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| SBA founder/commissioner Hadley Mariano (third from left) and PTV 4 OIC General Manager Oscar Orbos (second from left) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for SBA’s Season 2 PH Open 2025 to be held at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. They were joined by GAB chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera (left) and PTV 4 executive Atty. Pamela Parce. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Sharks Billiards Association) |
The Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) officially launched the Philippine Open 2025 via a milestone press conference and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. The event also marked the start of a media partnership with People’s Television Network (PTV) as the league's newest broadcast partner and laid out the direction of one of the biggest professional billiards tournaments in the country.
The press conference gathered key stakeholders in the billiards, broadcast, and regulatory sectors, offering insight into SBA’s vision, tournament structure, and its rising stature in the world of Philippine cue sports. The event was attended by high-ranking officials and respected figures including SBA Founder and Commissioner Hadley Mariano, Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Francisco Rivera, People's Television Network Inc. Chairperson of the Board and OIC-General Manager Oscar M. Orbos, People’s Television Network Inc. Legal and Administrative Officer Atty. Pamela Parce, and team owners representing SBA’s founding franchises: Reynato Roallos Jr., Manila MSW Mavericks; Atty. Glenn Michael Nuestro, Quezon City Dragons; Edmund Jose, Taguig Stallions; and Marc Yao, Negros Occidental Pillars. Rivera highlighted the surging interest in billiards, noting GAB’s data on tournament growth. He said, “In 2019, we only had seven sanctioned events. By 2024, that number grew to 35 — and we’ve already recorded 15 in the first quarter of 2025. This momentum shows the sport is thriving. I give the SBA two thumbs up for creating a platform where our players can shine professionally.”
Mariano revealed that SBA has already exceeded its registration goal of 128 players for the Philippine Open 2025 and is now preparing to open additional slots due to overwhelming interest. The tournament will follow international 9-ball rules with a Race to 7 format in the early rounds and a Race to 13 in the finals. Although the full prize distribution is still being finalized, Mariano confirmed that the ₱1M (one million pesos) prize pool would allocate approximately 30-40% to the overall champion. He also emphasized SBA’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that female cue artists are welcome and encouraged to join the tournament. Through the league's non-exclusive media partnership with PTV, SBA matches — including those from the Philippine Open — will be aired on primetime television in a dedicated two-hour broadcast slot. “This partnership is a game-changer. We’re bringing billiards into Filipino homes nationwide. And while PTV will be our lead partner, other networks are also welcome to broadcast SBA games. This is about growing the sport, not limiting it,” said Mariano.
When asked about the long-term direction of SBA, Mariano didn’t mince words, stating, “Our goal is for SBA to become the NBA of billiards — a fully professional, highly competitive, and widely respected league that Filipino players can aspire to and be proud of.” This vision was supported by the league’s team owners in attendance, many of whom have begun scouting players from the Philippine Open to sign for SBA Season 2. Notably, powerhouse franchises like the Taguig Stallions and Manila MSW Mavericks are sponsoring top-tier players to compete in the Open as part of their recruitment strategy. Addressing the current suspension of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP), Mariano clarified that the SBA operates independently as a professional league under the GAB, commenting, “We are not affected by the BSCP’s situation, but we do hope for a resolution — for the sake of the sport at all levels.”
The SBA x PTV MOA signing was not just ceremonial — it signaled the start of a new, structured, and professional future for billiards in the country. With full broadcast support, strong franchise ownership, government backing, and a booming player base, the Philippine Open 2025 is more than a tournament — it’s a declaration that Filipino cue sports are ready for the national stage.
