With neighboring nations like Vietnam and Indonesia rapidly developing their pool scenes, the level of talent in their regions is rising just as fast. It’s no longer a foregone conclusion that a Filipino will take the title just by showing up.
Take the recently concluded tournaments in Indonesia, for example—the Orca 10-Ball International Open and the Borneo International Open were both won by Indonesian players: Jefri Zen and Ponco Manurung, respectively. Yes, we had strong Filipino showings, with players finishing in the Top 4 of both events. But the fact remains—we’re no longer, or at least no longer perceived as, untouchable.
Billiards has always been a sport where Filipinos shine. From world championship trophies to Southeast Asian Games medals, our players have brought glory to the country time and again. But as the global level of play continues to rise, we must evolve too—or risk being left behind.
A large part of this responsibility falls on the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP)—the organization tasked with managing and developing the sport in our country. Yet earlier this year, the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) suspended the BSCP, prompting the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to temporarily assume its duties. The suspension, initially for three months, cited multiple issues:
• Conflicts of interest
• Failure to hold elections for years
• Organizing international tournaments without proper approval
• Neglecting the welfare of Filipino billiards athletes
Frankly, I was more surprised to learn we have a functioning billiards federation than I was to hear it got suspended. That says a lot about how invisible and ineffective the system has become.
It’s time for the BSCP to wake up. We are no longer the Pool Capital of the World we once claimed to be. All over the Philippines, raw talent is waiting—players who need structure, support, and opportunity to rise and compete on the world stage.
Beyond a handful of local and national tournaments, we lack a solid grassroots development system. We can’t rely on the private sector alone—especially when it, too, remains fragmented without leadership and coordination from the BSCP.
The time for action is now. Before it’s too late.