Have you ever wonder what it is like to be a poker host? What skills do you need to make a game? What does a host do? All of these question and a lot more will be answered with an interview with one of the best hosts of Manila.
Anna Liza Falogme or Lez to her friends is the current host of GG poker. She has been a host for more than 7 years and has a list of some of the biggest players in the local scene. She currently hosts big games at the GG Poker Room located at Macapagal Avenue in Manila. The highest and most regular Omaha games that happen this side of town. With an experienced and charm gained from working with some of the biggest poker room in Manila. We sat down with her to gained more knowledge of her work and what it takes to be the best host in Manila.
How did you start out in the poker industry? did you ever played poker before?
“At first, I was fresh from school and started working as a service from the poker room at Marikina. It was called Sunrise poker and it was more catered to the local crowd. I actually was naive about poker back then but learn the game little by little. After it closed down I applied and got accepted as HR in Manila Pavilion and later having good PR skills because I was very friendly. I was invited to become a host at Solaire poker room”
Solaire Poker Room used to be known as having the biggest game in Manila. Being it was the first time you became a host, what was it like?
“Yes, it was the first time I became a host and it a lot of ways I was pushed to it. Needing a better job and suddenly the owner of the poker room that would be established in Solaire Hotel and Casino was offering me one. I had to grab the opportunity. I was scared the first day since I did not know what to do. i came to work with no clue who to call and what I should do in the room. thankfully I had a few people who were supportive of me and slowly i tried to pick myself up. eventually, I became at ease with it by just being myself”
Solaire poker room changed management after only a few short years, did you joined the new management when it changed? What happened after that?
“Poker King came into the scene and wanted the poker room. Solaire already made a decision and we were already informed PKC would step in and take over. during that time my employer was ready to go and operate in another poker room. The City of Dreams was opening soon and there were already discussions. After the new operators came in. it did not take long before we were operating at the poker room in COD. I went with my group back then to set up the operations at the City of Dreams. But it did not last long as my employer and the operators of the poker room were going to part ways, the contract was about to expire with my employer and the operator. but then suddenly stars which were the operator of the poker room offered to take me in, it was a chance to belong to a big group so I decided to take the offer”
How long did you last at stars and what was it like?
I was with stars for more than 3 years, it was a great experience as I was part of a bigger company. It was a more structured compared to where I used to work before. it was good and bad at the same time. They plan things way ahead of time. but it also was hard as I was hindered if I plan to do something. overall it was a great experience
What made you leave the company?
“Stars was going on a restructuring phase. I decided that it was time to venture out having so many years of experience and see what I can do as an independent host. I was into an independent project for a while until I went to All in which is now GG poker”
What is the hardest challenge in being a host?
“The hardest challenge is entertaining guests and forming tables. Each guest has their own unique preferences and it is my job to accommodate them as long as it is legal. It is my job to basically get their trust. Another hard part is looking for new players is always part of it. But as long as you do a great job, other players will recommend me to other poker players.”
What is the best and worst experience as a host?
“The best, of course, is meeting new people even international poker players. I have met some famous players as my career as a host. It is always nice to meet new people and be able to talk to them. That is why I love my job.
What is the worst?
“Too many to mention (bursting into laughter)”
What is the best award for being a host?
“The money of course (laughing), of course, the best award is getting complimented to being able to create a good table. Forming a table is not easy. If players are all tight everyone gets bored. You have to mix them up so that you have good players on one side and lose players on another. The challenge is being able to make a great game for every one win or lose. Winning and losing are part of the game but the experience they have while playing on the table should be good. That is why I love it when players enjoy my games.”
Do you enjoy being a host in the game? And do you imagine yourself having a different job?
“I love being a host, I can’t imagine doing something else with my life. It is great and it is fun. I think ill be a host for many years”
Do you think this was the best path for your life?
“looking back, I think I made a good decision to shift careers. There were a lot of ups and downs. but that is life. I know I made a good decision to be a host back then and I believe I made the right choice till now.”
Why would you recommend GG poker to other poker players?
“I would recommend GG poker because they have a lot of promos. They have a great ambiance and they care about the players. They actually care about the small players and they spend the profit they have from the big games to help the small ones. That is the priority of this poker room. Looking out for the small players”
Is there anything else you want to share?
“I am not sure if I can broadcast it now. But I believe they have plans to make a big guarantee tournament. One of the owners I believe is connected with an online site and they are planning to bring in 100-200 foreign players to this room. The tables are friendly and the games are great. Definitely poker players should visit the room if they have a chance to come to Manila”
There you have it, becoming a host needs to have the heart to form tables. Listening to people and loving what you do. Lez is currently hosting the games at GG Poker room in Macapagal Boulevard, Manila.
