My Poker Journey in 2019

At the beginning of the year I set a few goals for myself not really knowing my path for 2019.

* Spend more time studying and reflecting

* Improve my ITM rate

* Improve my focus and patience

* Degen-free for 2019 

* Keep better track and management of my money

* Doing right things, doing things right

First of all I did spend time studying and reflecting. Maybe not as much as I should but I can honestly say I am a better player now than I was in the beginning of the year. I have made some new friends who have helped my game. 

Up till May 2019 I was still focusing on tournament poker. There were a few highlights, including breaking my lifetime 100k mark on Hendon, winning a high roller tournament against a tough field, playing the highest buy in event of my life (10k USD - won a satellite) seated next to John Juanda and Nananoko. My ITM rate is still not high enough but I managed to go deeper in my cashes than before. 12 cashes including finishing in the top 5 six times. 

I am also very proud that I went the whole year degen-free. No blackjack, baccarat, sports bet, or anything like that. Did do a last longer bet with an old friend but that was money in the bank anyways LOL. I am also quite pleased with the way I have managed my money and kept track of my results.

This year together with HKPPA we raised USD 3500 from my Charity Tournament for CCF. Also I had some personal donations to them and other causes. But I am most proud that I have inspired others to pay it forward in their own ways. I can only do this much but the impact of many can make a big difference. 

November and December were not as smooth and unless I get a huge score in the next couple of days, I am ending the year with 2 losing months in a row. However I am still grateful for the journey this year as I feel that I have grown so much as a person and a poker player, I was fortunate enough to move up stakes and played the highest stakes of my career so far, met and befriended some very interesting people, seen and experienced things that I would not have imagined. I saw some players snorting cocaine during the game, and just the other day, someone put a gun on the table. A couple of friends were kidnapped and beaten up by a rival private game and the kidnappers were arrested and it went on the news. Hopefully I have seen it all by now. 

I am thankful for this year in spite of some rough patches. I have learned to be happy in whatever situation, live a life of principles with positivity, don't judge, boast or be envious, always doing the right thing even when it's the unpopular choice. I have a feeling 2020 is going to be even bigger for me and I hope you will join me on this journey for another year!

Happy new year to all!

APF Manila Poker Room - REVIEW

This week I visited the Asian Poker Federation's first poker room in Manila for their soft opening. Grand opening will be on the 12th of January where they are running a USD 100K guaranteed tournament for only USD 100 buy in! Check out my YouTube video on Poker in Manila

Main poker room floor

The room is located at the Sheration Manila Bay Hotel (previously Pan Pacific). Years ago I was there at the old poker room owned by Manny Pacquiao but it got shut down. Now the place has a new facelift and looks and feels more professional than the old one.

Games start from 25/50 up to 100/200/500 with Holdem and PLO available. I managed to play a 500-a-point OFC session as well. Action is good, with mostly Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese players there. I had one insane PLO session when I ran 20k up to 170k in 4 hours. PS: PLO is not my main game

From 20k to 170k in a cash game

They have a "Final Table" setup and private rooms for special functions or private games. A comfortable rest area for guests who are waiting, a bar serving drinks and snacks, security guard and metal detector and can house up to 30 tables, and the theme is in my favourite colour blue.

Featured table ready for big events

The location is in Ermita, walking distance to the Robinson's Mall, I counted at least 10 hotels that are within 2 minutes walk, lots of restaurants and bars. If you feel like living in comfort, the Sheraton Manila Bay is great (I stayed there once when it was still Pan Pacific), highly recommend Pearl Garden Hotel that's just across the street.

Overall a great experience, highly recommend a visit, especially for the grand opening main event. I had a decent haul for my trip which made it just that bit sweeter!