USOP Taipei Report

I've missed Taipei so much. Some of my fondest poker memories have been in Taipei. One trophy, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (twice) so after being away for 3 years, I was excited to be back. This time it is for USOP, backed by the same company that owns Upoker. It's extra sweet because Upoker has a special place in my heart with all the history, and now owned and operated by my friends. 

Views from Elephant "Mountain"

Almost every event I ran up a good stack

Being it's inaugural event, no one knew the numbers to expect. But not only it surpassed expectations, it broke records for international events held in Taipei! There were also support from players all over the world, as far as Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Mauritius, USA, France etc. A lot of my friends also attended and it was great to see some of them do really well, running deep and taking down trophies. 

Nice sunset

I however did not have a great series. I am personally not a fan of the "play to ITM" on day one. It becomes a marathon and quite strenuous. I admit I overplayed a few hands but the key hands I have lost have all been coolers on the wrong side. AJ vs QQ on a AJxQJ run out, 55 vs QQ on 589Qx, AA top set vs K high flush draw. But I did do well in the PLO KO event where I got as low as 5bb and came back to knock out 7 players. I could have played safe to sneak into the money but I played to win and had 45% chance to quadruple up on the bubble. Alas I didn't get there so ended the trip with no ITM record. But it was a fun series.

金峰卤肉饭 yummmm

Me being a foodie, I've always enjoyed Taipei for it's food. Unfortunately on the third day I had a very serious food poisoning incident. I even had fever and chills. But that did not stop me from having my favorite foods, and finding new favorite restaurants there. My best experience was at Sushiro, where they served reasonable priced quality sushi. We went there 3 times during the trip. Needless to say I put on weight this trip, but quickly lost it after fasting as soon as I returned home. 

I probably ate 20+ plates of Negitoro this trip

Taipei is a nice place to chill, especially when it has cool weather. I particularly enjoyed the night walks and bike rides. We also took a day to hike up Elephant Mountain for views of the city and Taipei 101. Overall it is a wholesome city to visit and I hope I can return again soon. 

Bike ride with boo

Charity Work for the Next 6 Months (HappyRiver fund)

Since a few years ago in Taipei I started pledging 10% of my income to helping others, and as I travel to Taipei again today it seems fitting to renew my pledge. The past couple of years was rough, my investments many down the drain, for a while there was no stable income, poker income was erratic at best and every now and again I would get another unpleasant surprise. However I did my best to continue this pledge but somehow I have a great feeling about 2023. 

Post Odette destruction

10% of my income is a drop in the ocean. I know I can't even make a dent in the world's problems. But my philosophy has been to inspire others with what I do. If I can get others to do the same, then my impact would be compounded. In December 2021, typhoon Rai a.k.a. typhoon Odette hit the Philippines and brought destruction along it's way. Over 400 people perished during the ordeal, countless homes and buildings destroyed. Amongst the destruction was the Word of Faith Christian Church on Siargao Island. My good friend Pedro whom I've worked with in Cambodia reached out and I started getting involved in the rebuilding process even though just tiny donations here and there. But I felt this was a great project, as I hope it would inspire the entire church to pay it forward to people around them. 

Imagine if this happened to your home

I've always said this, giving money is the easy way out. Watching them rebuild the church brick by brick, women and children helping out by serving food to the builders, everyone coming together as a community, offering their time and care, that's the essence of giving. I'm blessed to be in the poker industry, flexible hours, no nagging bosses or whiny customers, lots of time with loved ones. To give back a little to people in less fortunate positions than I seems a fair exchange to me. When I was in Morocco, even giving as little as €0.50 meant the difference of a few meals or starving in the cold. Whilst we are trying to save for a new phone, car, house, there are people just fighting to live another day. 

Give to one, you change a life. Inspire one, you change many lives

You might say, why rebuild a church when the money can be used to feed the hungry, rebuild homes, build a school, etc. There are so many needs, but only this much money. My hope is that every Sunday as the church gathers, they will be reminded to bless others in their paths. I can't be fighting every fire, saving every life. But if I can get one more person inspired, then I would have done the work of two. 

For the upcoming 6 months, I will pledge a minimum of $3000 for this church. In past fundraising efforts, my friend Jonathan and his poker buddies joined in as well. If you are inspired and would like to join in, please contact me at happyriverpoker@gmail.com otherwise, do something that you're passionate about. Offer your time, care, kind words, smiles, hugs, energy, effort or money to help someone less fortunate. Put yourself in their shoes, and think of how you would wish for someone's help. And to tell you my secret, the more you give, the more you get - to give.