An exhibition match between Filipino pool legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante and a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) highlighted the invitational billiard tournament in Manila City Jail Male Dormitory (MCJMD) on Monday evening.
Titled ‘Sagupaan sa Oblo’, the PDL, who is also a billiard enthusiast, won over Bustamante in a score of 2-0.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard, Bustamante noted this program for the PDLs describing it as a ‘good exercise’ and stressing that many good Filipino players are not yet exposed.
“Maybe in the future, one of the PDLs here will become a world champion. These tournaments are a great blessing for you, so I hope you will treat this as an opportunity to make your lives better especially once you are released,” he said.
He added that despite being jailed, PDLs can still hope for a better life but focus and discipline is still necessary.
For his part, jail warden Supt. Lino Soriano underscored that the tournament is a testament to their tagline, ‘we serve, we care, we transform’.
“All billiard enthusiasts, whether PDL or BJMP personnel, will be given an opportunity to discover their talent in playing this game. Filipinos are recognized globally because of this game, one of whom is our guest player in this tournament,” he said.
Among the players of the 8-ball and 9-ball tournament were jail wardens in Metro Manila as well as personnel and PDLs in the city jail.
