MANILA – Billiards legend Jose “Amang” Parica is staging a lucrative tournament bearing his name next year.
The inaugural Amang Parica Cup will be held in Manila this coming February.
Parica, now based in Los Angeles, where he runs his own home care, is in talks with three private individuals willing to help him put up the tournament, including the prize money.
“Nag-aagawan pa nga sila (They’re even fighting),” said the 77-year-old during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum Tuesday at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.
“Malakihan ang premyo. We are looking at PHP1 million for first prize. Open sa lahat (The prize is substantial. We’re looking at P1 million for the first prize. It’s open to everyone),” said Parica, winner of a hundred titles since he turned pro in 1974.
He has the great distinction of winning a race-to-11 contest from the opening break – without missing a single shot.
Parica scored the unmatched feat in the 1997 Legends of 9-Ball tournament backed by the Pro Billiards Tour, where he met Efren “Bata” Reyes in the finals and defeated the Filipino star.
“Efren is a good friend,” said Parica, a household name in the 1980s. He competed in the 1987 SEA Games in Jakarta and won the silver. The following year, he was crowned world 9-ball champion.
“Pero ang alam ko, apat na beses ko tinalo si Bata dati (But what I know is, I’ve beaten Bata four times before),” added Parica, who was accompanied by his son Ramon.
Parica said the tournament format will depend on the number of entries. He’s looking at 256 players kicking off with a nationwide qualifying tournament, with the top 128 seeing action in Manila for the main draw.
“Sa qualifying tournament pa lang, may premyo na ang winners (In the qualifying tournament alone, the winners already have prizes),” said Parica, adding that he is open to staging an exhibition match pitting himself against Reyes or boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
“Pwede kami ni Efren. Sana maulit (Efren and I can do it. I hope it happens again),” said Parica, who figured in six San Miguel Beer commercials, co-starring with boxing legend Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Reyes and the Apo Hiking Society. (PNA)
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LEGEND. Jose “Amang” Parica talks about a lucrative billiards event bearing his name during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room on Tuesday (Oct. 20, 2026). The inaugural Amang Parica Cup is set for February next year in Manila.
