Hey, Poker Playas!
Cebu Poker: A Growing Market That Needs Guidance, Not Control
As we made the decision to extend our stay in Cebu, it became clear that doing so was not just practical — it was necessary. With the IVP Cup 2025 following immediately after the Chase Cup, staying in Cebu made economic and strategic sense. While Manila may boast more poker rooms and a bigger player base, Cebu has quietly built a thriving, competitive scene — one that’s now at a crucial adolescent stage.
Cebu’s poker community is growing fast, but like any developing ecosystem, it needs proper guidance — not control. Often, when a larger city or outside force enters a new market, there’s an impulse to change the local landscape to fit their own model. But history shows this doesn’t work. Imposing a structure from the outside, especially without understanding the local culture and rhythm, leads to friction and stagnation.
Even regulatory bodies like PAGCOR, while essential, need to take the time to understand Cebu’s unique poker environment. What works in Manila won’t necessarily translate here. Cebu doesn’t need to be Manila South — it has its own identity, its own leaders, and its own way forward. The goal now should be nurturing that identity, not reshaping it.
i love cebu!
Why Cebu Was Always the Better Choice — And Why the Old Poker Strategy No Longer Works
Cebu has long proven itself as a prime location for big poker events. Yet for years, it was overlooked — often dismissed under the outdated assumption that “Cebu doesn’t have a market.” But time and time again, Cebu has not only met expectations, it has exceeded them. So the question is: why was it ignored for so long?
The idea that you simply set a massive guarantee and hope people show up is a relic from 20 years ago. It’s a theory that has been proven flawed — and dangerously so. In fact, it’s the very thinking that led to the collapse of many poker houses in the past. And yet, remarkably, it’s still being repeated.
Just last year, three major events — backed by strong branding and big guarantees — underperformed because they relied on that same outdated strategy. There was no groundwork. No player relationship. Just a number on a poster and a prayer.
Meanwhile, Cebu quietly built its scene — investing in community, structure, and consistency. It didn’t rely on hype. It relied on substance. And when the Chase Cup 2025 went head-to-head with four Manila-based events, it didn’t just survive — it thrived.
Being part of history means recognizing what actually works. And the truth is, Cebu’s success isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of smart planning, grassroots engagement, and the courage to do things differently. Maybe it’s time the rest of the country took notice. I
Big Guarantees Are Not Marketing — Presence Is.
In nearly every industry, marketing and establishing a strong presence are fundamental to success. Companies spend millions crafting campaigns, building brands, and nurturing loyal audiences. But in poker — particularly in the Philippines — some still believe that slapping on a big guarantee is enough to attract players.
It’s not.
Guarantees alone don’t build community. They don’t foster loyalty. They don’t establish long-term value. Yet the poker community continues to flaunt them like they’re magic words, believing they’re the be-all and end-all of promotion. But that mindset is flawed — and outdated.
Poker is a niche market. It requires thoughtful engagement. Boosting posts randomly and putting out empty content for likes doesn’t cut it. Presence — the right kind of presence — matters more than ever. Players, especially in this modern era, are smarter. They look for value. They follow energy. They show up when they feel a connection to the brand, not just because of a prize pool.
We now live in the age of shortcuts — where it’s easier to boost a post than to build a story, where chasing views outweighs delivering meaning. But real success in poker marketing comes from content that resonates, from telling the story behind the event, from creating emotion and loyalty.
Cebu is a testament to that. Despite being seen as a “smaller” market, it has continued to grow through consistency, quality, and presence — not by dangling massive numbers, but by showing players that it’s worth showing up for.
In the end, the chase for guarantees may get you a crowd once. But building presence? That gets you a community — and that’s how you win long-term.
