Billiards icon Francisco 'Django' Bustamante is happy to see the Philippines excelling in billiards again, given the recent success of Pinoy pool players in international tournaments.
Legendary Filipino pool player Francisco "Django" Bustamante made a special appearance at the 2024 Reyes Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, October 17.
Attending Day 3 of the competition, Bustamante made sure to show his unwavering support for his longtime friend and fellow billiards icon, Efren “Bata” Reyes.
“Siyempre lahat ng gawin ng kumpare ko, kasama man ako o hindi, eh susuportahan ko siya. 'Yun naman ang ano namin sa isa't isa, so suportahan kaming dalawa kaya talagang magkasanggang-dikit," Bustamante told reporters.
The two have been inseparable figures in the world of billiards, often referred to as the dynamic duo that put Filipino billiards on the map.
As part of his appearance at the Reyes Cup, Bustamante treated the crowd to an exciting exhibition match against American pool legend and commentator Jeremy Jones.
The friendly showdown between two icons of the game was a highlight of the day, with fans enjoying a rare chance to see Bustamante's skills on full display.
The match was a nostalgic reminder of their long-standing rivalry and mutual respect, with Jones praising Bustamante’s continued excellence in the sport.
After the match, Bustamante expressed optimism about the future of billiards in the Philippines, pointing to the recent string of victories by Filipino players on the world stage.
This includes current WPA Women's World 9-ball champion Rubilen Amit, World 10-ball champion Carlo Biado, and recently-crowned 2024 Hanoi Open champion Johann Chua.
He sees a resurgence in the sport, similar to the billiards boom during the height of his and Reyes' careers.
“Siyempre lalo na pag Pilipino ang nananalo, babalik 'yung sigla ng billiards dito sa Pilipinas. Lalong-lalo na sunod-sunod pa sila nag-champion. Si Rubilen Amit nag-world champion, si Bubwit [Johann], si Carlo nag-champion,” said Bustamante.
[ALSO READ: World champion Rubilen Amit hails Reyes Cup atmosphere, hopes tournament inspires young Pinoy pool players]
This winning streak has sparked excitement among Filipino fans, much like the early 2000s when Bustamante and Reyes dominated the sport.
"Bumabalik nanaman 'yung dati na katulad ng pinanalo namin ni pareng Efren na biglang nag-boom 'yung billiards," Bustamante added.
The six-time world champion also expressed excitement about the next generation of Filipino billiards players. He mentioned that many young talents are showing promise, including one of his students, who he believes will one day become a world champion.
“Meron nga akong estudyante ngayon, player, 13 years old. Darating din 'yun. Abangan ninyo 'yun. Magiging world champion din 'yun,” Bustamante proudly shared.
“Natutuwa naman kami ni pareng Efren dahil may sumusunod sa mga yapak namin, so sana pagbutihin nila at manalo pa sila ng marami,” he added.
As the Reyes Cup continues, Bustamante's presence served as both a nostalgic reminder of the sport’s golden era and a hopeful glimpse into the future, with new stars ready to carry on the legacy Django and Bata built.
(With reports from Xander Cipriano, One Sports Digital)