Hey, Poker Playas!
As the final night of our stay in Cebu winds down, we reflect on the unforgettable experience that was the Sinulog Festival 2025. The vibrant celebration, combined with the high-stakes poker action at the Voyager Poker Club, made this a tour to remember.
This year’s event not only showcased the spirit and skill of the poker community but also highlighted the cultural richness of Cebu’s biggest annual fiesta. From the fierce battles on the felt to the rhythmic drumbeats and colorful festivities of Sinulog, the synergy between competition and celebration was truly special.
As we prepare to head back to Manila and rejoin the hustle of industry life, we leave with a renewed appreciation for Cebu’s growing presence in the poker scene and its enduring cultural pride. The Sinulog Festival 2025 has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year ahead, both on and off the tables.
Here’s to the memories made, the champions crowned, and the anticipation of what’s yet to come in 2026. Until next time, Cebu—daghang salamat! 🌊🎭♠️
SINULOG 2025 – Recap
Mac Mantos
Sinulog 2025 Champion
The Sinulog 2025 Cup at Voyager Poker Club has set a demanding pace right from Day 1A, proving that this year’s tournament is no joke to cover!
The action was intense and it was just the beginning.
The Opening Flight – A Grueling Start
With only 34 entries, you’d think Day 1A would be a breeze—but think again! The action extended well past midnight, with Cebuano players showing just how far their skills have evolved. Each hand was fiercely contested, and the atmosphere was thick with determination as players brought their A-game from the very beginning.
This year’s Sinulog Cup has already proven to be a tough battlefield. The competitors are sharper, hungrier, and more strategic than ever before. It’s clear the Cebuanos aren’t just here to defend their turf—they’re here to dominate!
🎙️ The Invasion Begins – Sinulog 2025 🎙️
Players from Manila, Davao, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro descend upon Cebu on day 1B:ready to claim the Sinulog 2025 title and bring home the trophy.
Quality Over Quantity from Manila
This year, the turnout from Manila may have been smaller than expected, but what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in firepower. Some of the best players in the Philippine poker scene made their way to Cebu, including:
- Mike Takayama, the “Mahal na Hari” (Beloved King) of Philippine poker, a WSOP bracelet winner.
- Flo Campomanes, a Red Dragon and APPT champion, known for his resilience and skill.
Though they didn’t manage to clinch the title, their performances pushed the competition to its limits, proving why they’re considered among the best in the country.
Turbo Masters
Manila players showed their mettle in the Turbo Flights, known for their fast-paced structure. Jaja Leoncio, Zeus Segismundo, Edward Peñaflorida, and Isaac Hechanova made their presence felt, dominating the shorter levels with their aggressive styles and quick decision-making.
A Clash of Regions
With players from all corners of the Philippines converging, the Sinulog 2025 Cup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments of the year. Every hand played is a battle.
In the End Mac Mantos was the one who took home the prize. but it was a long fight. The top 3 players were regular cash game players even on the high-stakes level. Did their experiences on the hight stake levels help them handle the pressure? Only time will tell.
SINULOG 2025 – Aftermath
🎙️ Sinulog 2025 Comes to a Close, Cebu Leads the Way in Innovation! 🎙️
As the Sinulog 2025 poker tournament wraps up, Cebu’s Voyager Poker Club is already looking ahead with exciting announcements for February. The tournament scene in Cebu continues to evolve, showcasing why the region is becoming a force to reckon with in the Philippine poker industry.
Next Tournament Announced
Cebu wasted no time in unveiling its February event, and the buzz is already building. Daily satellites (sattys) have kicked off, giving players a chance to secure their spots early at a more affordable buy-in.
Cash Game Leaderboard Introduced
In a move to keep the poker room buzzing between tournaments, Voyager Poker Club has launched a cash game leaderboard. This rewards consistent players and adds a competitive edge to the daily grind, something Manila poker rooms could take a page from.
Cebu: A Model for Poker Excellence
The Sinulog 2025 wasn’t just about the games—it was a showcase of Cebu’s ability to blend world-class organization with community engagement. From the strategic scheduling of satellites to unique innovations like the cash game leaderboard, Cebu continues to set an example for other poker rooms across the country, including Manila.
As Cebu leads the way with its progressive approach, Manila’s poker community might need to step up its game to match the energy and creativity of the south.
Looking Forward
With Sinulog 2025 behind us and February’s tournament on the horizon, poker in Cebu shows no signs of slowing down. Stay tuned for updates on the leaderboard rankings, satellite winners, and more details about the next big event! ♠️✨
Editors note
When comparing the poker scenes of Metro Manila and Cebu, the numbers paint an intriguing picture. Metro Manila, with a staggering population of 14 million, boasts over 20 poker rooms, while Cebu, with a population of just 4 million, operates with only five poker rooms. Despite these odds, Cebu continues to thrive and innovate, proving that it is not about quantity but quality and adaptability.
Manila: Bigger Guarantees, Bigger Hopes
Manila poker rooms lean heavily on large guaranteed prize pools to attract players. The belief is simple: the bigger the guarantee, the larger the crowd. This strategy works in a densely populated region where the player base is vast and diverse. However, this also increases the risk of overlays if turnouts fall short—a risk Manila poker rooms are willing to take.
Cebu: Punching Above Its Weight
For Cebu, the challenge is different. With a smaller player base, poker rooms rely on community loyalty, strategic promotions, and events like the Sinulog Cup to keep players engaged. The success of Cebu’s poker rooms isn’t just about guarantees but about fostering a welcoming environment and introducing innovative ideas like cash game leaderboards and strategic satellite schedules.
The Real Challenge
It’s tougher for Cebu to compete directly with Manila in terms of sheer scale, but the region thrives because of its ability to build a close-knit community. Poker players in Cebu are passionate, loyal, and highly skilled—qualities that make every tournament an intense and memorable competition.
Key Takeaway
While Manila dominates in numbers and guarantees, Cebu’s poker scene demonstrates that with smart planning, community focus, and innovative practices, even a smaller region can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the capital.
In the end, it’s not just about the size of the guarantees or the number of rooms but about the experience and the heart that goes into the game. Manila and Cebu each have their own strengths, and this healthy competition only serves to elevate poker in the Philippines. ♠️✨
