As some organizers would only speak about cards and numbers. We prefer to tell the story of the Man and the event itself and how it meant to the players.

Let us get on with the story.

The Main event – The final table final 8 and how they qualified for day 2

He was already thinking of giving up on that day as there were many other days to advance.

He walked around trying to cool his head until his friends spotted him and encourage him to give it one more go.

Who knew that encouragement was all that was needed. Qualifying might not be big for some people. But Rolly decided to celebrate it with his friends that day and took a day off to make sure he was focused for day 2.

Luis “Dhon Dhon” Bernardo thought he would not make it into Day2 on the day he Qualified. He was short-stacked when ITM was reached. but his strong will and determination and the support of his friends help him finish that day with a good stack.

We admit we know so little of the two Koreans. Ji Eon Han qualified via the turbo edition and was a pretty tough nail for that day. While Choi Chang Ui was the chip leader for day 1C.

While Jose Colada, the defending champion, qualified Via Day 1D. He too cashed in an earlier event. He was confident he could win it and made sure to go home early.

It was a rough start for him the next day, he was still trying to find his momentum and he did. when he reached the ITM he turn into a monster trying to gobble chips as much as he could. He wanted to enter day 2 with a good stack. 

We have little to say about Robert Bryan and Amit Nautiyal. But Anne Klein Lazo is definitely one tough girl.

Her early table for that day 1 was the heaviest. There were a lot of big names and tough players on her table including Dave Spade and it probably was the table that had the most number of chips at one time. but she fought them all. “you want my chips? try and get it!”

The Main event – Final day

Day 2 arrived and a lot were hungry for the win. Although everyone wanted to win only a few can.

That is the truth about poker, although we all wish we can bring everyone to the top. Only one player can become a champion. 56 qualified including one of the Yonkos Lester Edoc and one of the kings Dave Spade. But each game is a new game. Your experience may help but each hand can spell the difference.

The first hour would always be brutal. as everyone was already in the money and the goal now is to gain more chips. 

Our final 8 were trying their best. Anne Klein Lazo was great at defending and maintaining her lead. She knew early on that she needs more and with every hand, she played she must gain more. 

Rober Anthony, a known local grinder was playing like he is used to and remained focused throughout the game. 

Rolly made use of his skills as a cash game grinder. If he saw a weakness in his opponent he would make use of it.

But it was Dhon Dhon and Jose that shine in the final four tables. It was when these two finally made their move and took on calculated gambles that slowly built their stacked up.

Then there were 8

The Main event – Final 8

There were issues going on that a commotion started during the final four tables. Tension was high in the back scene as there were some rumors that floated around that we would write on another day.

Due to that, the Final 8 took a long time before it could start.

Amit Nautiyal was the first to bust when the game finally restarted. Choi was next as pockets kinds held against Choi’s ace-king.

Meanwhile, Anne may not have been the crowd favorite but because there was someone special that was cheering for her behind her. It was enough and she was ready to battle it out.

She was Wonder woman and her Trevor was all she needed.

She was confident to face any opponent and busted out Anthony.

There was a push for an ICM chop. the Korean had the lead. But the defending champion rejected such an idea. he was there for the win.

The battle resumed, and this time Jose Colada, the defending champion took action to prove he wants it all.  Ji Eon Han, who was able to gain a good size stack Got engaged in an all-in pre-flop situation with Jose Colada. As the crowd was not allowed to see the action on the final table. We were told it was aces vs kings.

Colada won and Ji was crippled. it only took a few more hands before Ji was eliminated.

Another ICM Chop was proposed. Although Jose refused it at first. In the end, He agreed but both the trophy and the seat were still at stake.

Rolly was the first to bust, Dhon was engaged with Jose next. But as luck would have it. Jose did not cover Dhon stack and was left with a few more chips. Anne was engaged with a hand with Jose next. As Jose now has a huge stack, she covered Anne thus eliminating her, and Although Dhon tried to climb his way back up. The difference was too huge at this point and We finally have a Champion.

The Main event – After the game

As everyone collected their prizes and left for the stage.

The champion left early to celebrate it with his family, We saw Dhon talking to his friends while Anne Klein was with her special someone to celebrate.

Rolly had a party in a bar nearby where a few friends were invited.

As the cash game continued at Okada. An uncertain future as to whether Manila would go into lockdown again. 

But for now, the winners are happy and probably still at home, resting. 

As news of another tournament will be held this month. People try to be optimistic and hope it would push through. 

With a half-moon in the sky and as a cool breeze pass by. Stay positive and believe in your dreams.

Stay safe poker playas!