Carlo “The Black Tiger” Biado delivered one of the most honest and heartfelt speeches ever heard at the BCA Hall of Fame Banquet, reflecting on his journey from childhood hardship to becoming a world champion. The room was filled with legends, fans, and industry leaders, all witnessing a moment that perfectly captured Biado’s humility, humor, and resilience. It was a night people will be talking about for years — a fitting tribute to one of the Philippines’ greatest players and now a proud member of the BCA Hall of Fame.
CARLO BIADO • HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Delivered at the BCA Hall of Fame Banquet
Good evening, everyone.
First of all, I would like to thank the Billiard Congress of America for this incredible honor. And to Sir Mike and Shane Tyree, thank you for giving me the chance to be part of the Hall of Fame. It is truly a great honor.
To my Predator family,
thank you for trusting me all these years,
for understanding why I’m so picky with my gifts,
and for not letting me go.
To all my sponsors Kamui, Aplus, CPBA, and Black Tiger Apparel, thank you.
Without you, maybe I would still be struggling in life right now.
Thank you for believing in me.
To my friends Robbi Capito, Roland Garcia, Joe,
and to my auntie who traveled all the way from Los Angeles just to witness this special day.
And to all the guests, especially the Hall of Famers who are here with us tonight, thank you.
When I first heard the words Hall of Fame, I thought, “Oh no… maybe that means I’m already old.” But deep inside, I am so grateful and proud to have made it here.
Let me tell you a story about where it all started. My dream.
My first dream in life was simple:
to have a nice meal for the rest of my life.
I started working when I was 7 years old… picking dried corn just to buy fish for dinner. There were days when all I ate was rice with oil and salt. If we had sardines, that was already a lucky day.
I told myself someday I will change our life.
I wanted my family to eat well and never go back to those days of struggle.
People say winning is not about money,
but for me it was,
because it meant giving my family a better life.
At a young age, I became the father of our family.
I remember looking for coins on the road
just to have some money
because no one supported us.
I never imagined I would make it to where I am right now. My dream was to become an architect. But God had a better plan. He made me a world champion.
And to everyone out there with a dream, remember that nothing is impossible.
It is hard, but those challenges will make you stronger.
Maybe some of you know I am not the best at socializing. I am shy and quiet.
If we ever had a conversation and I just kept saying, Yeah, yeah, yeah,
that means I did not understand anything,
but I did not want to ask before.
But with my friends Michael Baoanan and his wife Andy,
and with my wife beside me,
I learned to enjoy life, to smile, to laugh,
and to see that life is beautiful. Truly beautiful.
One match I will never forget is the time I beat my hero, Bata Reyes. It took me seven years to finally beat him even.
Hi Shane, how are you.
Then came Shane Van Boening.
His name was already big in the Philippines back in 2006,
one of the best players from the USA.
I was so happy. He played like a Filipino too.
We played many times after that, win or lose,
and I am just grateful for those battles.
Before, all I cared about were money matches… but I decided to change my focus and put my heart into tournaments.
My life changed in such a big way. Now we can eat whatever food we like, travel to beautiful places, and give our children a better future.
This honor is for my children.
I thank God for having you in my life.
To my wife,
thank you.
Without you, I would not be where we are today.
You are destined to become the person you choose to be. Have faith in God. Keep dreaming. Keep playing. And enjoy every moment of your life.
Thank you everyone. God bless.
First of all, I would like to thank the Billiard Congress of America for this incredible honor. And to Sir Mike and Shane Tyree, thank you for giving me the chance to be part of the Hall of Fame. It is truly a great honor.
To my Predator family,
thank you for trusting me all these years,
for understanding why I’m so picky with my gifts,
and for not letting me go.
To all my sponsors Kamui, Aplus, CPBA, and Black Tiger Apparel, thank you.
Without you, maybe I would still be struggling in life right now.
Thank you for believing in me.
To my friends Robbi Capito, Roland Garcia, Joe,
and to my auntie who traveled all the way from Los Angeles just to witness this special day.
And to all the guests, especially the Hall of Famers who are here with us tonight, thank you.
When I first heard the words Hall of Fame, I thought, “Oh no… maybe that means I’m already old.” But deep inside, I am so grateful and proud to have made it here.
Let me tell you a story about where it all started. My dream.
My first dream in life was simple:
to have a nice meal for the rest of my life.
I started working when I was 7 years old… picking dried corn just to buy fish for dinner. There were days when all I ate was rice with oil and salt. If we had sardines, that was already a lucky day.
I told myself someday I will change our life.
I wanted my family to eat well and never go back to those days of struggle.
People say winning is not about money,
but for me it was,
because it meant giving my family a better life.
At a young age, I became the father of our family.
I remember looking for coins on the road
just to have some money
because no one supported us.
I never imagined I would make it to where I am right now. My dream was to become an architect. But God had a better plan. He made me a world champion.
And to everyone out there with a dream, remember that nothing is impossible.
It is hard, but those challenges will make you stronger.
Maybe some of you know I am not the best at socializing. I am shy and quiet.
If we ever had a conversation and I just kept saying, Yeah, yeah, yeah,
that means I did not understand anything,
but I did not want to ask before.
But with my friends Michael Baoanan and his wife Andy,
and with my wife beside me,
I learned to enjoy life, to smile, to laugh,
and to see that life is beautiful. Truly beautiful.
One match I will never forget is the time I beat my hero, Bata Reyes. It took me seven years to finally beat him even.
Hi Shane, how are you.
Then came Shane Van Boening.
His name was already big in the Philippines back in 2006,
one of the best players from the USA.
I was so happy. He played like a Filipino too.
We played many times after that, win or lose,
and I am just grateful for those battles.
Before, all I cared about were money matches… but I decided to change my focus and put my heart into tournaments.
My life changed in such a big way. Now we can eat whatever food we like, travel to beautiful places, and give our children a better future.
This honor is for my children.
I thank God for having you in my life.
To my wife,
thank you.
Without you, I would not be where we are today.
You are destined to become the person you choose to be. Have faith in God. Keep dreaming. Keep playing. And enjoy every moment of your life.
Thank you everyone. God bless.