Hey, poker playas!

Do you still remember what it was like before the pandemic?

A lot of things have changed due to the pandemic. Maybe it would take a while longer before things can go back to normal.

But it also means we could appreciate it more.

But where was your favorite spot?

Before the pandemic

Saturdays were usually the time when poker organizers are room held big events. it could be a one-day event or the last day of entry for a big event.

So people were packing the rooms and then, later on, try to enjoy the night. but what was the best spot for this?

Metrocard club

People might claim again that we are favoring Metro. but it was really a nice spot.

That is because outside the metro was the Metrowalk. A bunch of small bars filled the area of different cuisines.

And of course, the price was quite affordable. A bucket of beer was quite cheap and it comes sometimes with free food.

For Filipino food, there was the Jay J’s or the Bagnet. There was a Korean bbq and even a Persian restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, and even a family Karaoke. All quite affordable. of course, things might have changed now once Manila fully re-opens.

Metrowalk was the hangout of all the other establishments after work. So the vibe was quite lively. Then there was the Starbucks at the corner if you need a good coffee.

Because it was a mix, the atmosphere was not isolating. It was a mix of so many people of different classes. 

We cant wait to spend time there again.

Resort world

Resort world did not have that many tournaments. as they relied heavily on organizers to create one. but back then it was kinda different.

Before the poker room. there was the bar near the cashier that had many great singers.

The bigger bar downstairs was quite entertaining and was affordable. it was after all in a five-star resort.

Okada Manila

Although maybe because they were inside a casino that why it always felt intimidating. there was the corral lounger and the sports bar. A big club in the cove.

but most players probably have a better experience at COD. the original home of PokerStars live.

We all want for things to go back to the way it was before.

A lot of these things are nothing more than just memory now and maybe it would take a while before they come back. But they would. 

The reason is that what makes a room worth going back to is the experiences we have back there. The friends and co-players we would meet once again. 

The cheers we hear or we give to a friend who is on the final table. The little chats we spend with people. 

The truth is like most things. it was always the soul of the place that we go back to. 

That is why when things go back to normal. players will go back to the live rooms.

Yes, the guarantees are always a big draw. but in reality. it is the interaction and the atmosphere that pushes the players to keep going back. 

That was the one thing that was missing online. 

When money is pushed and guarantees are the main draw. in reality, there are a number of tournaments every day. If you include online there is definitely a big tournament every day.

But if the number were the only thing that truly mattered. Then it would be simply beaten up by another number.

Humans are social animals, even introverts want to interact on a level. Some sites could add more features. but in the end, connecting with the human behind the screen is what makes them keep coming back and be loyal.

We miss the days too of being able to see each other. It will come back someday. but till then. why not share your stories?

stay safe poker playas!