For decades, Philippine billiards has been famous for its star power— by the magical play of Efren Reyes and the fiery breaks of Francisco Bustamante. They were more than champions; they were artists, ambassadors, and standard bearers who carried the country’s pride across the world’s toughest tables.
But as age catches up with them and lures them away from the spotlight, a new question is evident: who carries the game in the coming years?
The answer may already be here.
Enter AJ Manas — the sport’s rising star, a fearless shot-maker with a nickname that smacks more of arrogance than flawless playmaking: “Starboy.”
Manas’ development has been swift, but far from accidental. Long before he captured international attention, he announced his arrival by winning the Hanoi Junior Open in Vietnam in 2023, a victory that exhibited not just raw talent, but ice-cold veins unseen for such a young player.
It was an early peek of a competitor who relishes the jaws of pressure rather than hides from it.
His real coming out party, however, came on a bigger stage — the 2025 Reyes Cup. Representing Team Asia, Manas delivered a gutsy performance that was both amazing and mesmerizing.
With every précised bank shot and fearless offensive repertoire, he destroyed opponents with a confidence that belied his age. By tournament’s end, he emerged not only as a winner, but as its Most Valuable Player, leading his squad to a sparkling 11–3 triumph over the Rest of the World team.
What makes Manas a cut above the rest is his style of play. He plays with wild abandon, often opting for risky but highly rewarding shots that wows crowds and exposes the weaknesses of opponents.
Yet beneath that bold approach lies a calm, almost undetectable demeanor. In larger-than-life moments, when matches tighten and margins are mere millimeters, Manas remains composed, his cue steady, his eagle eye, sharp. It is a balance of boldness and control that honors the greatness of those who came before him.
And that is where his remarkable story unfolds.
Because in Manas, one doesn’t simply see a talented player — one sees continuity. The Philippines has long been the mecca of billiards excellence, producing legends such as Amang Parica and rattlesnake Dodong Andam, whose influence are still felt to this day.
Now, as the old guard takes its well-earned bow, “Starboy” emerges not just a replacement, but as the next representative of that legacy.
His rise is more than a personal journey; it is a symbol that Philippine billiards remains in strong hands. The flair, the fighting stance, the Filipino creativity, they are all still there, now expressed through a new face with a modern touch.
The torch has passed. And in AJ Manas, it burns just as brightly.
(Photo courtesy of youtube.com)