The Philippines recently sent seven junior players to the Hanoi Juniors Open, including Ian Bayot Nielbert Ramos, Charles Ladiana, Rhaki Constantino, Cheeya Navarro, Apollo Miranda and Johnrell Saguiped. Most, if not all, were funded by private organizations. I believe our government should do more to support our youth, helping them achieve greater representation in international billiards competitions – but perhaps that’s merely “suntok sa buwan” (wishful thinking).
In 2023, AJ Manas claimed the Hanoi Junior Open championship. This year, Johnrell Saguiped finished as a runner-up against Indonesian champion Albert Januarta. These achievements show that while the Philippines remains a country rich in pool talent, other nations experiencing a “boom in pool popularity” in recent years, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, are catching up with their own homegrown talents.
Nevertheless, there is encouraging progress in youth programs for the sport. Palarong Pambansa provides a fantastic platform for young players across the country to showcase their skills, and more schools and universities are beginning to include billiards in their athletic programs.
Wilde Blu Juniors is a grassroots, not-for-profit cue organization based in Quezon City, Philippines. They have a well-rounded sports program aimed at developing young talent without compromising education. With the rise of interest in the sport, we hope to see more youth-oriented programs step up to the challenge.
As the year comes to a close, I hope to see more locally organized junior tournaments happening regularly, along with the potential for a Philippine Junior Open. Such an event could attract players from other countries and serve as a platform to highlight the evolution of billiards in the Philippines from its gambling roots to a recognized, competitive sport. This could inspire more young players to take up the sport and carry on our country’s legacy of excellence in billiards for years to come.
By investing in youth programs and creating pathways for young talent, we can ensure the future of Philippine billiards remains vibrant, competitive, and respected on the global stage. With the right support and opportunities, these young athletes have the potential not only to carry forward the legacy of Philippine billiards but also to represent the country with pride.
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