VILLAR CUP PANAGBENGA LEG UNFURLS TODAY

BAGUIO CITY – The cream of Philippine billiards crop, led by no less than the game’s icon Efren “Bata” Reyes, slug it out for top honors as the Senator Manny Villar Cup opens it second season on a high ground – literally and figuratively – with the Panagbenga leg starting today at the Activity Center of SM City here.

It’s the first time the prestigious island-hopping pool series went up north and … after a highly successful inaugural season that featured five stops in various parts of the country.

“Maganda itong Villar Cup dahil madaming natutulungang mga player, lalo na ‘yung mga bata, at sa paglibot nito sa buong bansa madami ang na-e-enganyong maglaro ng bilyar at sumunod sa aming yapak,” said Reyes, who at 54 continues to defy father time and remain as one of the men to beat in every tournament he plays.

“Sa amin namang mga beterano, nagbibigay ito ng karagdagang oportunidad lalo na ngayong na napakamahal magpunta sa ibang bansa,” he added. “Kaya nagpapasalamat kami kay Senator Manny sa malaking tulong n’yang ito.”

Senator Villar, who is now the biggest benefactor of the sport, will be on hand to hit the ceremonial break and declare open the tournament presented by his Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and sponsored by Camella Communities.

Besides Reyes, other marquee names vying for the coveted title and a lion’s share of the P800,000 pot are fellow former world champion Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, former world no.1 Dennis Orcollo and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Lee Van Corteza, Antonio Lining, Joven Bustamante and last year’s leg winners Warren Kiamco (Alabang), Gandy Valle (Cebu), Ramil Gallego (Bulacan), Gomez ( Davao ) and Rodolfo Luat ( Bacolod ).

Also making it are 10 players from the BMPAP rankings in Carlo Biado, Russian Petiza, William Millares, Benjie Guevarra, Michael Feliciano, Elmer Haya, Egie Geronimo, Ricky Zerna, Godofredo Ducanes and Rene Mar David, as well as 2008 Search for the New Billiards Idol grand winner Mike Takayama, and qualifiers Richard Pornelosa, Emil Martinez, Jordan Legaspi, Benedict Rojo and Oscar LaPuebla.

The BMPAP also awarded the two wild card slots to top Filipina player Rubilen Amit and Canadian Gerry Watson.

The Villar Cup Panagbenga leg is part of the city’s month-long flower festival, where over a million visitors are expected to witness.

by: press release