For One Sports' Off the Record, multiple-time world champion Carlo Biado reflects on his place among the Philippine billiards greats alongside legends like Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante.
Carlo Biado is no stranger to history.
Coming off the 2025 World Pool Championship crown, the now three-time world champion has only strengthened his status as one of the Philippines’ best billiards players ever.
With all his career accolades, does Biando make a case against other all-time greats such as Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante?
For One Sports’ Off the Record, Biado reflects on his place among legends and the goals that continue to drive him as he chases more world titles for the Philippines.
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One Sports: Carlo, another historic World Pool Championship win for you. Many are putting you in the same breath as Efren “Bata” Reyes and Django Bustamante. Where do you see yourself alongside those legends?
Carlo: Sunod pa rin sa kanila kasi kahit na ano naman ‘yung marating ko, eh isa lang yung tinitingala ko, sila Tatay Efren at si Django lang.
Pero happy ako dahil sa mga achievements ko [kahanay ko sila] pero ayun nga, kahit na gano'n karami yung mga achievements ko at kung ano man yung narating ko, eh isa lang yung tinitingala ko si Tatay Efren lang talaga.
One Sports: You’ve always credited them as inspirations. Can you share how Efren and Django specifically shaped your career—both inside the table and outside of it?
Carlo: Malaki, malaking tulong sa akin sila Tatay Efren kasi sila ‘yung coach namin sa training at saka malaki natutulong nila sa amin lalo lang pagdating sa mga, katulad nitong sports na to, sa mga crucial game.
At lahat naman yung mga laro ko at yung game ko, sa kanila ko rin naman nakuha eh, so napakalaking bagay talaga sila Tatay Efren sa akin at si Django.
One Sports: With all that you’ve accomplished, what’s still left on your billiards bucket list? Are there particular tournaments or titles you’re setting your sights on next?
Carlo: Meron pa akong [kulang], I think yung World 8 pool na lang at saka yung World Cup of Pool. So sana makuha natin ‘yun... at itong darating na Philippine Open na gaganapin sa Araneta, so sana makuha natin.
One Sports: If you do go on to win those, do you think that changes your place in the conversation of all-time Filipino greats?
Carlo: Hindi. Kung ano ‘yung na-achieve ko, thankful lang ako. Basta Tatay Efren pa rin number one sa akin.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.