Bata, other billiard greats to play in int'l billiard tourney in Dumaguete
By Rachelle M. Nessia
Dumaguete City (19 October) -- Billiard champ The Magician Efren "Bata" Reyes is expected to lead the pack of Filipino and international billiard greats who will see action during the International 9-Ball Championship in Dumaguete City on November 14 to 17, 2007.
The Filipino cue artists will battle it out with their foreign counterparts, the likes of Immonen of England and Pong Paw Chan of Taiwan in a single round international 9-ball championship game here.
According to Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo, the provincial government is now gearing up its preparations for the upcoming international event, which marks the fiesta celebration of Dumaguete City.
This is the first time that the province and the city will host a billiard event of this magnitude, said Sedillo in a statement.
The first time Reyes and other Filipino billiard players saw action in Dumaguete was also during the city's fiesta celebration where they squared off against local players.
The provincial government, with the help of the private sector, acquired the rights to host the event that is also aimed at boosting efforts to promote Negros Oriental.
The province's Sports Facilities Board of Management Chairperson Glynda Descuatan said this is a great opportunity for the province to advance tourism, acquire investments and push for a higher level of sports development.
Meanwhile, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited the picturesque volcanic island of Camiguin anew Oct. 17 to grace the 28th Lanzones Festival, one of Mindanao's cultural and tourism offerings.
The President had, in the past, always taken time from her hectic schedule to join the local residents in the colorful thanksgiving festivities in this province aimed at further enhancing Camiguin's tourism program. (PIA) [top]
