Billiards legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante expects longtime friend Efren “Bata” Reyes to be in attendance as Team Asia faces a star-studded Rest of the World squad in the Reyes Cup 2025.
Filipino billiards legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante is confident that his longtime friend and fellow icon Efren “Bata” Reyes will be there to cheer for Team Asia when they go to battle in the Reyes Cup 2025.
Reyes served as Team Asia's coach in the inaugural Reyes Cup last year.
That role that now falls to Bustamante, who participated only in an exhibition match on Day 3 of the previous edition.
“Oo, dadating si pareng Efren,” Bustamante shared. “Susuportahan ako nun lalo na itong Reyes Cup para sa kanya naman ito, so hindi pwedeng hindi siya pumunta.”
Bustamante said Reyes’ presence is extra meaningful, as the event was created in honor of the magician himself.
“Todo support siya dito sa Reyes Cup, at siyempre, gagawin ko rin ‘yung kaya ko,” he added.
50-50 matchup on home soil
Despite Team Asia’s star-studded lineup, Bustamante knows the competition against the Rest of the World will be fierce.
Team Asia will feature Bustamante alongside Carlo Biado, Aloysius Yapp, Johann Chua, Duong Quoc Hoang, and rising star AJ Manas.
[ALSO READ: AJ Manas embraces pressure, excitement as youngest member of Team Asia in Reyes Cup 2025]
They will go head-to-head with the Rest of the World, composed of captain Jeremy Jones, Fedor Gorst, Jayson Shaw, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Moritz Neuhausen, and Skyler Woodward.
“Itong Team Asia against [the] Rest of the World, 50-50 ito eh. Pagandahan na lang sila ng tira pero ang kalamangan lang natin dito, kaganapin sa ating bansa,” he said. “Siyempre, ‘yung mga fans natin susuportahan ‘yung Team Asia.”
All-time Reyes Cup lineup
When asked about his all-time five for a dream Reyes Cup roster, Bustamante didn’t hesitate to name his Filipino squad full of legends and greats.
“Kaming dalawa ni pareng Efren, si Nikoy [Luazon], si [Jose] Parica, at si [Rodolfo] Luat. Nandiyan pa rin. May panalo pa rin. Magaling pa rin hanggang ngayon, naglalaro pa rin sila.”
[ALSO READ: Filipino pool legend Django Bustamante sees resurgence of billiards in Philippines]
The Reyes Cup 2025 is set from October 16-19 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
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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.