Poker, anyone? Philippine Poker Tour (PPT)

February 20, 2006 - Twenty satellite tournament winners have to date qualified for the Main Event of the Philippine Poker Tour (PPT) Million-Peso Hold'em Philippine Championship scheduled on April 8-9 at the Airport Casino Filipino in Parañaque.

The search for the first Philippine Poker Champion is underway in the Philippine Poker Tour (PPT) Million Peso Hold'em Championship, a series of non-wager poker competitions which will culminate in the Main Event of the Championship on the 8th and 9th of April.

Aside from the P1 million worth of prizes, the winner of the main event will bring home the Champions Bracelet and the title as First Hold'em Philippine Champion.
Total guaranteed prizes at stake amounting to R1.6 million await the top ten finishers.

Rey Gamboa, chairman of the PPT organizing committee, recently announced the names of the 20 satellite winners assured of seats to the main event.

These are Anthony Gabitan, recently crowned Poker King Challenge champion, Mike Tyler, Pico Ching, Cuy-cuy Makabenta, Bobby Atienza, Jacson Feng, Dr. Butch Javier, Marlon Chavez, Marvin Cu, Neil Arce, Dennis Gamboa, Aris Alipon, Vincent Ong, Bitoy, Ryan Paolo Mencias, Tony Uson, Jonathan Francisco, Ace Stehmeier, Ernesto Laman and July Bueta.

“Being the first Philippine Poker Champion is the dream of many poker tournament players,” said Gamboa. Apart from the guaranteed prizes, the first recipient of the Philippine Poker Champion bracelet will make history, he added.

A participant may also join the main event without playing in satellite tournaments by paying a registration fee of P21,000 on or before April 5. Among the selected sites and venues where one can join qualifying satellite tournaments and earn a seat are Valle Verde Country club in Pasig, San Mig Alabang Town Center in Alabang Pioneer Highlands in Mandaluyong City and Milky Way at Las Piñas. For additional details call the Secretariat at tel nos. 817-9092 or 812-0153 or visit the official website:www.PhilippinePokerTour.com.