Due to the pandemic, a lot of players can no longer be active in playing live poker. However, there are players who are just biding their time before they make a comeback.

Martin Ealdama was once part of Metro Card Club until he answered a different calling.

He remains grateful to Metro for giving him a chance and is now active in different businesses. although he still loves poker. he is playing it safe.

Hopefully, we get a chance to see him soon again in the live felt.

For now here is an exclusive interview.

Coffee Cups and Q’s

How did you start playing poker?

It was introduce to me 15 years ago by a friend.. home games at astoria plaza (Classic). Actually, wala ako masyado talaga alam nung sinabihan ako na meron “raket” basta ang sabi sakin is same as “Pusoy” haha syempre alam naman natin lahat yung laro na yun. I was offered to monitor “Rake” during games. Wala talaga ako alam pero since magbibilang lang naman, syempre, Go tayo. Raket e! nung nag start ako parang ang trabaho ko lang is mag monitor hanggang sa tumagal ako na yung pinahawak at naging pit boss. ibang klase yung poker before kasi nga siguro bago pa siya sa lahat. Nakakatuwa yung poker kasi Mind game siya pero masakit sa bulsa pag medyo matapang ka calling bottom pair hanggang river, Wild diba may asaran kasi, kaya siguro dun mo kailangan labanan yung emotions mo.

What were you doing during the pandemic?

Most of the time sa bahay lang ako with family. I have been “working” online for years kaya mas madalas ako sa bahay. During pandemic? Ibang klase, yan yung time na kailangan mo mag isip kung paano ka makakasurvive, siguro kasi sa pagkakaintindi ko mahirap yung hindi mo alam yung kalaban mo which is yung Virus. Panic lahat!

Why do you love poker?

Alam mo, honestly, poker made me who i am today. Ibang klase yung daily na nadidinig mo sa mga players and what i observe with people is yung “Lifestyle.” I have been in the local industry for quite sometime masasabi ko with Poker siguro is yung “Discipline” kasi naiaapply ng tao sa totoong buhay nila. Although, yung mga ibang players like “recreational players” will continue to learn at kailangan nila mapag-aralan yung sarili nila. Dami ko nakita from rags to riches dito. Nakakatuwa kasi anybody’s ballgame siya kaya siguro very competitive lahat lalo na sa mga tournaments.

What’s next for Martin?

For now takot pa ako to interact with people aside from close friends (vaccinated dapat). Working Online pa din ako. Basketball and sabong

Do you play online?

Last 2020, nagtayo ako ng union sa Pppoker and was named “Fish Poker Union” masaya din and it lasted for a year. Shifting to other app? Hindi na siguro. Busy na with Pitmasters (Sabong) after ko itigil yung union.

Who is your poker idol?

Poker idol ko, siyempre, yung first filipino, WSOP Bracelet winner, Mike Takayama. A good friend also pati wife nya si grace

What do you believe is the skill that players should have?

Siguro yung will niya to Win aside sa magaling siya. Kasi sa poker hindi lang dapat magaling ka e, kailangan mo din ng madaming pasensya and clear mind lalo na sa mga decision making.

Any advice to players?

For new players just enjoy the game and never stop learning.

Any message to the readers?

Regards sa lahat and hopefully this pandemic ends. Miss ko na din talaga live games at mga sad story ng mga players. Thank you poker cast asia for having me and don’t forget to play at THE METRO CARD CLUB located at Metrowalk pasig lalo na kapag gusto mo matuto at gumaling sa Poker. Rest is history na siguro or sila na bahala mag share ng stories dito lalo na nung kasama nila ako. Dahan dahan lang po tayo sa mga kwento