Davao Poker Blog

Cza Yujuico is the Araw ng Dabaw Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Cza Yujuico aka The Queen, Araw ng Dabaw Poker Face Champion

On March 2011, Czaria Yujuico aka "The Queen" pawned the asses of the big boys to take home the Championship of the Araw ng Dabaw Poker Face Tournament. 82 players played during the three day tournament get a spot on MCCD Wall of Fame but it was The Queen who proved best of them all.

With a P3,000 buy-in and a P300 registration fee, each player went into battle with a 20,000 chip stack to play with. A P500,000 pot was on the line and nobody took it lightly.

Final Day Chip Leader Jib Garcia

96 players showed up on Day 1A to get a chance of joining the final day. 85 players tried their luck on Day 1B. At the end of the two qualifying days, young poker player Jibrail “Jib” Garcia, 27 years old, emerged as the chip leader with a stack of 222,000. Other chip leaders were:

John O. - 183,400
billiards player Yang Yang Valle - 148,1000
Ed Fortuna
Zandro C.
Mike "The Duke" Gempesaw
Noel P.
Fe O.
Jovan G.
Nate Lorenzana.

Jan Ortiz and Ely Yap in the Final 20

On Day 2, action was intense and fast. After hours of play, 20 players remained seated in the final two tables. The players who got booted out at 11th to the 20th place got seats to the Poker Face Championship for April 2011. They were:

Jesper Piatos,
Michael Datumanong,
Rey Ramos,
Kirby Te,
Mike Tiu,
Jovan Guerra,
Ely Yap,
Zandro Carmona,
Jan Ortiz, and
Carlo Macavinta.

The final 10 players in the Final Table were composed of a mix of local poker stars and players from out of town. First one out of the Final Table, at 10th place and taking home P12,500 was Bong Dublan. At 9th place with P15,000 cash prize was Clark Dairo.

6th Placer Fe Otaza

Final Day chip leader Jib Garcia went home at 8th place and took home P17,500. At 7th place with P20,000 was Ian Geronimo. Female player Fe Otaza took home P22,500 at 6th Place.

A staple in tournaments, Kenneth Tan placed 5th and took home P25,000. Billiards player Yang Yan Valle was booted out of the Final Table at 4th place and bagged a P37,500 prize. Third Place and P50,000 cash went to Richard Tolentino.

The final heads up was between two seasoned players, whose names are well-known in the Davao poker scene. It was a showdown between former Poker Face Champions and local poker stars, Bong Tan and Czarina “Cza”Yujuico. But in the end, it was Cza, fondly called “The Queen,” who emerged victorious. Bong Tan went home at second place with a P100,000 prize money.

Cza Goes All In

The champion, respected entrepreneur and poker star, Cza Yujuico, earned another spot in the wall of fame, along with the Championship and the elusive P200,000 prize money.

For more information about poker in Davao, visit http://www.davaopoker.com.

Article also published on SunStar Davao on March 30, 2011. Link here.

Eagle Cup Day 3 Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:38:00 +0000

It's August 22, the BIGGEST day in Davao poker history yet. Day 3 of the First Eagle Cup and there are 9 players left with the chance of grabbing the P630,000 Champion's Prize.

Here's the cast of the First Eagle Cup Final Table and their chip stacks:

Koko Gotil (CDO) - 762,000
Joe Magnotti (USA / Davao) - 632,000
Mon Santos (Davao) - 581,000
Henry Acain (Visayas / USA) - 541,000
Martin Cepeda (Manila) - 506,000
Tony Jarman (UK / Manila) 440,000
Amphie Colendres (Davao / Cebu) - 334,000
Vic Catalan (Manila) - 242,000
Bryan Lim (Davao) - 211,000

6 pm Bryan Lim out in 9th Place.

Amphie Colendres out in 8th Place.

Martin Cepeda out in 7th Place.

Mon Santos out in 6th Place.

Joe Magnotti out in 5th Place.

Henry Acain out in 4th Place.

Koko Gotil out in 3rd Place.

1 am Final Heads Up
Tony Jarman has an overwhelming high stack with about 3,200,000 while Vic Catalan only has 300,000+.

Vic Catalan is 2nd Place

TONY JARMAN is the First Eagle Cup Champion.

Eagle Cup Day 2 Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:23:00 +0000

It's Day 2 of the First Eagle Cup! We have 68 players left with a chance of grabbing a piece of the 2 million pot.

Here are our chip leaders at the start of the day:

Tony Jarman – 216,800
Henry Acain – 184,700
Kenneth Tan – 168,700
Martin Cepeda – 155,500
Jib Garcia – 148,100
Winnie Odog – 136,100
Vic Catalan – 119,700
Henry Haw – 116,300
Mia Amor Oano – 115,000
Medel Torres – 99,200

Good luck players! :-)

3:22 pm Only 54 players left.
Among those eliminated is PilipinasPoker.com's Aron Angeles. Angeles went all in with pocket 7s against Kenneth Tan's pocket Queens. The Queens won.

5 pm Bong Reyes has been busted out by Sunshine Samson. Mike G is also out. 38 players left. 21 players in the money. 17 more to be eliminated. We're at Round 15, blinds are at 2,000/4,000 with ante 400.

6 pm Round 16, 2,500/5,000 blinds, ante is 500. 33 players left.

7:00 pm Dinner break. 28 players left. 7 more to get busted out before players start cashing in. Chip leaders before the break:

Henry Acain - 348,500
Koko Gotil - 278,800
Emman Segismundo - 263,500
Mia Amor Oano - 260,800
Winnie Odog - 251,600
Martin Cepeda - 244,200
Ali Lee - 175,500
Apie Yao – 143,400

8:30 pm Only 25 players left

9:30 pm Bubble time. 22 players left:

Christian Lim
Amphie Colandres
Joe Magnotti
Kenneth Mark Tan
Winnie Odog - chip leader at 400,000+
Ali Lee
Apie Yao
Mon Santos
Bryan Lim
Sunshine Samson
Koko Gotil
Roy Arellano
Martin Cepeda
Vic Catalan
Nick Galan
Albert Crave
Tony Jarman
Mia Amor Oano
Marvin Camacho
Henry Acain
Shin Suguira
JR Vasquez - shortest stack

Pay-out Structure:

Champion: PhP 630,000
2nd Place: PhP 420,000
3rd Place: PhP 245,000
4th Place: PhP 170,000
5th Place: PhP 135,000
6th Place: PhP 100,000
7th Place: PhP 75,000
8th Place: PhP 55,000
9th Place: PhP 45,000
10th Place: PhP 25,000
11th - 21st Place: PhP 20,000

10:15 pm JR Vasquez bursts the bubble at 22nd Place.

10:25 pm Christian Lim is out at 21st Place. Marvin Camacho is out at 20th Place.

11:02 pm Nick Galan is out at 19th Place. Busted out by Albert "The Emotional" Crave.

Final Updates:
10th Place and Bubble for Final Table Kenneth Tan (busted out by Joe Magnotti)

ITM:

10th Place: Kenneth Tan
11th Place: Wennie Odog
12th Place: Albert Crave
13th Place: Roy Arellano
14th Place: Apie Yao
15th Place: Sunshine Samson
16th Place: Ali Lee
17th Place: Mia Amor Oano
18th Place: Shin Suguira
19th Place: Nick Galan
20th Place: Christian Lim
21st Place: Marvin Ursal

FINAL TABLE Players:

Koko Gotil – 762,000
Joe Magnotti – 632,000
Mon Santos – 581,000
Henry Acain – 541,000
Martin Cepeda- 506,000
Tony Jarman – 440,000
Amphie Colendres – 334,000
Vic Catalan – 242,000
Bryan Lim – 211,000

Photos courtesy of Maggie Lim and Mark Gempesaw:

Eagle Cup Day 1B Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:18:00 +0000

It's Day 1B of the Metro Card Club Davao's 1st Eagle Cup. With P10,000 buy in plus P1,000 registration fee, it's a freeze out tournament. Starting stack is at 20,000 with blinds going up every 45 minutes.

Scheduled to play today are mostly players from out of town. Among the highly anticipated players are Metro Card Club's Neil "Dirty Ice Cream" Arce and Jojo Tech who won the May 1 1M Tournament at the MCCD last year. Adding to the excitement is 1991 WSOP Champion Brad Daugherty who is currently based in Negros Oriental.

Local veteran player JVA is also in the tournament. 7 lady players are in, only Lala Mejaro is from Davao.

110 players total for Day 1B.

The action starts in a few minutes.

2:30 pm Former champion Lala "Lady" Mejaro is the first out of the game for Day 1B. Richard Sharpe who place 9th in the WSOP is already out.

3:13 pm Jojo Tech is out with a lower straight which went against a nuts straight.

4 pm Players are now on a break.

5 pm Kent del Rosario is out.

5:30 pm JVA is out. Karloz Alba is out.
Neil Arce loses a three way pot while holding pocket Aces. He is against pocket 9s and pocket dueces. Pocket 9s gets a set on the flop, dueces gets a set on the turn. Arce, whose stack covers both players' stacks, pushes all in at the turn. Arce loses chips. Pocket 9s win.

6 pm Neil Arce manages to stay alive when his AQ went against a QQ. Arce gets a straight on the river.

7 pm Players are on a break. 77 players remaining.

Chip leaders before the dinner break:

Tony Jarman - 68,825
Franklyn Llamado - 66, 525
Marvin Uursal - 65, 575
Michael Dalidig - 64,150
Chino dela Serna - 63,625
Martin Cepeda - 60,850
Bambi Imano - 58,125
Ilwon Kim - 53,500
Francis Ku - 50,250
Arnold Kwon - 46,525
Dodo Soco - 44,975
Koko Gotil - 42,475
Mac Mantos - 41,900
Macao Macalinao - 39,775
Benhur Ybarsabal - 35,050
Albert "The Emotional" Crave - 29,800

Sunshine Samson seems to be the only female contender left in Day 1B.

8:28 pm Neil Arce is out. Went all in with KQ. Opponent held AA.

12 am Day 1B is finished. Only 38 players survived the action.

Tony Jarman – 216,800
Kenneth Tan – 168,700
Martin Cepeda – 155,500
Mia Amor Oano – 115,000
Amparo Marie Colendres – 97,100
Bambi Imano – 86,300
Koko Gotil – 79,000
Sunshine Samson – 76,500
Ali Lee – 70,900
Christine Lim – 70,400
JR Vasquez – 64,500
Mon Santos – 61,100
Shin Suguira – 59,100
Chino dela Serna – 58,100
Marthin Corpus – 52,100
Jason Porter – 50,500
Mark Pagsuyuin – 50,200
Marvin Ursal – 49,700
Albert Crave – 43,800
Trisa Cabacho – 43,200
Joseph Galang – 42,000
Bryan Lim - 41,800
Michael Dalidig – 40,000
Lester Edoc – 39,400
Jam Alonto – 38,900
Herbert Canaya – 36,700
Mohamad Tumog – 34,900
Arnold Kwon – 34,200
Rinah Garcia – 33,200
Francis Ku – 30,500
Nina Castro – 29,400
Sonny Ugalde – 28,500
Aron Angeles – 27,700
Franklin Llamado - 27,000
Digno Camacho – 21,700
Jimmy Abesamis – 17,400
Edwin Marzan – 16,600
Manuel Regis – 11,600

Photos courtesy of Bong Gallego and Maggie Lim:

Eagle Cup Day 1A Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:47:00 +0000

It's Day 1A of the Metro Card Club Davao's 1st Eagle Cup. With P10,000 buy in plus P1,000 registration fee, it's a freeze out tournament. Starting stack is at 20,000 with blinds going up every 45 minutes.

99 players are playing for Day 1A. Some notable players joining the fray for Day 1A are Ramil Tandoc, Nick Galan, Vic Catalan, Mike Takayama, Emman Segismundo, and Juvy Aldave.

From among the locals, there's past champions Kirby Te, Czarina Lim, Mike Gempesaw, Bong Lu, Henry Acain, Kenneth Anzano, and Rebel Madagasang. Young Davao poker guns Andrei Martin, Nate Lorenzana, Bong Reyes, and Jib Garcia are also on the tournament tables. Prominent CDO player Raphael "Paeng" Escano and Tagum player Tyron Uy are also playing. Billiards player Gandy "Yang Yang" Valle is also joining the fun.

Day 1A will end at the end of level 12 or until 25 players are left, whichever comes first.

2:45 pm We're now on round 2 and already more than five players are out!

In the first round alone, eight players already went all in. First ones out were Johann de Guzman and Cyrus Lademora who were both busted out by Mike Takayama.

3:32 pm Kirby Te is OUT! Pocket Kings busted by Drew Alipio's 4 2, which got two pairs on the turn.

5:50 pm 69 players remaining at Round 6. Mike Takayama is also busted out by Mike Gempesaw.

6:20 pm Some players already out are Ramil Tandoc, Yang yang Valle, and Czarina Lim.

7:23 pm Players are currently on a dinner break. 65 players left. Chip leaders before the break:

Joe Magnotti - 72,000
Kim Angoy - 71,825
Madel Torres - 62,650
Vic Catalan - 60,450
Mike "the Duze of Hazzard" Gempesaw - 58,150
Apie Yao - 56,600
Andrei Martin - 55,425
Emman Segismundo - 54,700
Kenneth Anzano - 50,900
Henry "Da Mang" Nucum - 45,575

Considering the starting stack is 20,000, the top 10 are not yet overwhelming chip leaders. At Round 7, the blinds are only at 300/600.

Day 1A Summary:

Day 1A of the First Eagle Cup proved to be a success, with 100 registered players and accumulating a total pot of 1 Million Pesos. It is the biggest tournament yet in this side of the country. It attracted players from all over. Some notable players from outside Davao are Nick Galan, Mike Takayama, Vic Catalan, Ramil Tandoc, Emman Segismundo, Juvy Aldave, and Rafael Escaño, among others.

An early piece of action came from Mike Takayama who busted out two players nearly tripling up his stack just a few minutes into the first round. Although, Davaoenos proved to be a force to be reckoned with as Mike Takayama was busted out by Davao’s own Mike Gempesaw with his KJ suited against Mike T’s K4.

Early favorites such as young gun Andrei Martin and former champion Kenneth Anzano (among the top 10 chip leaders before dinner break) were busted out before Day 1A winded down. A few ceded players from out of town were some of the early bust-outs making Day 1A such an exciting start of the tournament.

30 players from Day 1A remain to battle it out on Day 2 against Day 1B qualifiers who will be determined today.

The Day 1A survivors and their chip stacks are:Day 1A of the First Eagle Cup proved to be a success, with 100 registered players and accumulating a total pot of 1 Million Pesos. It is the biggest tournament yet in this side of the country. It attracted players from all over. Some notable players from outside Davao are Nick Galan, Mike Takayama, Vic Catalan, Ramil Tandoc, Emman Segismundo, Juvy Aldave, and Rafael Escaño, among others.

An early piece of action came from Mike Takayama who busted out two players nearly tripling up his stack just a few minutes into the first round. Although, Davaoenos proved to be a force to be reckoned with as Mike Takayama was busted out by Davao’s own Mike Gempesaw with his KJ suited against Mike T’s K4.

Early favorites such as Andrei Martin, Kenneth Anzano, Henry Nucum (among the top 10 chip leaders before dinner break) were busted out before Day 1A winded down. A few ceded players from out of town were some of the early bust-outs making Day 1A such an exciting start of the tournament.

30 players from Day 1A remain to battle it out on Day 2 against Day 1B qualifiers who will be determined today.

The Day 1A survivors and their chip stacks are:

Henry Acain – 184,700
Jib Garcia – 148,100
Winnie Odog – 136,100
Vic Catalan – 119,700
Henry Haw – 116,300
Medel Torres – 99,200
Daniel Christian – 89,000
Mike Gempesaw – 87,800
Giovannie Degayo – 86,600
Manolo Rivera – 84,800
Erwin Lozada – 78,800
Dennis Soriano – 74,300
Kimboy Angoy – 74,200
Roy Arellano – 55,800
Bong Reyes – 54,100
Apie Yao – 47,000
Emman Segismundo – 43,200
BB Panila – 43,200
Jaime Camina – 42,000
Nick Galan – 40,800
Henry Nucum – 38,700
Randy Tama – 34,900
Joe Magnotti – 34,700
Joel Ayop – 33,700
John Uyking – 31,600
Bong Escovilla – 29,600
Ronald Bordyos – 29,400
Oliver Bagarinao – 24,200
Ed Fortuna – 23,000
Rain Banzon – 14,500

Some photos:

Photos and reports by Maggie Lim.

Davao Poker TV Commercial featuring the Eagle Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Here's the first Davao Poker TV Commercial featuring the Eagle Cup:

Davao Poker TV will be covering the First Eagle Cup, which will be held from August 19 - 22, 2010 at the Metro Card Club Davao.

Buy in is P10,000 plus P1,000 registration. It's a freezeout tournament.

See you there! :)

Davao Poker Player: Ferdinand "Bong" Lu aka The Specialist

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Bong Lu The Specialist

Upon entering the Metro Card Club Davao, one of the people you are sure to notice is the chatty Bong Lu. Whether it be during cash games or tournaments, Ferdinand "Bong" Lu, is ready to talk quite a storm with just about anybody who's willing to listen.

It's no wonder, this poker player slash businessman is known as "The Specialist." Oftentimes quoting from his non-existent poker book, Bong Lu will give you reasons, tips, and strategies for most of the moves he made or didn't make. And even those of other people.

People might think he is simply a know-it-all, but his wins tell you, Bong Lu knows his poker! Having been in the Poker Face Tournament Final Table a handful of times, he won his first Poker Face Championship in October 2009 during the MCCD Poker Face Anniversary Special.

With Team Burat Teammates Mike Gempesaw and R Lee

During the July 2010 Poker Face Tournament, Bong Lu went heads up once again with Alex Chua whom he defeated in October 2009. This time, however, the poker gods weren't with Bong. Nonetheless, Bong was the runner-up. Another admirable feat under his belt.

While he may come off as arrogant, there is a thinking poker player behind his "words of poker wisdom." Let his game play and titles show you.

Watch more of Bong Lu aka The Specialist in action on Davao Poker TV, on the Southspot Channel very soon!

Davao Poker TVC

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:51:00 +0000

Davao Poker TV will be launched sometime September (*crosses fingers*) but we will be releasing our television commercial tomorrow. The Metro Card Club Davao has already started playing the first version of the tv but the final cut will be ready by tomorrow.

I'm excited!

Davao Poker TV is the first Philippine television show dedicated to poker. And we're not just about tournaments and events. We'll also give you insider news, updates, tips, and maybe even some tricks. ;-)

The Davao Poker TV will be shows on the Southspot Channel available via SkyCable in Davao City and General Santos City. Produced by Choco and Bong Gallego, with Alchemy's Kenth Bajo as Director, and yours truly, Ria Jose as Head Writer. Bong Gallego will be commentating with two female hosts as correspondents.

I will be uploading the video as soon as possible on our Davao Poker YouTube Channel. Please subscribe. We're also putting up an online site for our show, soon. Meantime, please stay tuned to this blog for updates and news regarding Davao Poker TV and more news and updates about Davao poker news, updates, personalities, and trivia. :)

Stay tuned.

Davao Poker Player: Kirby Te

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Kirby Te

You don't know enough about the Davao poker scene is you don't know Kirby "Kbte" Te. Kirby, single handedly put Davao on the poker map by being winning big in the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) legs. In March 2009, he was the only Filipino in the final table of the First Chairman's Cup with a $1M pot held in Metro Manila.

Kirby first entered the radars of poker aficionados when he won as runner-up in a Filipino Poker Tour some years ago.

With a bounty on his head during the March 2010 Poker Face Tournament

Locally, Kirby was the first Metro Card Club Davao Poker Face Champion which he won in October 2008. Since then, he won the MCCD Heads Up Championship in November 2008, the Red Dragon Poker Club PokerMaster Championship in November 2009, and the MCCD Poker Face Championship just last June 2009.

With multiple titles and millions of pesos richer because of his poker mettle, a lot of local players are intimidated by Kirby. Hence, when they encounter him in the tournament tables, they find his lighthearted chat, laughter, and constant hecklings with friends quite amusing.

All in after getting short-stacked

Kirby is a sharp poker player who moves and acts according to his odds, his read of his opponent, and sometimes his gut feel. And these have served him well. Apparently.

A player may become a champion out of luck, but Kirby is proof that with the proper skills and discipline, one can consistently win and become a poker champion.

Ladies of Davao Poker: Czarina Lim

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Czarina Lim

There's only one pioneering female in the Davao poker scene: entrepreneur Czarina "Cza" Lim. Don't let her smiling friendly demeanor fool you, she plays poker aggressively. While she always play good-naturedly, peppers games with laughter and banter, she takes poker seriously.

This keen entrepreneur is a calculating risk-taker. She's unfazed by the chance of losing and gambles on seemingly weak cards from time to time, but everytime she plays, you know she's going to play each hand cunningly.

Czarina Lim

It is no wonder that she is the first female to have captured both titles of Poker Face Warm-Up Champion in May 2009 and Poker Face Champion in October 2009. Cza was also able to capture a championship prize at the Red Dragon Poker Club in Tagum City. A consistently excellent player, Cza has also joined tournaments in Cebu and Metro Manila.

Dubbed as "The Queen," Czarina Lim is definitely one lady in the Davao poker scene to watch out for.

Eric Raises to 50k, Rose Goes All In, What Will James Do?

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:43:00 +0000

Another archive video from the Metro ONE Tournament held on May 1, 2009 at the Metro Card Club Davao.

During the Final 20

After a raised flop shows number cards, off suit, Eric Cheung of Cebu bets 50k, Rose Newman of Davao is already all in, what will James Young of Davao do?

For more poker action and news, watch out for our Davao Poker TV. On your screens and online very soon. ;-)

Catch our second coverage during the 1st Eagle Cup from August 19 - 22, 2010 at the Metro Card Club Davao.

Wennie of CDO Goes All In

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:30:00 +0000

During the first major tournament of Metro Card Club Davao, the One Tournament, a player raises pre-flop. Wennie Odog of Cagayan de Oro City goes all in. BuddhaGeorge, a player from Manila is next to act...

LOL!

This August 19 - 22, 2010, players from all over the country will converge at the Metro Card Club Davao once again for the First Eagle Cup. Who will get their winning moments recorded on cam via Davao Poker TV?

Watch out for it.

Poker Face Tournament for July 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:51:00 +0000

The Southspot Crew together with Executive Producer Choco and Director Kenth Bajo labored for hours to cover the highlight of Davao's poker scene, Metro Card Club Davao's Poker Face Tournament. It was the first Davao Tournament with TV coverage.

Technical Rehearsal

And everybody was visibly excited. Players dressed up and prepared their game faces. 70 players dared to dream. 10 won prizes. Only 9 got the chance to exhibit skill and patience as they played for 5 hours in the final table.

In the end, it was a grudge match between Bong "The Specialist" Lu and Alex Chua. The two had previously battled for last year's Poker Face Anniversary Match on October 2009. Bong won in October 2009. But July 2010 belongs to Alex Chua.

Complete list of winners are:

Champion: ALEX CHUA
Runner-up: BONG "THE SPECIALIST" LU
3rd Place: ROY CLEMEÑA
4th Place: JUSTIN TABLIZO
5th Place: JUN JAVIER
6th Place: IAN BUSERA
7th Place: JAY GARCIA
8th Place: LALA MEJARO
9th Place: JOHANN DE GUZMAN

Many thanks to the players, the management of MCCD, the Southspot Crew, the correspondents/hosts Carol Smith, Soy Labis, and Marc Wales!

Ria, Carol, Lala, and Soy

Acknowledgement to my sponsors SOUL Lifestyle for my clothes, Envy Me Salon for my hair, and Hairs and Nails Salon for the hair and make up of Carol and Soy!

Photos courtesy of Soy Labis.

Metro Card Club Davao Eagle Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:34:00 +0000

The 1st Eagle Cup with a 2 million pesos guranteed pot will be held from August 19 - 22, 2010 at the Metro Card Club Davao.

The buy-in is at P10,000 and the registration fee is P1,000. It's a freeze out tournament.

It's gonna be an epic. See you at the tables! :)

Poker Face of June Live

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:17:00 +0000

4:15 pm Start of R3, 100/200. 70 players. 30 min blinds. 3 former champs already out.

5:17 pm Break. R5 200/400, 25.
50+ players left.
Chip leader: Adjong de Guzman.
150k pot guaranteed.
T1: Kirby, Aris, Mitch A
T2: Jay, Lala
T3: Nate, Franz, Jubrill, Baldo, Rebel, Rodel
T4: Ria, Andrei, Albert C, Henry, Bong T, Karloz
T5: Adjong, Johann, JvA, Yoyong, Ritchie
T6: Boy A, Jam, Reggie B, Albert A, Erwin, Jib, Ed

7:30 pm R8 500/1k, 100
30+ players

UNO Magazine's Poker Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sat, 15 May 2010 05:09:00 +0000

Another reason why I hate being a blogger / poker player in Davao? I don't get to go and join cool events by UNO Magazine like their poker tournament on Friday, May 21, 2010. GRRR! /wrist

For only five hundred pesos, you get to play poker and UNO's May 2010 Issue. *Imagine me with a bitter look on my face.*

In case you didn't quite get it, here are the details...
When: May 21, Friday 8:00 PM
Where: Manila Bay Club, San Miguel by the Bay MOA
Joining Fee: PHP 500.00 inclusive of UNO Magazine’s May issue

RSVP: Muriel Evaristo (0915-740-0049 / 842-6524)

Poker enthusiasts in Manila... JOIN! JOIN! JOIN! And do tell me about it. ;-)

Ohhh SH*T!

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:23:00 +0000

Damn! I forgot I play poker too. NAH!

Just been very busy with this and that being this and that. With work, events, and getting sick every now and then, I haven't had time for poker anymore. CRAP!

But mark my word, I'll be back at the Metro soon. I hope... RAWRRR!

Metro Poker League First Quarter 2010 Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:09:00 +0000

Champion - BOY ARIZOLA

2nd Place - Rebel Madagasang
3rd Place - Nilo Lim
4th Place - Kenneth Anzano
5th Place - Henry Nucum
6th Place - Reggie Braceros
7th Place - Beep Yngente
8th Place - Jeric Sucaldito
9th Place - Erwin Rañon
10th Place - Mike Gemepesaw

11th Place - Ria Jose
12th Place - Ali Lee
13th Place - Bong Gallego
14th Place - Bong Reyes
15th Place - JVA
16th Place - Mau Abella
17th Place - Johann de Guzman
18th Place - Ritchie Restauro
19th Place - Paul Estalani
20th Place - Rodel Cameros

Metro Poker League First Quarter 2010 Top 20

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:48:00 +0000

The Metro Poker League Top 20 for the First Quarter of 2010 is finally set and here they are...

#1 Johann de Guzman is a newbie poker player who started playing at the Metro Card Club Davao just last year.

#2 Michael "the Duke of Hazzard" Gempesaw was also part of the MPL 2009 Top 20 and the Poker Face Champion for January 2010. He is known for his crazy and wild poker playing style.

#3 JVA is the veteran of all veterans in Davao City. He is wildly admired by many for his solid game. JVA, a former house player, has been a consistent tournament placer since MCCD opened in 2008. He was the top points earner of MPL 2009.

#4 Bong Reyes is the youngest Poker Face Champion ever at only 22 years. He won the championship for March 2010 after playing live poker for only a few months. It was his first time to join a major tournament.

#5 Reggie "the FISH" Braceros is another familiar face in the Davao poker scene. He has been a force to reckon with in local tournaments. Reggie is part of Team Tight.

#6 Nilo L. is a regular fixture at the MCCD, playing cash games daily. He garnered 6th place at the Poker Face Araw ng Dabaw Tournament despite being short stacked. He also got the bounty for kicking Kirby Te out of the tournament.

#7 Boy "the Chairman of the BORED" Arizola is another veteran who also part of last year's MPL 20. He is known for his solid game which he intersperses with a wild, loose game during dull moments in the tournament.

#8 Ria "Super Tight" Jose is this blogger. LOL! Ok so I made up my own nickname. I need a more creative one. I am the lone female in this Top 20 and I got it by virtue of playing a super tight game and lots of luck. I have been playing live poker for less than two years and I feel tons of pressure knowing that my uncle JVA and my cousin Mau are both on the tournament with me.

#9 Erwin "Super Glue" Rañon is another member of Team Tight who plays a tight game of live poker. He spends time playing tournaments and cash games online.

#10 Jeric Sucaldito is a cash game player who has accumulated tons of points by playing in the MCCD's daily tournaments. I have a side bet with this guy. The one who stays longer in the tournament will get P500. It's my tight game vs his loose game. ;-)

#11 Mau Abella was this year's early leaderboard. He is a former Poker Face champion who is popular for his unpredictable playing style which is peppered with bluff plays and pot steals.

#12 Kenneth "Jestoni Alarcon" Anzano is one of the relatively young veterans who holds the record for being the player who has had the most Poker Face Final Table appearances.

#13 Rebel "the King of the World" Madagasang is one of the most popular local players being a wild and loud player often declaring himself as "the King of the World" after winning a big pot or bad beating the good hand of an opponent. The is no one wilder than this Poker Face February 2010 champion.

#14 Ritchie Restauro is another player who has earned his MPL spot by playing and winning in MCCD's daily tournaments.

#15 Henry "Da Mang" Nucum is another veteran poker player whose playing style is punctuated byaggressive pre-flop betting and trapping plays which scares the hell out of regular cash game players.

#16 Bong "GM" Gallego is another player who plays a tight game and enters a pot only when he is certain he is nuts. That's what he told me, anyway. Hi game is poles apart from those of his best buddies.

#17 Paul Estalani is perhaps the only virtually unknown player to have entered the Top 20. He is rarely seen at MCCD but has managed to spend enough time and earned enough points to put his name on the leaderboard.

#18 Ali "Gator" Lee is the only foreigner in the field of 20. He is a former Poker Face Champion and is one of the most recognizable faces in the local poker scene.

#19 Rodel "Boy Gutshot" Cameros used to be known as Boy Sure Ball. He WAS a tight player but something happened along the way and he is now Boy Gutshot often calling inside straight draws.

#20 Beep Beep Yngente gets the final slot in the Top 20. He is an aggressive, wild player who loves to bet pre-flop even with just suited connectors or even with very weak hands. Often an early chip leader, he bullies his way to the top.

These 20 poker warriors will see action on April 11 to determine who is the best among the best of the first quarter of 2010. See you at the tables! :)

New Rule Implementation

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:36:00 +0000

During Day 1A of the Poker Face Araw ng Dabaw Special Tournament, I was reprimanded during one of the early rounds. I was given a verbal warning by the dealer for standing up from the table, even when I was dealt a card and it was not yet my turn to act.

Given that, (1) I was not around when the tournament began and I was assuming this new rule was announced while I was not around, (2) I understood the logic and rationale of the rule even if it was not explained, and (3) the floor manager/tournament director announced the rule to the room after I was warned, I accepted the verbal warning. I even informed my friends who were going to play in Day 1B regarding the new rule.

I was dismayed when the said rule was not mentioned or reiterated during Day 2 of the tournament. I noticed several players in my table committing the same violation multiple times. When I pointed this out to the dealer, she ignored me totally. She didn't even acknowledge my complaint and I didn't see her approach the floor manager or tournament director regarding this.

I personally approached the GM regarding the violations but not once did he even remind the players regarding the new policy.

Which makes me wonder? Why was I reprimanded and given a warning? Was I being singled out? Is the management serious in implementing this new policy?

I see it fit to ask these questions as I feel like I was being discriminated and I feel offended that I was singled out as the only one given a warning for violating a NEW policy which I was not even informed about.

I was gracious in accepting the warning issued to me, but I feel like it is not fair that I was the only one given such throughout the entire tournament even if there were several others who committed the same violation.

Metro Poker League First Quarter 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:55:00 +0000

Today is the last day of the Metro Poker League First Quarter 2010. And I'm currently the lone female at #8. Can I say... WOOHOO!!! I rarely joined tournaments but did well in some major tournaments plus placed well in several megasatellites and sit and go tournaments. Thank you very much!

Among those with me in the Top 20 are Poker Face Champions Mike Gempesaw (#2, January), Rebel Madagasang (#13, February), and Bong Reyes (#4, March). Also in the top 20 are veterans JVA, Boy Arizola, and Henry Nucum. Tournament staples Mau Abella, Erwin Ranon, and Reggie Braceros are also at the top.

The final tournament tonight will determine if the MPL Q1 2010 cast is already final.

The Top 20 after tonight will play at a P50,000 free roll tournament on April 11, 2010.

GLHF to us all! ;-)

Live Blogging: Poker Face Araw ng Dabaw Special Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 07:13:00 +0000

151 participants
66 remaining
500k pot
Bounty for Kirby Te: 5k

AS 46,500
Mine 25,600

3:05 pm Tournament resumes
R11 600/1200, 100
T1: Hilda, Joel, Nathan, Ely, Mau, Ria, Lisa C, x, Randy M, Alex V
T2: Cza, LC, maggie, Nilo, Mash
T3: Jib, Yoyong, Reggie, Kenneth, Richard L, JVA
T4: John O, Henry, Boy A, Bong G, Jun J
T5: Art G, X, Bong, Albert, Ricky, Drew, Dan
T6: Miriam, Curt, Eugene
T7: Regine, Karloz, Jubrill, Yong, Ricky

4:10 pm R12 800/1,600
47 players remaining
45 players will get points

I've been transferred to T5.
T5: Art G, X, Errol, Bong, Albert, Ricky, Drew, Ria, Dan

5:42 pm R16 1,500/3k, 300
30 players left, 15 ITM
T3: Al, Ria, Errol, Yoyong, Drew, Ken A, Yong, JVA
AS: 100,666
Mine: 40,100

6:05 pm R16
I'm out at 28th place.
3 tables left.

9:05 pm R21, 6k/12k, 1k
13 players left

19th Andrew Alipio
18th Dondie Dagdagan
17th Errol Chua
16th Miriam Dickinson
15th JVA
14th Art Garcia

9:34 pm 10 players remaining
13th Ely
12th Yoyong
11th Hilda
10th Ricky

9:56 pm Final Table
Bong
Czarina L
Nilo L
Rodel
Ken A
Maggie L
Mau A
Yong
Mark

12 mn 5 players remaining
R24 24k/12k, 2k
9th Ken A
8th Mau A
7th Cza L
6th Maggie L

1:30 am Final Heads Up
Mark vs Bong

5th Nilo L
4th Rodel
3rd Yong
2nd Mark
Champion BONG REYES of Cotabato

Acknowledgment:

SOUL Lifestyle, 2nd floor Gaisano Mall of Davao, JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City
CACI Face and Body Centre, Sequoia Inn, Monteverde Street, Davao City
Hairs and Nails, Body and Faces, Duterte Street, Davao City

Live Blogging: Poker Face Araw ng Dabaw Special Day 1A

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Today is Day 1A of the largest tournament in this island, for the first quarter of 2010. To end the highly contested Metro Poker League Season, the Metro Card Club Davao is holding a Poker Face Araw ng Dabaw Special with a P500,000 pot guaranteed.

Buy-in: P3,000
Registration: P500
Starting stack: 20,000
70 players in

545 pm Middle of Round 1, 25/50 Blinds
Table 1: Aris C, Edith, Yoyong, Mash, Boy A, Randy Y
T2: Franz A, Marivel, Miriam, Alex C,
T3: Mike D Cza, Albert, Bong T, Rodel
T4: Iceman, Justin, Ely, Jam
T5: Mark E, Ricky, Sheryl, John A, Jeric
T6: Kenneth, RIa, Badz, Rhonson/John, Ricky, Lito A
T7: Mitch, Richard L, Bong L, Bimbo, Macoy, Henry H, Miyo

6:14 pm First player out: Rhonson Ng

6:48 pm 75 registered players, and it's just Day 1A. We're at Round 3, 100/200 blinds.

7 pm 68 players left, Round 4 150/300 blinds
Average Stack: 23,500
Mine: 26,000+

8:30 pm T7 collapsed.
Round 6, 200/400 blinds, ante 25
AS 34,800
Mine 22,000+

9:30 pm 50 players remaining
T6 is collapsed
Now at T1, S4
T1 Lito A, Al, x, Ria, Yoyong, Mash, Boy A, Randy Y, X, X
R8 300/600, A 50
AS 31,600
Mine 22,900

11:10 pm Day 1A is finished at R10, 500/1k blinds
28 players remaining
AS 52,413
Mine 25,600

Acknowledgment:
CACI Face and Body Care Centre Sequoia Inn, Monteverde Street, Davao City
SOUL Lifestyle 2nd Floor, Gaisano Mall of Davao, JP Laurel, Davao City

Spade

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:18:00 +0000

Live Blogging: Poker Face February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ria Jose) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:42:00 +0000

4:30 pm Came in at Round 4. Table 5, Seat 9.
T1: Moi, Rey R, x, Ali, X, Maldy, Carol, Tom, Bong L
T2: X, Art G, Flo, Richard L, Mon, Jib, Andrei
T3: Winston, Karloz, X, Reggie B, Rodel, Nilo L
T4: Roy, Mike G, x, Rebel, x, JVA, Jian, Ricky, Ken A, Bong G
T5: Celso, X, Alex C, Bong T, Jon Uy, X, Maui, Jun, Ria, Jeric
T6: Kirby, Ritchie, Miriam, Balong, Alvin, Aris
T7: Cza, Johann, Nax, Renz, Jam
58 players remaining
AS 31,379
Mine 29,100

6 pm 48 players remaining
Haven't won a significant pot. Folded AK off suit at the small blind after John raised and Jason called. Folded pocket 8s after Jason raised with pocket Kings.
AS 37, 916
Mine 26,025

6:45 pm Dinner break.
R8, 300/600
6 tables left
AS 35,686
Mine 54,475
Won pots with AJ J top pair, pockets 10, K10 two pairs on the flop, and pocket 8s set on the river. :-)

8 pm R10, 500/1k
43 players left, 5 tables
Kirby Te transferred to our table.
AS 42,325
Mine 70,000
Won a big pot with KQ hearts vs Bong T's AK. 2 pairs. Both limped in.
Board K 10 6 3 Q

9:05 pm Transferred to T3, S8.
4 tables left, 35 players
R13, 1k/2k
3 players all in after the flop
Reggie B pocket 10s
Winston Kings
Karloz Aces
Board 10 9 6 9 6
Winston is out. Karloz is also out in the next hand.
T4 X, Johann, Boy N, Reggie B, Rodel, Ria, Jeric
AS 52,000
Mine 53,500

10 pm R15 1,500/3k
24 players, 3 tables
AS 75,833
Mine 49,600
Won a small pot with A3 suited.

10:45 pm R17 2.5/5k
20 players, 3 tables
AS 91K
Mine 25,500
I am feeling the pressure. Folded good cards.
T1 Moi, Lala, Alex C, Maldy Bong G
T2 Ritchie, Ken A, Mon S, Rey R, Rebel
T3 John U, Johann, Boy N, Reggie B, Rodel, Ria, Jeric

12:40 am R 21, 6/12k
Final table
Ria out at 18th place.
11th place Ritchie Restauro
10th place Rodel Cameros
Final Table:
Reggie B
Mon S
Popoy
Kenneth A
Bong T
Rebel M
Alex C
Johann dG
Lala M

12:50 am Bong Tan out at 9th place.

Update:
8th place Johann de Guzman
7th place Reggie Braceros
6th place Popoy
5th place Alex Cruz
4th place Mon Santos
3rd place Lala Mejaro
2nd place Kenneth Anzano

CHAMPION Rebel "King of the World" Madagasang

Acknowledgment:
GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL
CACI Face and Body Care Centre Sequoia Inn, Monteverde Street, Davao City
SOUL Lifestyle 2nd Floor, Gaisano Mall of Davao, JP Laurel, Davao City
Envy Me Salon by Ada Dolosa McArthur Highway, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City