Hey, Poker Playas!
Two of the biggest poker events in Manila recently concluded, each catering to different crowds, yet there’s no denying the significant impact that people from the South had on both events. Despite this, the South continues to be downplayed and often overlooked in the broader poker community.
The South, encompassing Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City, each with its own thriving poker scene, has been a crucial part of the Philippines’ poker landscape. These provinces boast dedicated poker rooms and passionate players who regularly compete at the highest levels, making their mark on the national stage. However, despite their contributions, the South often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves in the poker world.
As the world of poker continues to evolve, the importance of nurturing and supporting the South’s growth in the game will become increasingly vital.
Batang Metro 2024
The misconception that players from the provinces are financially limited is often debunked by the contributions of southern players in major poker events. Notably, during the APPT, it was Chase Cokaliong, a prominent figure from the south, who led his team and supported Manila-based players in the high-stakes games, including the 1 million buy-in. The impact of southern players on the poker scene extends far beyond financial contributions, challenging the stereotypes and proving the south’s significance in the growth of the game.
THere was something vital that the south gave to APPT or else it would have been difficult.
Are those faces up above familiar to you? Yes, they are—the skilled dealers from the south. Their presence at the APPT is a testament to the growth of poker in the southern provinces, where they honed their craft. Without the south, would the APPT have had enough trained dealers to run the event smoothly?
But here’s the question: Did the south get the recognition it truly deserves for its vital contributions?
TEAM CEBU made their presence known at the Metro Card Club’s Batang Metro, though this time, their efforts fell short. Despite the setback, they continue to show strong support for Metro’s events. While Davao didn’t send a large contingent, they played a crucial role in assisting players who wished to participate and actively promoted the Batang Metro. In a remarkable show of dedication, the champion of the Kadayawan 2024 even booked an overnight flight just to compete in the Batang Metro.
The invasion of Manila in the south
While many Manila players have ventured to Cebu to compete, their presence hasn’t always been welcomed with open arms. Too often, they’ve brought with them an insistence on “the Manila way,” pushing their views and opinions as the standard, which has sometimes led to tension and left a bad taste among the local players.
However, there’s also a brighter side to this story. The true leaders of the Manila poker scene have shown their support for the South in more subtle yet impactful ways. For instance, during the Kadayawan 2024, Mike Takayama and his team took an overnight flight just to back the Metro Card Club Davao, and Andrew De Ocampo’s DCAMPS sent a contingent to represent. These key figures in the Philippine poker industry quietly supported the South, recognizing the importance of nurturing its growth and helping it thrive.
Final thoughts
The South has often been overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in the growth of the local poker industry. Leaders like Ivy YP, Yang Yang of Metro Card Club Davao, and Chase Cokaliong are emerging as pivotal figures in this development. Their contributions, along with the support of respected figures like DCamps and Mike Takayama—known as the “Beloved King of Philippine Poker”—are proving vital. As Manila faces increasing competition from the Asian market, the South’s growth will become even more essential in the coming years.
