Carlo Biado celebrates billiard's resurgence in the Philippines, highlighted by the country’s strong showing with 17 players at the WPA World Nine-ball Championship.
It’s no secret that Filipinos have always had a knack for billiards.
From Efren “Bata” Reyes to Francisco “Django” Bustamante to Rubilen Amit, and now Carlo Biado, the country has consistently produced world-class cue masters who dominate on the global stage.
Fresh off his second World 9-Ball Championship title, Biado, who was presented with a certificate of recognition and a custom-made pool table by the Philippine Sports Commission on Friday, shared the secret why Filipinos continue to dominate the sport
For the 41-year-old pool superstar, it's a single word: diskarte.
“Alam mo, kalamangan natin sa mga foreigner, lamang tayo sa diskarte pag dating sa billiards,” Biado told One Sports. “’Yung diskarte na nakukuha natin, ‘yung diskarte na galing kay tatay Efren. ‘Yun ‘yung nakikita kong lamang natin sa billiards.”
This ingenuity and creativity, rooted in the legacy of Reyes, have long been the hallmark of Filipino players.
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With the recent success of Filipino pool players, more Pinoys have gone back to playing billiards, whether at home or in different pool clubs.
Biado expressed excitement over the sport’s resurgence, thanks in large part to social media and influencers in the community.
“Sa totoo lang, masayang masaya ako kasi ang billiards ngayon nag-boom nanaman hindi katulad nung last 10 years.... nag-boom ‘yung billiards dahil sa social media,” he shared.
Biado credited young pool stars AJ Manas and Jaybee Sucal for fueling interest online, leading to more young enthusiasts picking up the cue stick.
“I think ang nagpa-boom sa billiards si AJ Manas at tsaka si Jaybee Sucal. Kaya lalong umano ‘yung billiards satin. Sa totoo lang, ang dami na nagpapatayo ng pool club dito sa Metro Manila hindi na mabilang,” he said.
“Masayang masaya ako dahil itong nangyayari para sa mga kabataan na mahilig sa billiards at puwede tayong makakita ng bagong talent.”
[ALSO READ: Filipino pool legend Django Bustamante sees resurgence of billiards in Philippines]
The Philippines’ strong representation was evident at this year’s 9-Ball World Championship, where 17 Filipino players competed for the crown.
Biado believes this depth of talent gave the country a legitimate shot at victory.
“Sa dami po na Pilipino umattend dun, nagkaroon tayo ng malaking tsansa para makuha ‘yung tropeo kasi halos buong bracket kumalat ‘yung mga Pilipinong players natin,” he explained. “Hindi tayo dehado dahil ang gagaling ng young players natin. May chance po talaga tayo makuha ‘yung World Championship.”
Biado will now fly off to the United States in preparation for the 79th Florida Open from August 5-10 and the U.S. Open Pool Championship from August 18-23.