 Jharome Pena could be the next Billiards idol |
A huge field of wannabes is expected to try their luck in the Search for the New Billiards Idol that starts on Saturday at the New Farmer's Plaza in Cubao, Quezon City.
Dozens of players from all over the country have either signed up or signified their intention to compete in this twice-a-month event organized by Bugsy Promotions, which aimed to discover new talents to join the elite group of world-renowned Filipino pool stars.
“Most of the players from the leading pool halls here in Metro Manila have already registered, while we continue receive inquiries from other parts of the country like Cebu, Davao and General Santos City,” said Gandy Valle, the tournament director.
“There were even those who texted asking if they can participate even if they don't have a personal cue stick,” he added.
Open to all cue artists except those who are already in the so-called “Class O” or all-star level, the event, sponsored by the Association of Club, Karaoke and Disco Operators (ACKDO), Puyat Sports and the Negros Billiards Stable, is sanctioned by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) and will be supervised by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
“This is part of our commitment to help keep Philippine billiards to its world-class status,” said Bugsy top honcho Perry Mariano of the event, which is his brainchild.
“More than that, it will also provide the players a chance to fill their pockets with the cash prizes at stake. It may not be a big amount, but at least, there's the chance for them to earn some money,” he added.
A top prize of P20,000 is at stake in the inaugural leg, which will also give out P10,000 to the runner-up and P5,000 each to the two other semifinalists. Succeeding legs will have P10,000 to the winner, P5,000 to the second-placer and P2,500 apiece to the third and fourth finishers.
The entry fee is only P200.
The Search will run throughout the year. “Then at the middle of the year, we'll hold a tournament for all the winners to pick one idol, who will be pitted against the one who'll emerge in the second half for our grand final,” explained Valle.
For more details, contact Valle at 0916-958-9897 or Jojo Santos at 0915-700-8000.
