By Yako Colgante
Philippine billiards legends Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and carom champion Francisco de la Cruz will spearhead the coaching and development program of the newly established National League for Billiard Sports of the Philippines (NLBSPh), which aims to usher in a new era for the sport while prioritizing the welfare and growth of Filipino athletes.
The NLBSPh formally takes over as the country's recognized governing body for billiards following the dissolution of the Billiards Sports Congress of the Philippines (BSCP), which was suspended by the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports over governance issues, including its failure to conduct regular elections and concerns involving conflicts of interest.
For the past several years, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) served as caretaker of the sport while efforts were being made to address the concerns raised by the continental federation. The BSCP's inability to comply with these requirements eventually led to the formation of the NLBSPh as the country's new national sports association for billiards.
Speaking during the federation's inaugural general assembly at the Solaire Theater in Pasay City on Wednesday, NLBSPh president Atty. Wharton Chan emphasized that the organization's mission goes beyond winning medals and titles.
"We are very serious in bringing back the luster of Filipino billiards," said Chan, who also serves as secretary-general of the POC.
"We are optimistic the programs we are laying down will put the Philippines back where it is supposed to be in world billiards."
Central to the federation's plans is the establishment of a stronger support system for athletes, including structured grassroots development, coaching education, talent identification, international exposure and programs that ensure players receive the guidance and opportunities needed to excel on and off the table.
The assembly gathered some of the country's top billiards talents, including world champions and national team standouts Carlo Biado, Johann Chua, Rubilen Amit, AJ Manas, Basil Hassan Alshajjar, Reyna Maria Legaspi, Carmille Buhat, Michael Angelo Mengorio, Sofhia Yvanca Rosales, Rhaki Roj Constantino, Charles Ladiana and Alfredo Ferrer.
Joining Chan in leading the federation are secretary-general Kevin Wong, treasurer Dr. Paulo Pagteilan Jr., executive director Roselyn Hung and executive director for external affairs Alfredo Ferrer.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino attended the historic gathering and expressed full support for the new federation as it prepares athletes for major international competitions, including the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games.
Tolentino believes the federation is well-positioned to strengthen the country's standing in the global billiards community, citing Chan's strong relationships with leaders of the Asian and international billiards circuits.
For Chan, however, the federation's long-term success will ultimately be measured by how it serves its athletes.
"The future of Philippine billiards depends on how well we take care of our players, develop young talent and create opportunities for them to succeed," Chan said. "By bringing together our legendary champions, accomplished coaches and the current generation of elite competitors, we are building a system that will support athletes at every stage of their careers and restore the Philippines as a powerhouse in world billiards."
With a renewed focus on good governance, athlete welfare and sustainable development, the NLBSPh hopes to lead Filipino billiards into a new chapter—one built not only on championship victories but also on the long-term growth and well-being of the athletes who carry the country's colors on the world stage.
