IVP CUP 2025 – Day 1A
Publish date: June 9, 2025

Hey, Poker Players!

Day 1A Begins: All Eyes on the IVP Cup 2025

We are now officially underway with Day 1A of the most anticipated poker event in Cebu — the IVP Cup 2025. After a string of successful satellite events, the reception so far has been strong, with players showing up early and in high spirits.

While the recently concluded Chase Cup was a success in its own right, the IVP Cup 2025 stands tall as the true game-changer in Cebu’s poker scene. With its growing reputation and community support, this year’s edition promises not just intense competition but also a fun, well-rounded tournament experience.

Stay tuned for live updates, chip counts, and highlights from the tables.

IVP CUP DAY 1A

Be Careful When You Stare Into The Darkness… It Can Stare Back

After taking a heavy 200K hit from Jessierez “The Governor” Ruiz, many thought Chris “The Darkness” Mateo might fade quietly into the night.

But they forgot one thing — The Darkness doesn’t fade. It feeds.

The chip loss lit a fire under Chris. On the very next hand, he struck back, extracting 60K from Jessierez — not just chips, but a message: he’s still here, and he’s just getting started.

From there, The Darkness took over.

With sharp, calculated aggression, Chris began weaving his web. He opened hands with minimum raises — unassuming, almost inviting. But no one dared call. The table fell silent. He wasn’t just playing hands; he was setting traps. And every missed call added another brick to the fortress he was building.

When the dust finally settled on Day 1A, there was no doubt:

Chris “The Darkness” Mateo finished as chip leader.

A commanding end to the first flight. A chilling reminder to all:

Don’t poke The Darkness… unless you’re ready for it to stare back

Results

CHRISTOPHER. “the darkness” Mateo – 570,000

Jessierez ” the Governor” RUIZ – 529,000

Mac Mantos – 310.500
Sinulog Champion 2025

Jay Garife – 110,000

Chase “The Boss” Cokaliong Falls on Day 1A

In a dramatic clash deep in Level 19 (blinds 3,000/6,000/6,000), the spotlight turned to Chase Cokaliong, who shoved his remaining stack with A♠9♠ — a bold move to stay alive.

But fate had other plans.

Sitting across the felt was Jessierez “The Governor” Ruiz, calmly peeling back K♠K♦ and snap-calling without hesitation. The board ran dry, offering no help to “The Boss.”

Chase is eliminated.

A tough end to Day 1A for the man who brought Cebu together with the successful Chase Cup. But the game doesn’t wait — and the midnight hour now belongs to The Darkness.

As the clock ticks past 12, Chris Mateo is still in the hunt. This is his hour. His domain.

Will he unleash the full force of The Darkness?
The table better be ready. The night is far from over.

The Darkness Strikes Again.

Like a shadow creeping through the room, Chris “The Darkness” Mateo adds another soul to his collection.

A local hopeful made a stand, shoving all-in with Ace-Jack, eyes set on survival. But The Darkness doesn’t flinch. He looks down at Ace-Queen — and calls.

The board runs clean.

One more dream crushed. One more chip stack absorbed by the shadows.
We are down to 7 players.

The tension grows. The lights feel dimmer.
And The Darkness? He’s just getting started.

The Line Has Been Broken.

The first crack in the Spartan wall—Gian has been eliminated.

A promising newcomer with raw potential and drive, Gian had been showing sparks of brilliance under the tutelage of a Manila beast. But in a game where one misstep can be fatal, his run ends here on Day 1A.

The mood has shifted. The remaining eight know—it just got real.

With only four spots left for Day 2, the intensity just went up another level.
No more room for error.
No more second chances.
Every chip, every hand, now comes with weight.

Who’s next?
Who survives?
Stay locked in at Voyager Poker Club. The IVP Cup 2025 is far from over.

as the Tournament day 1A Resumes (11 PM…)
Nine players still stand — like Spartans on the battlefield, holding the line with everything they’ve got. “NOT AN INCH,” their chips declare, as each hand plays out with laser focus and full intensity.

Every player is dialed in, determined to secure one of the coveted Day 2 spots. With only 4 seats up for grabs, the pressure is real and every decision could be the turning point.

Who will hold the line?
Who will rise?
And who will fall just short?

The IVP Cup 2025 Day 1A battlefield rages on at Voyager Poker Club.

Final 9 Battle Begins at IVP Cup 2025 Day 1A as of 10:15 PM

We’re down to the final 9 players in Day 1A, and the tension is thick inside Voyager Poker Club. No one wants to be the next to bust — with Day 2 qualification within reach, every chip and decision counts.

Among the final contenders:

  • Mac Mantos, the reigning Sinulog 2025 Champion

  • Wachila Kim, fresh off a mid-GTD victory at Voyager

  • “The Darkness” – the mysterious grinder with a reputation for late-night dominance

  • Jessierez Ruiz, one half of the rising Ruiz Brothers

  • And of course, Chase “The Boss” Cokaliong, looking to ride the wave of his own Chase Cup success into another deep run

The question now: Who will survive Day 1A and lock in their spot for Day 2?

Stay tuned — the fight is just getting started. 🃏

Level 5 Update: Blinds 200/400/400 

Chase “The Boss” Cokaliong Joins the Action on Day 1A

Making his entrance on Day 1A is none other than Chase “The Boss” Cokaliong. Fresh off the success of the recently concluded Chase Cup 2025, which was warmly received by the Cebu poker community, Chase is back — not as a host, but as a competitor.

Now seated and locked in, Chase is ready to take on the field, aiming to qualify for Day 2 and possibly go all the way to win the IVP Cup 2025. Whether he’s organizing or playing, one thing is certain — when The Boss is in the room, it’s game on.

Level 5 Update: Blinds 200/400/400 — The Heat Builds Up

After the first break, the action has ramped up. We are now at Level 5 with three nearly full tables in play. The Ruiz brothers, two promising Cebuano grinders and siblings, are seated and looking sharp. Also spotted in the field is the “GOAT of Cebu”, making an early run to secure Day 2 qualification.

While many of the Manila-based superstars and familiar faces have yet to arrive at Voyager Poker Club, several have confirmed their attendance — the real battle is still to come.

Level 2 Update – Champions Assemble to Defend Cebu

As Level 2 began, more past champions made their way to the felt, and the field quickly expanded to three full tables. The room buzzed with familiar faces — Cebu’s finest, ready to defend the land and ensure the IVP Cup trophy stays home.

Since the IVP Cup’s post-pandemic revival, it has been outsiders who have taken the crown.

  • 2022: Chris Pasion (Manila)

  • 2023: Jason Ambata (Manila)

  • 2024: Yangyang, a Davao-based sharpshooter and billiards gold medalist

Despite the home court advantage, Cebu has yet to reclaim its title. Now, with their champions united and the fire to win burning strong, will 2025 be the year the trophy finally stays in Cebu?

Level 1 Kicks Off with Cebu’s Finest at the IVP Cup 2025

Day 1A of the IVP Cup 2025 is off to a strong start with one table in action, filled with Cebu’s local champions. Among them are Mac Mantos, fresh off his Sinulog 2025 Main Event victory; Wyndel Yap, the Mini Chase Champion from a recent showdown at the same venue; and Melchor “JRV” Vasquez, a familiar name on the felt.

These early contenders are making the most of Cebu’s exclusive Early Bird Special — players who buy-in and begin play during Level 1 receive an extra 10,000 chips, a perk unique to this region’s tournaments.

With 10% of the field advancing to Day 2 and strong early interest, the IVP Cup 2025 looks to be heading toward another solid turnout.

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