Philippine pool legend Efren 'Bata' Reyes, also known as 'The Magician,' celebrates his 71st birthday with adoring fans at the Pacman Cue Club (PCC) at the Worldwide Corporate Center in Mandaluyong City on August 26, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- As he turns 71 years old, Philippine billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes is glad to be able to mentor and help the next generation of Filipino talent.
The billiards icon is open to teaching and guiding aspiring players in the hopes of keeping the Philippines on the map in the sport.
Reyes is confident that there are plenty of great Filipino cue artists -- especially in the provinces -- who can join the ranks of two-time World Pool Champion Carlo Biado, and World Pool Champions Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno.
"Marami tayong mga player na magagaling ngayon, hindi lang sila. Yung mga player natin ang mga kabataan, hindi pa nila nakikilala na sa ibang probinsya pa, hindi pa sila lumilitaw. Pero siguro pag lumitaw na yun makikilala na sila ng husto," Reyes said Tuesday, during his birthday celebration in Mandaluyong.
"Hindi pa sila nakakapunta ng mga ibang lugar dahil ko lang sila sponsor. Paano sila magkakaroon ng sponsor? Eh hindi pa sila kilala. Kailangan, magpakita sila, pakita nila yung galing nila," he added.
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According to "The Magician," there is more support now especially from the government and the private sector, but more needs to be done in terms of exposure.
After an illustrious career, Reyes said he would have wanted to play for the Olympics, where he could possibly deliver a gold medal for the country.
With more young players on the rise, he believes one of them could follow in his footsteps someday and fulfill his dream.
"Yung mga pangarap ko, yung gusto magkaroon ng Olympics, hindi ko na kayang talunin yun, saka may edad na. Pero gusto ko pa rin na magkaroon ng Olympic, para sa ating mga kabataan ngayon na umuusbong, at gumagaling, baka sila ang pumalit sa akin," Reyes said.
"Pwede, dahil bata pa sila eh. Ang pwede lang gumawa ng ganyan yung mga bata ng galing sa mga edad na ganyan. Pero yung mga edad na mga iba, nasa 30 na, hindi na kakayanin," he added.
-- 'THE MAGICIAN' --
Philippine pool legend Efren 'Bata' Reyes, also known as 'The Magician,' celebrates his 71st birthday with adoring fans at the Pacman Cue Club (PCC) at the Worldwide Corporate Center in Mandaluyong City on August 26, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
The 71-year-old had a simple piece of advice for current and aspiring players.
"Mag-concentrate sila, mag-aral ng mabuti, walang bisyo, tulog kaagad, walang puyatan, wala ginagawang masama bisyo. Kailangan laging malakas yung katawan nila, malusog. Lalong-lalo na ang mata nila, kailangan malinaw," he said.
Reyes was honored on his birthday, August 26, with a thanksgiving celebration held in Mandaluyong City.
His birthday coincided with the launch of the official biography "The Magician" and the grand opening of the Pacman's Cue Club.
"Maganda ito. Ito mga billyaran na linagay dito. Hindi lang para sa akin kungdi sa mga kapwa kong bilyarisya rin. At lalong-lalong na yung mga kabataan na gustong gumaling. At saka yung mga antigo mga player na, dati na mga player na hindi na masyado makagalaw at pwede rin sila dito," Reyes said.
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He believes aspiring billiards players may learn a thing or two from his book.
Reyes said he never thought he would become one of the greatest billiards players of all time when he was starting out.
"Wala ako na isip dati na ganito na magiging bilyarista ko. Ang alam ko lang na dito, laro lang, money game lang doon kikita. Pero hindi ko alam nung magiging sport itong bilyar. Dahil dati, na-dodos por dos ako, pinapalo ako, pag nakita ako sa bilyaran," he said.
Reyes is very grateful that he is still getting support and being recognized as a legend in billiards even until now. He said he still gets invites from all over the world to play pool, especially the United States.
In his storied career, Reyes said the most memorable for him was when he won the World Pool Championship in 1999, since he the world took notice of not just him but also the Philippines.
The 71-year-old is looking forward to the upcoming Reyes Cup, which features the best from the world. He assured he will be there to support the Filipino players and those representing Team Asia, the defending champions.
The 2025 Reyes Cup is set for October 16 to 19 and will be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
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