The National League for Billiard Sports of the Philippines (NLBSPh) has assembled a star-studded coaching staff led by pool legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, signaling the start of a new chapter for Philippine billiards. Joining the decorated duo is carom specialist Francisco de la Cruz, who will help guide the country’s next generation of cue sports talents.

The newly formed federation officially takes over as the recognized governing body for billiards in the country following the dissolution of the Billiards Sports Congress of the Philippines (BSCP). The Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports suspended the BSCP over governance issues, including its failure to conduct regular elections and concerns involving conflicts of interest.

New era begins

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) previously assumed a caretaker role while efforts were made to address the issues surrounding the BSCP. However, the federation ultimately failed to comply with directives from its continental governing body, paving the way for the establishment of the NLBSPh.

Speaking during the organization’s inaugural general assembly at the Solaire Theater in Pasay City on Wednesday, NLBSPh president Atty. Wharton Chan emphasized the federation’s commitment to restoring the country’s standing in international billiards. He expressed confidence that the organization’s long-term development plans would help return the Philippines to the forefront of the sport.

“We are very serious in bringing back the luster of Filipino billiards,” Chan said during the gathering. He added that the federation is optimistic that its programs will help the country reclaim its place among the world’s elite billiards nations.

Several of the country’s top cue artists attended the historic assembly, underscoring broad support for the federation’s vision. Among those present were Carlo Biado, AJ Manas, Rubilen Amit, Johann Chua, Basil Hassan Alshajjar, Reyna Maria Legaspi, Carmille Buhat, Michael Angelo Mengorio, Sofhia Yvanca Rosales, Rhaki Roj Constantino, Charles Ladiana, and Alfredo Ferrer.

Stars unite for future

Chan is joined in the federation’s leadership team by secretary-general Kevin Wong, treasurer Dr. Paulo Pagteilan Jr., executive director Roselyn Hung, and executive director for external affairs Alfredo Ferrer. Together, they aim to strengthen the country’s talent pipeline while expanding opportunities for Filipino players on the international stage.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also attended the assembly and pledged his support for the federation’s programs. He highlighted the importance of upcoming international competitions, including this year’s Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games scheduled for next year.

Tolentino believes the federation is well-positioned to gain support from the global billiards community under Chan’s leadership. He pointed to the NLBSPh president’s strong relationships with leaders across Asian and world billiards organizations as a valuable asset in rebuilding the country’s influence in the sport.

Chan outlined an ambitious vision centered on restoring Philippine dominance in cue sports. He said the federation intends to combine the expertise of legendary figures such as Reyes and Bustamante with the talents of today’s top competitors to create a sustainable pathway for success.

“We are bringing together absolute icons as players and coaches in Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante with today’s fiercest competitors—Rubilen Amit, Chezka Centeno, Carlo Biado, Johann Chua, Basil Hasan Alshajjar and social media sensation AJ Manas,” Chan said.

With a blend of accomplished veterans, active champions, and rising stars, the NLBSPh hopes to usher in what it describes as a brand-new era of global dominance for Philippine billiards. The federation’s leaders believe the combination of experience, talent, and renewed governance will provide the foundation needed to restore the country’s proud tradition in international cue sports.