19-year-old AJ Manas is solely focused on enjoying the experience and learning from billiards legends as he makes his Reyes Cup debut.
At just 19 years old, AJ Manas is stepping onto the biggest stage of his young billiards career, representing Team Asia in the prestigious 2025 Reyes Cup happening right here in the Philippines.
And while the magnitude of the moment isn’t lost on him, the rising Filipino cue artist is choosing to embrace the challenge rather than be overwhelmed by it.
“Siyempre pressure ako kasi first time ko makasali sa ganitong event, lalo na Reyes Cup, na dito gaganapin sa Pilipinas,” said Manas. “Masaya ako dahil nakasama ko sa Team Asia, so gagawin ko lahat ng mga kaya ko.”
Against with the world’s best
Manas admitted there’s an extra layer of gigil heading into the tournament, knowing the level of competition he’ll be up against. Team Rest of the World features some of the sport’s elite names, including Jayson Shaw, Fedor Gorst, and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz.
“Oo naman, siyempre kasi magagaling din ang kalaban natin. So kailangan natin makita kung magkakalakas ito dito,” he said.
Lessons from the legends
The young Filipino cueist also shared the valuable advice he’s received from one of the sport’s icons, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, who serves as Team Asia’s captain.
AJ Manas joins a stacked Team Asia squad, coached by legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante, for the Reyes Cup 2025. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“Siguro ‘yung experience nalang. Tsaka 'yung payo ni coach Django na huwag ka maglagay ng pressure, enjoy mo lang ‘yung laro,” Manas shared.
Staying grounded
Despite being hailed as one of the future stars of Philippine billiards, Manas is not rushing the process. He believes success will come naturally if he keeps enjoying the sport and trusting the journey.
“Ine-enjoy ko lang naman ‘yung paglalaro kasi tingin ko naman sa tamang panahon mananalo din ako,” he said.
Manas joins a stacked Team Asia lineup led by Bustamante, Carlo Biado, Johann Chua, Aloysius Yapp, and Duong Quoc Hoang as they battle the Rest of the World team in one of the most anticipated billiards events of the year.
It will take place from October 16 to 19 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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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.