TOP billiards managers and their players have joined hands to
form the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, an
organization that primarily aims to protect their interest and keep the game
thriving.
"This organization will help keep the Philippine tag as the
world epicenter of billiards, the home of the world’s best cue artists," said
businessman Perry Mariano, one of the new group’s prime movers.
Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, Jonathan Sy and Edwin Reyes are the
other managers in the group.
Mariano heads Bugsy Promotions which has a stable of
superstar players that include former double world champion Ronnie Alcano, 2007
World Pool Championship runner-up Roberto Gomez, Doha Asian Games gold medalist
Antonio "Gaga" Gabica and silver medal winner Jeff de Luna and former World Pool
League titlist Dennis Orcollo.
Puyat manages former world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes, Alex
Pagulayan and former world No. 1 Francisco "Django" Bus-tamante, while Sy heads
the rising Negros Billiards Stable that has reigning national champion Lee Van
Corteza and veteran internationalist Rodolfo Luat as its top players.
Edwin Reyes handles former World Juniors campaigner Renemar
David, among others.
Puyat said the BPMAP will complement the programs of the
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, the sport’s national sports
association.
