Hey, Poker Playas!
Cebu (/sɛˈbuː/ seb-OO; Cebuano: Sugbo) officially the Province of Cebu (Cebuano: Lalawigan sa Sugbo; Filipino: Lalawigan ng Cebu), is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas (Region VII) region, and consists of a main island and 167 surrounding islands and islets. The coastal zone of Cebu is identified as a site of highest marine biodiversity importance in the Coral Triangle.
Before the pandemic, Cebu was a thriving host for major international events, drawing attention and activity to its bustling community. However, when the world shut down, Cebu was left to fend for itself, with little external support in its journey to rebuild. Yet, resilience runs deep in this province.
New leaders emerged, fresh opportunities arose, and despite the challenges, Cebu pushed forward. Unlike Manila, where the market is broader, Cebu faces a tougher landscape—five poker rooms competing for a significantly smaller player base. But against the odds, Cebu rose to the challenge. The first quarter of 2025 wasn’t just another chapter in its story—it was a defining moment, a testament to its strength and determination.
January 2025
ROOMS
SINULOG 2025
Beginning of the story
Sinulog 2025 made history with a ₱5 million guaranteed prize pool, hosted at Voyager Poker Club in Mandaue, Cebu. Since the pandemic, only two events have reached this milestone, making it a significant moment for Cebu’s poker scene.
The event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and while Manila-based players often dominate these high-stakes tournaments, this time,
Cebu’s emerging talents rose to the occasion. In a thrilling turn of events, a Cebuano claimed the championship, keeping the title on home soil.
Ben Dimaano, the 2024 Sinulog champion, made a valiant attempt to defend his title but fell short. It was up to the younger generation to carry the torch—and they delivered, proving that Cebu’s poker community is stronger than ever.
Shifting our focus first to the poker rooms, one name that stands out is Voyager Poker Club, a symbol of resilience in Cebu’s competitive poker scene. Despite facing challenges—from the emergence of new poker rooms to competitors mirroring their strategies—Voyager has remained steadfast, proving its staying power in an ever-evolving industry.
Through consistency and a commitment to quality, Voyager continues to thrive, solidifying its reputation as a premier poker destination in Cebu. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to experience the local poker scene, Voyager Poker Club is a must-visit spot for any poker enthusiast in Cebu.
Players
Even before recent successes, Cebuanos have been steadily making their mark in the poker industry. One of the most notable names is James Peng Mendoza, who has secured multiple international titles and even cashed in the prestigious PSPC. Then there’s Alex “Shot” Lim and Mike Kim Enriquez, both of whom have built strong reputations in the scene. Another name worth mentioning is John Matsuda, a formidable competitor in his own right.
However, what truly stands out this early in 2025 is the dominance of Cebu-based players on the national stage. So far, Cebuano players have claimed all three major events in the Philippines—a feat that is no small accomplishment. While each of them may have pursued their journeys independently, their collective success has undoubtedly put Cebu in the spotlight as a rising powerhouse in Philippine poker.
A new Dragon
Chase Cokaliong is an emerging force in Cebu’s poker scene—a dragon that has finally awakened, steadily making his mark in the larger poker arena. But he’s not just a player; he’s a mentor, a strategist, and a driving force behind the local poker community’s growth.
Beyond refining his own game, Chase has taken on the role of a leader, guiding up-and-coming talents and helping them navigate the ever-evolving poker landscape. His influence extends beyond the felt, working behind the scenes to strengthen Cebu’s poker ecosystem. With his growing presence and commitment to the game, there’s no doubt that when you mention Chase Cokaliong, you’re talking about someone shaping the future of Cebu poker—both as a player and as a leader.
I’m happy to see fellow Cebuanos win international tournaments too, especially under my stable team Chase
With the rise of daily tournaments in cebu, hopefully cebu players get the chance to practice more and improve
I want to see more cebu players be fundamentally competent and fighting for bigger prizes in Manila and international tournaments
If interested, I’m even planning on hosting some coaching sessions for cebu players with some of the more experienced members of team chase to further build cebu players skills
Chase Cokaliong on the recent surge of Cebuanos making a name on the Felt
Cebu and its homegrown poker talents are undoubtedly on the rise, making them a force to watch in the coming years. Not only are Cebu-based players sharpening their skills, but they are also backed by strong, forward-thinking leaders who are driving the movement toward a brighter future for poker in Cebu.
While Cebu may be smaller than Manila, it is proving to be fiercely competitive—arguably even more so than the capital. With the rapid development of its poker scene and the unwavering dedication of its community, Cebu could soon outpace Manila and stake its claim as the new Poker Capital of the Philippines. Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: Cebu is ready for the challenge.
