Anywhere there is a billiard competition – here and abroad – this guy is expected to be mostly among the hordes of aspiring participants.
Carlo did not become a byword until he beat anyone of the big three in Philippine billiards: Efren “Bata” Reyes, Django Bustamante and Ronne Alcano who, not incidentally became respected champions of the World 9-ball tournaments.
The 34-year old Pinoy cue artist received an avalanche of Christmas blessings when he defeated countryman Roland Garcia, 13-5 in an All-Filipino final to capture his first World 9-ball Championship in Doha, Qatar last Thursday.
He went home with $30,000 or a whopping P1.8M, which by Philippine standards is way, way up the prize money ladder.
Biado’s victory was an energy-boosting shot in the arm because it has been seven long years – considered a drought in Philippine billiards colorful history – since the coveted championship was captured in 2010 by Franciso “Django” Bustamante.
That he won the trophy in a foreign shore speaks volumes of Biado’s consistency, courage and temerity.
In GenSan where Manny Pacquiao has hosted several caliber contests including two international editions, Biado was always in the thick of the fight, giving everyone a run for the money. (If my memory serves me right, he won one Pacquiao-sponsored tournament held at the SM Mall of GenSan a couple of years ago.)
I know not so much personally of the new 9-ball world king. The good -looking cue artist does most of his talking on the billiards table and is not scared to meet any of his esteemed older counterparts, including those coming from foreign shores.
I watched Carlo’s uncanny style in a Pacquiao-sponsored tournament in GenSan executing difficult but accurate shots and one is easily reminded of the heroic exploits of his predecessors.
From afar, I would concede that Biado has the makings of another great champion who will carry on the colors of the Philippine flag anywhere in the world.
The guy is calm, cool and collected.
I wish I had asked him his secret for maintaining such a demeanor even when facing the most difficult odds.
But you see, all cue artists worth their salt will tell you that presence of mind – or focus – is what one must have every moment you get into a contest.
I see that one does not take for granted whoever is the fellow holding the cue at the other end.
In billiards, you can be swept off your feet with even just the slightest mistake.
In this sense, one must have the killer instinct.
Meaning, don’t give your foe even the slightest opportunity to make another cue shot on the table.
Today, our heretofore unknown neighbors in the Southeast Asian region are already giving us a headache as many of their youths are taking up the sport in lieu of football, badminton, lawn and table tennis, karate cycling etc.
This is because billiards can be played right at home.
No longer the heir apparent but the heir himself, Biado has unwittingly transformed himself as the new paragon of Philippine billiards.
Congratulations, Carlo. May your tribe increase! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Psam 118:5. “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.” 9GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
