Newly-crowned world pool champion Alex Pagulayan blew into town yesterday and reiterated his desire to represent the Philippines in future international competitions, including next year’s world championship.
“I am a Canadian citizen, the only reason why I am carrying that country’s colors in international competitions. But now that there is already a law granting dual citizenship, I am declaring my availability to represent the Philippines next year,” said the 26-year-old Toronto-based Pagulayan upon his arrival from Taipei, site of the just-ended world championship.
Pagulayan, who was born in Cabagan, Isabela, defeated home bet Pei Wei Chang, 17-13, in the finals to improve on his runnerup finish last year in Cardiff, Wales where he lost to Thorsten Hohmann of Germany.
It marked the first time since 1992 that a player reached the final for two consecutive years. Earl "The Pearl" Strickland of the United States did the trick in 1991 and 1992.
The only difference is that the Strickland won on both occasions.
"But I will duplicate that feat next year, this time carrying the colors of my country of birth, " boasted Pagulayan, who was accompanied by chief benefactor Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
The Pagulayans migrated to Toronto in 1994. His mother Sonia works as a nanny.
Pagulayan, who describes himself as the only one who is jobless in the family, said he is dedicating his victory to the Filipino people, particularly President Macapagal-Arroyo.
"Pilipino ako at katunayan, ang mga supporters ko simula nang mag-bilyar ako ay mga Pilipino," the 5-foot-3 Pagulayan disclosed.
Pagulayan mentioned among others Andrew and Norma Lee, owners of Delpa Specialies, Inc., their son Winston and wife as his main backers.
"That is why I am very thankful to them for their valuable support. Without them, I would not have reached the status I am enjoying now," he said.
He also thanked his friends Isley Sy, Ryan Tan, Patrick Pua, and Mike Tanto.
Pagulayan, who also plays chess and basketball, said he first learned to use the cue at the age of 16 at the Barracuda Billards Center on Nakpil Street in Ermita. Among his boyhood friends and neighbors were Bulletin assistant sports editor Willie Caballes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante.
For lack of opponents in Canada, where, he said, billiards is not that popular, he makes it a point to visit the Philippines twice or even thrice a year just to play and earn a living.
"Hindi masyadong popular ang bilyar sa Canada. But after my second place finish last year, medyo dumami na ang tournament. Now that I won the championship, I believe it will lead to a boom of the sport there," he noted.
Nothwithstanding, Pagulayan said that won’t stop him from playing for the country in the coming international meets if given the opportunity.
"Maraming magagaling na player dito. Nandyan pa rin sina Bata, Django at iba pa. Sila pa rin ang pinakamagagalaing sa mundo. Kumbaga, nataon lang na sinuwerte ako. I’m sure na babalik sila at gusto ko sana, makasama nila ako, para sa Pilipinas at sa kababayan kong Pilipino," he said.
