Bye Jeju, Hello Taipei!

 I'm DONE! My work for APT Jeju 2025 as a live reporter/writer/media correspondent is done on Day 9. There's still one more day to go, but while they continue grinding on the felt, I am headed back home.

Anyway, I've been writing poker hands, recaps, intros... a lot of things that go behind sharing information about the APT Jeju 2025 series... 9 DAYS OF IT!

This now - at nearly 3AM - with a ride to the airport scheduled at 6AM is my ME time. I've caught up with my articles at Life of Poker and I just wanted to share this moment to be thankful for this opportunity to strengthen friendships, make new ones and also further my professional status in this wonderful world of poker.

Thank you, of course, to the guys behind APT - my colleagues, my employers, my team, my friends. It's always a pleasure to work with you. I'm not the most perfect - was reminded of that by Ben and Fred with the sinful booboo I wrote in one of my posts... but hey, life moves on and, in the end, they offered a firm handshake and welcomed me to continue to be a part of team in the upcoming APT Championship in Taipei this November. 

My next thanks are to my poker player friends - new and old. It means a lot that you read what I write - and that you correct the mistakes - like Nevan Chang does.... (well, the mistakes of my colleagues, never really mine, hehe) or that you give suggestions like Kunal Patni and Napat Chokejindachai do (forever thankful, you read my stuff!) and to those who constantly like my posts (thank you, John Matsuda)... and those who are so truly grateful for the stuff I write about them, they give me gifts! So much thanks, Gemmy Quach for the moon cakes! So so so thoughtful of you!

With Kunal Patni


Cakes from Gemmy


Ruru

Of course, although they weren't around this series - my Life of Poker bosses for without him I wouldn't have this wonderful experience. Joris Michl and Thijs Hilberts, so much thanks.

It's not an easy thing covering poker... Your friends are running hot sometimes with the chip lead and we're all smiles, but a bad beat can turn things around in an instant, and all of a sudden - there's something awkward. They're in pain also and it's not easy to talk to them after.

But in the wise words of a really cool player I've met - "you just have to keep showing up." So true about life as well. Thanks for that Kyle Magbanua!

And another reminder from Min Sung Lee - "I'm happy I just get to be here."

Also, I'd just like to give my sincere cheers to Joseph Cheong. In the Baby Superstar Challenge, I was preparing photos for elimination posts --- you know 9th to 2nd... but I refuesed to put his picture because I bet he would win. He didn't. Fuck! Did I jinx it!

Then, I had to cover the Zodiac Classic and sat near the action through the heads up and learned so much. I learned soooo much. When heads up begain, I said "Two time Zodiac Classic champion." And then, he lost a huge pot when his straight ran into a flush. I'm like I can't jinx this again. Phew --- I'm so happy he won it. I'm not a jinx after all.

And then, there's Abrahma Ceesvin - one of the nicest guys in the world and one of those people I love seeing in a series. Just so nice and easy to talk to. Back in Taipei 2024, he finished a runner-up. And then Taipei 2025, some of us media people were talking about how he deserved to win a big one. During the players party, after Day 3 Main Event, I said that I was cheering for him, that I said this was it. 

Guess what? "I told you so!" Nice to be there when you won it! 

"This is madness!" - to quote Abraham.

The Final Hand Was Still On The Table

Abraham Ceesvin APT Jeju 2025 Main Event Champion
Good job, bro! I told you so!

Beyond the poker, life throws its own fair share of beauty and sacred moments. I won't say much about it, but you just know you find good people to be in your life, those you can easily share things with and just click. Friends like that are invaluable and while you know you have to part ways - it just makes it more nice to want to see each other again in the next series.

Sharing This With The One Who Treated This To Me Was The Best Moment For Me In Jeju

Oh and thank you to the the guy and his wife who own the coffee shop, who were so helpful for me on my first day. You have the best little coffee shop and I sincerely hope to be back one day. 

Anyway - I have to pack my stuff and get ready for a trip to the airport and move back home to see my children and my sweet Nala, whom I can't wait to see wagging her tail in excitement. Lord knows I've been the one with the separation anxiety. LOL.

Thank you APT Jeju 2025! See you soon in Taipei for the APT Championship!




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