Hey, poker playas!
The Philippines is still in some form of community quarantine in order to control the pandemic.
News of the contagious reaching the Philippines is on the headline today putting Manila back in General community quarantine with heightened restrictions.
But is it enough to stop people from chasing their dreams? NO!
Filipinos are very resilient. They have been moving forward with their lives and continued to pursue their dreams. Some are playing online while others went to other countries where the quarantine restrictions have eased and have allowed Live poker tournaments.
We have to move forward no matter what and this will be a new series of stories of Filipino poker pros who are now gunning for glory in the WSOP.
Gerardo Lubas – the beginning
Gerardo Lubas or Gerald to his friends fell in love with poker after seeing the game in action. He was amazed by the complexity of the game and how it could be a source of income to make a living.
Although he started like any normal kid that graduated from college. He first works at different jobs to make ends meet. He was a hard worker and a very disciplined person. that he earn praises and recognition. But it was a call of the poker felt that he answered after a few years of working normal jobs.
Is he good?
Last year he belonged to the top 10 of the GPI Philippines. Peaking at number 8, Due to the long-absent of live events in Manila. He slowly slid down the charts. However, People should not look down on this record as there are two valid reasons.
The Philippines is still in some form of community quarantine until today. There have been no live poker events for more than a year and there are no signs of when it will be available soon.
There has also been a trend where players have input their place of birth as the Philippines although they may not even have played in any poker events in Asia.
With some more liberals countries are running live tournaments. it helps them rise up the ranks in the GPI.
He was a rising star prior to the lockdown. Winning events left and right and doing good on cash games. He was growing and nobody could deny it.
He was even able to bag a big one before the lockdown.
The Red Dragon
The Red Dragon is one of the most prestigious events in Asia. Poker players would flock to Macau just to join this event.
Holding its first event in Manila. It was the Event at the start of 2020.
A total of 669 players which included some of the best players in Asia and Europe took part in this event. Although Julius did not win the event. He was able to reach the final table locking horns with some of the best players of the world
He finished 5th earning him a good amount.
Discipline and sacrifice to pursue his goals.
Gerald was in isolation for a few weeks, away from the game he loves so much for a brief period.
Bestowed upon an opportunity to pursue his passion for playing on the Live felt again. He had to take the vaccine and remained in isolation. Although it was hard. he would not let this chance pass by.
He has been known to his close friend to be very disciplined especially in his winnings, Only spending 10% of his wins and never gamble with other forms of table games. He has kept such a lifestyle that has slowly helped him save money and build his dream home.
It was due to this discipline and determination that he was cleared and now in the United States ready to take on his next goal.
Onward to the next episode
Now in the United States, slowly he has been hitting the tables one at a time. Making sure he has not forgotten all the lessons and experiences he has accumulated throughout the years.
Although he would come back to the Philippines after WSOP to be reunited with his special someone. For now, he is there determined to bring home glory not only to his Family, future wife but for the country.
We wish him the best of luck on his journey.
