For Lolita Biado, watching her son Carlo defend the Reyes Cup title was more than just a billiards victory; it was a full-circle moment for a mother who had supported his passion from the very beginning.
When world billiard champion Carlo Biado lifted his cue to celebrate Team Asia’s victory at the 2025 Reyes Cup, one of the loudest cheers in the crowd came from his mother, Lolita Biado.
For the proud mother, it was more than just another trophy. It was a dream fulfilled — not just for her son, but for the little boy she once watched chase a passion long before anyone else saw greatness in him.
“Ngayon lang ako nakapanood sa kaniya nang live,” Lolita shared.
“Kaya sabi niya, punta ka na para mapanood mo ako. Kaya masayang masaya.”
Behind Carlo’s triumph lies a story only a mother truly knows — of sleepless nights and quiet sacrifices.
Lolita recalled how Carlo discovered billiards as a child, balancing work and his budding love for the game.
“Hindi po siya nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral niya. Grade 5 po siya nagsimula. Nagtatrabaho sa golf, tapos pagkagabi nilalaban siya sa billiards. Gabing-gabi na hinahanap ko siya sa labas, ‘yon pala nando’n. Hanggang sa dumating hatinggabi, binigyan niya ako ng trophy. Hindi ko alam, nag-champion pala dito sa Alabang,” she said.
From that moment, she made a choice many mothers make in silence — to support, not scold; to believe, not fear.
“Simula no’ng ganyan dahil naglalaro siya, hindi ako nagagalit kasi ayaw kong mag-isip siya,” she said.
“Hindi ko siya pinaghahawak ng mabibigat na gamit kasi ‘yong kamay niya ang puhunan.”
Those same hands that once held a child’s first cue stick have now lifted titles for the world to see.
And as Carlo, together with AJ Manas, secured the tournament-winning doubles match against Fedor Gorst and Moritz Neuhausen to defend Team Asia’s crown, Lolita’s joy overflowed.
[RELATED: Carlo Biado, AJ Manas deliver winning match for Team Asia | Reyes Cup Highlights]
In that moment at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, under the lights and cheers, the victory belonged not only to Team Asia — but to a mother who never stopped believing in her son.
Watch the full interview here:
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports)
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.