AZB: Congratulations on a great year this year. You scored wins in a multitude of events all year long. You have been a top player for years, but this year you really seemed to take your game to another level. Did something change in your game this year to account for your performance?

Francisco: I think my game was improved mainly because I am playing almost every day and I am doing a lot of gambling in the Philippines.

AZB: We all know about the terrible loss you suffered during the World Pool Championships this year. How did you find the strength to continue in Cardiff after getting that news?

Francisco: Well, it was very difficult to play because my concentration was gone. I was constantly thinking about my little baby but if I was to go on, I knew I needed to accept it in my heart. After I heard that my baby had died, I didn't want to finish the tournament. I just wanted to go home. My wife told me there was nothing I could do even if I was at home, so why shouldn't I keep playing and try to win the event. It was very hard to concentrate on playing each match, but I felt my daughter watching over me and guiding me.

AZB: It seems like a number of players from the Philippines are now making their appearance here in the states. Why do so many good players come from the Philippines?

Francisco: I think Filipino players are strong players because of the amount of time they spend gambling at the game.

AZB: You don't live in the Philippines anymore. You now make your home in Germany. How did that happen? WPBA?

Francisco: As of now, I spend more time in the Philippines because of the number of tournaments in Asia. But my home is here in germany and my sponsor "Bear Custom Cue" is from here. Of course, I like to live in Germany. The people here in Kiel are so nice to me and they help me a lot.

AZB: There are many players who admire you, what players do you admire and why?

Francisco: Well the only player who I admire is my "Cumpare" Efren Reyes. Personally, I have learned a lot from him. In my opinion, Efren is the best player alive.

AZB: Lets talk about your past a little. How did you come about the nickname Django?

Francisco: They started calling me "Django" when I was very young. I played with no shoes and I smoked. I didn't like it if somebody beat me and I would go crazy when that happened. I look like Franco Nero who played Django in the old wild west films. After that I became that nickname.

AZB: What got you started with billiards and when did you know you wanted to be a professional pool player?

Francisco: My sister opened a small restaurant near a Billard Cafe so everytime I'm was in the restaurant I would go to the billiard cafe and play. I played pool every day and really loved the game. I decided then that I wanted to be a professional billard player.

AZB: How important do think gambling is to a top player advancing in the game?

Francisco: Well, playing money games not only give you more experience but they also help to build more self confidence which is very important in the game of billiards.

AZB: How many hours per week to you practice?

Francisco: If I have enough time I practice 3-4 hours a day.

AZB: What is your attitude at the table? Killer? Statistician? Chess player?

Francisco: I play the only way I know how to play. I concentrate everytime I am at the table.

AZB: What do you do for fun when you are away from the table?

Francisco: If I'm not playing in a tournament, I love go shopping or go out eating with my family.