THANK YOU!

Live Reporting

I have nothing but profound gratitude for the entire APT Championship 2025 experience on and off the felt. Except for that one time I got food poisoning and thought I was going to die, everything went smoothly.

There was one morning, I said I go out for a walk at around 5:30 AM, and I ended up jogging, then running, then before I knew it - 18kms had gone within two hours. Not a straight run. I'd rest and walk a bit, but this was something I hadn't done in years. I didn't even know if I had the legs to do it, but I went on anyway. Running is always a personal thing. It's just you and your mind. One wants to give up and the other pushes on. Add that with a killer playlist and everything is fun.

Later that afternoon, since it was my day off, I was able to experience Yongkang St., which was coined as the 4th coolest street in the world. Awesome walk, great vibe. Then I also got to see Da'An Park, which was the "Central Park" of Taipei. Wonderful experience. Everyone smiling as you walk by.

Of course, I'm always grateful for my favorite Chinita's Cubano. Ever since I "endorsed" them to the poker players and the media staff, they give me freebies when it's my turn to order. I got a cookie one time and a chance to pick from a box of Swiss chocolates. 

"Don't you want to read the flavors?"

I just quoted Gump - "Life is like a box of chocolates, you'll never know what you might find." Mine had a burst of brandy. YUM.

Then, the Catalans and Santi from Trip of Poker arrived. We've partied out in Taipei before and "mas cervezas" is always a good thing with these guys. We watched Santi go from one blind to finish runner-up in the NLH - Single Re-Entry. So much fun!

Trip of Poker With Pokerism

Abraham Ceesvin

Happy Birthday, Kunal "Retired Fish" Patni

The APT Players' Party was kick-ass. Dancing with Gabby Barredo - priceless. Losing my shit with Greg-Goes-All-In - even more. Getting to cheers with Ceesvin, core memory. Celebrating Kunal Patni's birthday - wow. Getting to hang with Fabian Gumz and Tobias Schwecht - really good times. Able to toast a glass with Shiina Okamoto - nice! Getting some encouragement from Fred Leung - grateful.

Of course, I didn't stay too long. Had to write an intro the next day. So I left around 3AM and walked back to my hotel about 5 kilometers away through the quiet streets of Taipei in 19-degree celsius weather, listening to my tunes and just enjoying the experience. I was sober by the time I got back to the hotel.

As the series came to a close, I was happy to find some friendly faces like Hazel Chui and Jennifer Tan Singer. I saw them play during the Players Series and then I saw Jennifer again in APT Jeju. I'm telling you, these ladies will soon be household names in the world of poker. Give it a year or two. Not only do they play well, they are easy on the eyes. Such lovely smiles to accompany such wonderful energy.

Hazel Chui

Jennifer Tan Singer

Had some airport time to travel with Tricia David of So Much Poker, where I once worked for her. She discontinued me after some errors during my stint at USOP Hai Phong, but our time together at the airport I suppose brought some "closure" to that chapter and we can move on. Apart from being my former employer, she is still a dear friend after all with nearly three decades of crazy stuff.

I found out during the series that my former art manager had passed. She was also my ex, but more than that, she was the one who got me started on my art career. And if you didn't know - that career has grown beyond my expectations. It was sad that I was stuck in Taipei and unable to attend the wake and pay my respects. I just had to do it from another part of the world. I guess that's why I was able to run 18km. Thankful to Tricia (she was our common friend also) for the hug and to Laura who also extended her sympathies. Thank you!

My thanks also to Dimitri for the great company at the Night and Day Bar for two nights - upon arrival and upon exit. I won't apologize for calling you inefficient during our coverage of the Mini High Roller, but you were in over your head for live reporting. However, you are a good person with a good heart, and I hope you find a way to continue to share your media experience with poker, but maybe stick away from the writing.

Thanks also to Maverick. That last night - epic! "Crash and burn, Mav. Crash and burn." Until the next time.

Of course, Laura - working with you is so easy. Sadly, we didn't partner up the entire time like in Jeju. But still - always a pleasure and always a smooth time.

Thanks to my other co-bloggers and writing team - Ben, Kai, Tim, Dan, Myles, Gabby, Tricia, Laura, Alan, Mark. To the OG photOGraphers - Nantha, Maverick, Enzo, Gopi and the rest.

Oh and wait! Congratulations WAYNE LAM!!!! I met Wayne back in APT Taipei and he was about to enter the Main Event final table. We were having a meal at Chinita's Cubano and had small conversation. Once again, in this series, we talked a bit - caught up, wished him well. Then, on the day of the Mini High Roller, I wrote about the Upcomers and mentioned him among others. You can read about that HERE.

Then, he was a hair away from being the bubble and got past that. And I told him, "You got past the bubble, now pay jump." He did more than that, from the 27th spot into the bubble, he made the final table and went back to Day 3. Unfortunately, I flew out on the day he played the final table an WON IT!!!! Wish I could've been there! I'll see you next series

Maverick and Laura

SHOTS

So much to be grateful for. Right now, I'm grateful for sleep. I can finally sleep an entire day to catch up from the insomnia that comes with APT. Sleep a few days and recharge, then maybe jump in the Manila Megastack. If I do, you'll read about it here.