AS a passionate advocate for the sport of billiards, the Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) is reaching out to someone committed to revitalizing its status in the Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino.
As the son of Perry Mariano, who has long championed the development of world-class Filipino billiards’ players, Hadley Mariano, SBA founder, is eager to continue his father’s legacy by ensuring that their athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Through the SBA, the Marianos are working to professionalize and elevate billiards to new heights, providing a structured platform for both emerging and elite players.
“Given the POC’s role in shaping the national sports landscape, we would like to explore a partnership between SBA and POC to strengthen the sport’s presence and ensure its long-term success,” said young Mariano.
“One key initiative we are currently preparing is the SBA Philippine Open 2025, set to take place on April 21 to 27, 2025. This premier event will bring together top local and international players, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a powerhouse in the global billiards’ scene. More than just a competition, the SBA Philippine Open 2025 will serve as a major scouting event for SBA, identifying and recruiting the next generation of elite Filipino players,” said Mariano.
“This event will provide aspiring athletes with a platform to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and earn opportunities to compete professionally both locally and internationally,” he added.
Mariano extended his formal request for a meeting with Tolentino to discuss the possibility of securing POC’s sanction of the event, while exploring other collaborative opportunities that will benefit Filipino players and further institutionalize billiards within the POC framework.
“We believe that with the POC’s support, this event can serve as a stepping stone for billiards to gain broader national recognition and open doors for more athletes to represent the country internationally. Additionally, we are excited to share that Season 2 of the Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) is set to launch on June 2, 2025. Following the overwhelming success of Season 1, which showcased the immense talent of our Filipino billiards players, we are eager to build on this momentum,” added Mariano, emphasizing that the SBA is a professional/amateur pool league.
“We strongly believe that a partnership with POC would not only elevate the league, but also create more opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level, further solidifying billiards as a premier sport in the country. I believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future for billiards in the Philippines.”