Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes turns 71, launches biography, and opens Pacman’s Cue Club in star-studded celebration

Philippine billiards icon Efren “Bata” Reyes marked his 71st birthday in fitting fashion—by being surrounded with friends, fans, and fellow legends of the sport, all gathered to honor him at Pacman’s Cue Club in Mandaluyong City.

Reyes, who arrived to a wave of cheers and warm greetings, was visibly moved by the celebration.

“Ito okay naman. Parang nararamdaman ko hindi pa ako tumatanda, parang bata pa ako. Itong ginawang birthday para sa akin na ito napakasaya,” he said.

“Sa totoo lang, ang lahat ng ito bahagi ng isang napakalaking adhikain na hindi ko inakala ang isang pinangarap lamang ay nagsimula na.”

Among those in attendance were fellow pool greats Marlon “The Marvelous Captain” Manalo and Francisco “Django” Bustamante.

“Wish ko kay Efren lagi siyang tuloy-tuloy siyang maglaro, lagi siyang malakas. Huwag siya hihinto maglaro kasi pag tumigil siya maglaro baka humina siya. Happy ako kay Efren na ine-enjoy niya yung paglaro, passion niya yun eh,” Manalo said. “Lahat ng ito ay pagpupugay namin ni senator [Manny] Pacquiao para sa iyo. Happy Birthday.”

Bustamante added:“Alam mo naman na love na love kita. Kahit matanda na tayo, tayo parin. Kaya sanay ay abutin ka pa ng maraming maraming taon. Maraming salamat sa Manalo brothers pinasaya niyo kumpare ko.”

In true Reyes fashion, the billiards wizard delighted everyone by demonstrating his still-razor-sharp skills on the table.

It was also the perfect occasion to launch his official biography, “The Magician,” penned by his compatriot Manalo.

“Hindi ko ho inaakala may maglalakas ng loob na sumulat ng buhay ko, hindi lang bilang manlalaro kung hindi pati ang buhay ng isang Efren Bata sa likod ng lamesang ito,” Reyes said.

Manalo, who started working on the book in 2019, said the biography is an unfiltered look into Reyes’ journey.

“Yung mga totoong nangyari from Efren, coming from Efren. Tiyanaga po namin yan for six years, lagi kaming nagkukwentuhan. Pumupunta kami Pampanga from morning til evening. Hindi yon isang araw-araw.”

“Gusto namin ito yung totoong buhay ni Efren. Walang retoke, ito yung totoong Efren kung paano siya naging from humble beginning, ’til humble end. Pati buhay pamilya niya, challenges niya sa buhay, sobrang nakaka-inspire,” he added.

 “Hindi lang pala puro success talaga. Ang dami palang pinagdaanan ni Efren. Andun din yung time na minsan umayaw narin siya sa bilyar eh. Kaya lang siguro gusto ng tadhana na magkaroon tao ng kababayan na irrefutable, unarguably na greatest of all time player.”

The celebration also marked the grand opening of Pacman’s Cue Club, envisioned as a home for both seasoned and aspiring billiards players. Reyes expressed gratitude to former eight-division world boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao for the support.

“Nagkaroon ng isang billiard hall ang ating mga batikang bilyaristang Pilipino. Mga bilyaristang nagiingay at gumagawa ng pangalan hindi lamang sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo. At mga kabataang nangangarap maging billiards ang sport,” Reyes said.

“Ang Pacman’s Cue Club po ay naglalayon na itaas ang antas ng ating mga bilyarista, hindi lang po sa larong kanto kungdi ang billiard as a sport with a home called PCC.”

Proceeds from the club, the book, and related merchandise will help support current, retired, and emerging billiards athletes.

Looking ahead, Reyes remains hopeful that a new generation of Filipino cue artists will continue the country’s proud tradition.

As part of the weeklong celebration, the Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Championship runs from August 27 to 30, boasting a P2 million prize pool—with P1 million going to the champion and the remainder shared among other competitors.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.