VIP Billiard Hall in Pasay City offers a unique proposition: it’s open all the time and welcomes players of all skill levels. Plus the food’s pretty good.
Convenience stores, restaurants, and gas stations are the first things that come to mind when discussing business establishments that operate for 24 hours a day. A billiards hall wouldn’t be on most people’s lists.
Until now, that is. Tucked away on the second floor of an unassuming building along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City is VIP Billiard Hall, where aficionados can shoot pool any time of the day (and night).
Having a go-to billiards place where one doesn’t have to worry about closing time was top of mind for VIP Billiard’s founders when they decided to go all-in. But they were also targeting other underserved market segments.
“Before kasi, wala kami nakikita na bilyarang nag-operate ng 24 hours. Yun ang number one (reason),” Julius Coral, co-owner of VIP Billiard Hall, told The GAME. “And then yung ikalawa, tinatarget namin before yung mga nagtatrabaho na call center agents. Lalabas ng morning, and then nandito sila every morning.
“And pati yung mga foreign nationals like Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian. Nagtatrabaho sa POGO before. Target din namin sila. So, mga madaling araw nandito sila naglalaro.”
‘Everyone is welcome’
The walls of VIP Billiards Hall are adorned with photographs of Filipino pool greats, with one wall at the very far end reserved for a blown-up caricature of the greatest of all time, Efren “Bata” Reyes.
Reigning women’s world nine ball champion Rubilen Amit is also a regular fixture.
“Si champ (Amit), eto.Lagi dito,” Coral said while nodding in the direction of Amit, who was at the venue when this interview took place. “So kung hapon, nagche-chess siya. Minsan mayroon siyang mga exhibition match.”
But this place is more than just a 24-hour pool hall. The aesthetics, atmosphere, table quality and food combine to give patrons an enjoyable atmosphere.
For one thing, unlike other venues populated by pool sharks and hustlers who can be intimidating to lesser-skilled players, VIP actually encourages billiards novices to come in and play.
“Parang mas welcoming ito sa mga beginners like us,” Coral said. “So unlike other billiards (places), parang nahiya sila pumunta doon kasi parang puro tirador yung tumitira. Dito puro beginners lang talaga.”
The layout itself is also appealing. Unlike other similar venues that cram as many tables possible into their floor area, thus creating a tight environment for the players, VIP Billiard Hall made it a point to focus on good table spacing.
The entire area has only nine tables, all spaced out far enough from each other for a better playing experience. The felt is smooth and the pockets are not too tight. The lighting around the tables is also good. Rates are an affordable 300 pesos an hour.
“Medyo sinadya namin na sapat yung spacing para hindi sila yung nagkakabanggaan,” Coral said.
In an effort to nurture the skills of the regulars, VIP Billiard Hall holds daily nine ball and ten ball tournaments where players are grouped according to skill level so that they can develop at their own pace.
Photos of players who regularly participate in these tournaments occupy the wall on one side of the venue, a Wall of Fame, if you will.
“Araw-araw may tournament para mas mabatak yung mga players,” Coral said. “So from Monday, Tuesday, as in whole week mayroong tournament.
“And then may mga category na mababa, like 1.0 to 2.0. May 3.5 to 4.0. Mayroon namang open (division) up to 6.5. So yung beginning entry, yung mga beginners mag-start sa 1.0. So any classification available dito sa mga tournaments.”
Food for the pool gods
Aside from the welcoming atmosphere, ambiance, and affordable hourly rates, VIP Billiard Hall has another thing for it: a top-notch kitchen.
Speaking as someone who has sampled their tapsilog, this writer can confidently attest to its sumptuousness. Coral said the dish is one of VIP Billiard Hall’s bestsellers.
“Kadalasan is tapa yung karamihan na ino-order nila,” he said. To break the monotony, the kitchen will sometimes concoct other popular Pinoy dishes to satisfy the players’ palates.
“Like pritong galunggong, ginataang langka.Minsan tinola. Depende sa situation at depende din sa nire-request ng mga players. Ginataang kalabasa, sitaw.”
And for the night owls, there is free coffee 24/7.
All told, VIP Billiard Hall is the perfect place for the sport’s followers. In fact, business has been going so well that Coral revealed plans of expanding the floor area and adding several more tables.
Whether you’re a serious pool player looking to play against high-level competition or simply a casual afficionado who is just looking to shoot some balls with friends after work, this place can fill your billiards needs with some good food on the side.
All images by Lorenzo Corro.