APT Manila Report and 2019 Self Review

First of all kudos to the APT team for breaking records and still managed a smooth series with great turnout for almost every event. The floor was run professionally and well, dealers still a bit new to short deck and shot clock but did a professional job. Many players I know steer away from Manila due to the smoky casino floor and safety issues. Honestly I do miss the smoke free room that used to be upstairs, or using ballrooms for poker events (which I believe in possibly in the cards) but for best tournament structures and an overall great experience, you can't miss the APT in Manila.

Most events I played in were uneventful except the short deck where I was 70% favourite on the all in turn, but as my recent 70/30s turned out, I lost the pot. In the high rollers I was check raised all in on a A97 rainbow flop by AJ that I called off with AK only to turn a Jack as usual. I did run deep in the championships making my first day3 in a while and only falling short a few spots from the final table. Again all in pre with 33 vs A3 (what would you know, another 70/30 spot) only for the guy to catch runner runner flush. Had I won that hand, who knows I might have gotten another pay jump or two. (each pay jump at that time was worth at least 2k USD)

My deep run in the Championships

When I first started the year, I didn't know how much poker I would be playing. Unlike me, I was only planning for the next week instead of further ahead. Each series' outcome would determine where I would go next. But since January I have been playing non-stop, either cash or tournaments and the dream still lives on. Nowadays if anyone asks me if I am a pro, I would admit that I am. However I feel it's just like any guy that tells you he's a businessman. But it doesn't mean his businesses are in the red or black.

Not 5 million, but still a decent score

In the last 4 months I have managed 10 cashes, including 4 FTs and 1 title. I am also ranked 5th amongst my countrymen (and women) in the POY standings. Considering the sickos on that list, being 5th is a respectable achievement. Still I lament the spots that were so close and could have made a world of difference in results. Sure I have had some run good moments, and I feel I am playing the best poker of my life, but some key hands could have made a decent outcome into a great one.

APT Taipei side event, JTss vs A high on a flop of 98x two spades. Ended up 2nd

WPT Vietnam PLO FT, middle set vs flush draw gut shot (70/30 again) for a monster chip lead. Ended up 5th

APL Taipei KO event, A8o vs J7o all in pre for 2nd in chips. Ended up 3rd

And my final hand in the championships 33 vs A3.

My results have not been spectacular, but if I won even one of these flips, it would have been a huge difference. Not that I am complaining about it, variance is something we have to live with. On the table I usually maintain my cool and take beats with a straight face. After all I feel super blessed to even be attempting to do this for a living. I do not believe in the poker gods nonsense but I do believe in God helps those who helps themselves, and reaping what you sow. With me appearing more regularly on the circuit, I do get more respect from my peers. And being the nice funny guy on the table, I make more friends than most other players on the table. I am always nice and a gentleman on and off the felt and uphold the culture of poker. I will continue to do so for as long as I can.

Check out my YouTube video on Poker in Manila