supermonching! looking forward for greater things in the coming years.
