Overseas Pinoys vie in RP pool tilt

Eleven overseas Filipinos who work abroad as pool instructors and professional players are coming home to take part in the 2006 BSCP National Pool Championship scheduled to start on Aug. 15.

Led by US-based Jose "Amang" Parica, the OFW players are coming from Japan, the Middle East and the US.

Coming from Japan are Ruel Esquillo, Cresencio Baliton, Elvis Perez, and Ramil Gallego.

From the Middle East, the players are Mario Tolentino, Joven Bustamante, James Ortega, Elmer Haya, and Elvis Calasang. Tolentino placed third in the 2005 Solar Sports Philippine Open.

Another player coming from the US is Rommel Roque, a resident of California.

Parica reigned as Filipino champion in the ‘70s and ‘80s. He led the Filipino invasion of international pool when he made his mark in Japanese and US international competition. At 55, he continues to play at top level, as he garnered second place in the highly prestigious 2005 US Open and took the Master of the Table title in the 2004 Derby City Classic.

In competing in the 2006 NPC, the OFW players will be seeking four coveted slots in the World Pool Championship in Manila in November, first place money of P1 million and the title of Filipino National Pool Champion.

The OFW players are scheduled to arrive this weekend.