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Okada Manila

Philippines, Manila

APPT Manila 2026

2026.07.28 - 2026.08.10 Add to Calendar

Asia Pacific Poker Tour

Updates Chip Counts Info

Blind level

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Entries

56/348

Total Chips

10,440,000

Average

186,429

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 5:30:00 PM

Cezar Quiambao Leads 56 Survivors After Day 1B of the APPT Manila Main Event

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Cezar Quiambao - Day 1B Chip Leader

After 15 levels of play, Day 1B of the APPT Manila 2026 Main Event has officially come to an end.

The PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,300) flagship event attracted 348 entries on Day 1B, bringing the running total to 648 entries through the first two starting flights. Just 56 players survived the day and secured their seats into Day 2.

Cezar Quiambao topped the flight with 484,000 (121 big blinds) after holding the chip lead for most of the day following the close of registration. He was followed by Hirohito Marunaka with 414,000 (103 big blinds) and Emmanouil Chalkiotis with 400,000 (100 big blinds).

The action paused briefly just before the close of registration as players headed to the Player's Party at the Coral Lounge.

The break featured a lavish spread prepared by Okada Manila's world-class chefs, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment, giving the field a chance to recharge before returning for the final five levels of the day.

Once everyone was back in their seats, the race to secure a Day 2 bag resumed in full force.

James Mendoza - Mike Takayama - Marc Rivera

One of the highlights of the day was the rare sight of the top three players on the Philippines' All-Time Money List sharing the same starting flight.

With a combined USD 13.5 million in live tournament earnings, James Mendoza, Mike Takayama, and Marc Rivera all took their seats in Day 1B.

Mike Takayama

Takayama successfully advanced with a healthy 325,000 stack, while Rivera bagged an average 198,000. Unfortunately for current Philippine No. 1 James Mendoza, his Day 1B campaign came to an early end.

Fortunately for Mendoza and the rest of today's casualties, there are still two final opportunities to qualify for Day 2.

Day 1C kicks off tomorrow at 12:00 PM, followed by the Day 1D Turbo at 7:00 PM, where players will make one last push to join the surviving field.

Day 1B Chip Counts - 56 Survivors

Player	Chips
CQ Cezar QuiambaoPhilippines	484,000(121 BB)
HM Hirohito MarunakaJapan	414,000(104 BB)
EC Emmanouil ChalkiotisGreece	400,000(100 BB)
DE David EeSingapore	359,000(90 BB)
SN Steve NgSingapore	350,000(88 BB)
DV David Van NoyUnited States of America	343,000(86 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	325,000(81 BB)
RM Ramon MendisSwitzerland	301,000(75 BB)
AK Atsushi KoyamaJapan	301,000(75 BB)
JD Jose DrilonPhilippines	289,000(72 BB)
LC Leonard CheongSingapore	280,000(70 BB)
CP Chulwoo ParkSouth Korea	276,000(69 BB)
XF Xiaohua FuChina	274,000(69 BB)
FC Fernan CoPhilippines	254,000(64 BB)
NT Nohad TelianiCanada	245,000(61 BB)
AA Ashish AnilkumarIndia	227,000(57 BB)
GK Georgii KleninRussia	221,000(55 BB)
CP Chuyuan PengChina	220,000(55 BB)
RO Ryo OikawaJapan	217,000(54 BB)
KC Kyungheum ChoSouth Korea	210,000(53 BB)
YT Yuta TakazawaJapan	209,000(52 BB)
TK Tomoya KakiharaJapan	202,000(51 BB)
YL Yakai LiChina	201,000(50 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	198,000(50 BB)
JL Junwoo LeeSouth Korea	184,000(46 BB)
SS Shingo SakaiJapan	172,000(43 BB)
JR John RiadDenmark	171,000(43 BB)
VA Viet An NguyenViet Nam	171,000(43 BB)
RH Ronald HaverkampNetherlands	165,000(41 BB)
TS Toru SekimotoJapan	162,000(41 BB)
EN Errol NicodemusPhilippines	155,000(39 BB)
YJ Yeram JangSouth Korea	155,000(39 BB)
JP Jason PereiraIndia	155,000(39 BB)
MW Matthew WesterheideUnited States of America	152,000(38 BB)
RG Ryan GebowUnited States of America	144,000(36 BB)
SL Siyuan LiuChina	136,000(34 BB)
KS Kenshi SanoJapan	128,000(32 BB)
ML Myeongseong LeeSouth Korea	125,000(31 BB)
FB Frederic BollietFrance	121,000(30 BB)
FF Florin FilipRomania	120,000(30 BB)
DB Danny BlairUnited Kingdom	114,000(29 BB)
PH Po Hsun LiaoTaiwan	113,000(28 BB)
HN Hiroshi NaitoJapan	111,000(28 BB)
IT Ivan TabucalPhilippines	102,000(26 BB)
NM Naohiro MatsudaJapan	99,000(25 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	99,000(25 BB)
JK Junhong KimSouth Korea	90,000(23 BB)
RI Rikuya IwabeJapan	89,000(22 BB)
RT Ryo TakeuchiJapan	72,000(18 BB)
SW Si Wai ChoiMacao	67,000(17 BB)
TL Thomas LeeCanada	67,000(17 BB)
RA Roman AltynikovRussia	62,000(16 BB)
LN Lucia NavarroSpain	49,000(12 BB)
KK Kaoru KishimotoJapan	35,000(9 BB)
TT Tomoya TakeuchiJapan	26,000(7 BB)
IK Ito KazukiJapan	20,000(5 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 3:28:40 PM

Day 1B Comes to a Close

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

The final three hands played out quickly, with four more players hitting the rail, including APPT National champion Kim Giboum.

Fortunately for those eliminated, the dream isn't over just yet, as Day 1C and the Day 1D Turbo will both run tomorrow, offering two final opportunities to qualify for Day 2.

That wraps up Day 1B of the APPT Manila 2026 Main Event. Stay tuned for today's full recap, along with the complete chip counts of the 58 players who successfully bagged for Day 2.

Recently Eliminated

Player	Chips	Progress
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	busted	-180,500
YW Yuanning WuChina	busted	-146,000
KG Kim GiboumSouth Korea	busted	-30,000
JY Jiwon YoonSouth Korea	busted	-30,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 3:19:59 PM

Last Three Hands

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

With 14 minutes left in the level, the tournament clock was paused and Lucia Navarro drew number three, meaning just three more hands remain before players bag up for Day 2.

At the moment, 62 players are still in contention as the final hands of Day 1B play out.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 3:08:00 PM

Perfect Spot to Strike

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Cezar Quiambao

Chuyuan Peng opened to 8,000 from the hijack before Cezar Quiambao three-bet to 25,000. Peng wasn't backing down, responding with a four-bet to 65,000, and after about a minute in the tank, Quiambao made the call.

Peng continued for 25,000 on the 9♥ 5♣ 3♦ flop, and Quiambao called once again.

The 7♠ on the turn changed the momentum. Peng checked for the first time, and Quiambao immediately seized the opportunity by moving all in. Peng wasted little time sending his cards into the muck.

With the well-timed shove, Quiambao scooped a healthy pot and extended his chip lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
CQ Cezar QuiambaoPhilippines	427,000(107 BB)	99,000
CP Chuyuan PengChina	109,000(27 BB)	79,000

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 62/348

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 2:49:00 PM

No Sweat for Van Noy

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

David Van Noy

After a heavy preflop betting war, David Van Noy was all in for 181,000, with George Yutuc holding him covered.

David Van Noy: Q♥ Q♦

George Yutuc: A♥ K♣

What began as a classic flip was all but over on the Q♠ 9♣ 3♦ flop.

The 3♥ turn removed any remaining runner-runner possibilities, and the meaningless J♠ river only confirmed Van Noy's massive double up, vaulting him into the chip lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
DV David Van NoyUnited States of America	369,500(123 BB)	188,500
GY George YutucPhilippines	36,000(12 BB)	-181,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 2:35:00 PM

No Pair, No Problem

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Xiaohua Fu

Xiaohua Fu opened to 6,000 from the hijack before Lukasz Jankowski, left with 28,000, three-bet shoved from the cutoff. Rikuya Iwabe then cold four-bet to 60,000 from the big blind.

Action returned to Fu, who showed no hesitation in announcing a five-bet all in. Iwabe quickly released his hand, leaving Fu heads up against Jankowski.

Lukasz Jankowski: K♥ Q♠

Xiaohua Fu: A♦ K♠

Neither player could connect with the J♠ 9♠ 4♦ 6♣ 8♠ board, leaving Fu's ace-high as the winning hand and sending Jankowski to the rail.

Player	Chips	Progress
XF Xiaohua FuChina	221,000(74 BB)	92,500
RI Rikuya IwabeJapan	161,000(54 BB)	-63,000
LJ Lukasz JankowskiPoland	busted	-28,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 2:20:00 PM

Chip Leaders!

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Top 14 Chip Count

Player	Chips	Progress
EN Errol NicodemusPhilippines	330,000(110 BB)	300,000
JD Jose DrilonPhilippines	329,000(110 BB)	215,800
CQ Cezar QuiambaoPhilippines	328,000(109 BB)	113,000
EC Emmanouil ChalkiotisGreece	263,500(88 BB)	55,500
LC Leonard CheongSingapore	261,000(87 BB)	196,000
AA Ashish AnilkumarIndia	241,000(80 BB)	4,000
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	239,000(80 BB)	194,500
JR John RiadDenmark	234,500(78 BB)	204,500
YL Yakai LiChina	226,000(75 BB)	9,500
SL Siyuan LiuChina	217,000(72 BB)	23,500
FF Florin FilipRomania	214,000(71 BB)	184,000
VA Viet An NguyenViet Nam	214,000(71 BB)	130,000
RI Rikuya IwabeJapan	208,500(70 BB)	-11,500
GY George YutucPhilippines	207,500(69 BB)	43,000

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 78/348

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 79/348

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 1:56:00 PM

Aces vs Kings

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Leonard Cheong

From early position, Leonard Cheong opened to 5,000 before Ryo Oikawa three-bet to 11,000 from the hijack. On the button, Thomas Lee came in with a four-bet to 30,000.

Action returned to Cheong, who called all in for his remaining 24,000. Oikawa quickly got out of the way, setting up a heads-up showdown.

Leonard Cheong: A♣ A♦

Thomas Lee: K♦ K♥

It was a classic cooler with both players waking up with premium pairs, but Cheong's pocket aces held firm on the Q♠ 7♣ 3♠ 8♦ T♠ runout, earning him a full double up.

Player	Chips	Progress
TL Thomas LeeCanada	92,000(37 BB)	62,000
RO Ryo OikawaJapan	82,500(33 BB)	52,500
LC Leonard CheongSingapore	65,000(26 BB)	-101,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 1:45:00 PM

Another Wave of Eliminations

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Player	Chips	Progress
TY Takashi YaguraJapan	busted	-30,000
RT Ryan TanPhilippines	busted	-30,000
MP Marko PuskadijaCroatia	busted	-30,000
PW Paul Wee HsienSingapore	busted	-91,000
SK Sangsu KimSouth Korea	busted	-30,000
SJ Seungmook JungSouth Korea	busted	-30,000
CA Chikara AsanoJapan	busted	-30,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	busted	-101,300
BP Benito PePhilippines	busted	-173,200
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	busted	-78,500

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 1:37:19 PM

Anilkumar Seizes Control

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Ashish Anilkumar and Emmanouil Chalkiotis

Ashish Anilkumar opened to 5,000 from the button before Emmanouil Chalkiotis, on his immediate left, three-bet to 23,000. Anilkumar made the call.

The flop came 7♣ 4♣ 2♦, and Chalkiotis continued for 28,000. After taking some time to think, Anilkumar called.

When the Q♥ fell on the turn, Chalkiotis slowed down with a check. Anilkumar seized the opportunity and fired 28,000, a bet that was enough to convince Chalkiotis to surrender the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
AA Ashish AnilkumarIndia	237,000(95 BB)	207,000
EC Emmanouil ChalkiotisGreece	208,000(83 BB)	55,500

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 100/348

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 1:15:00 PM

Navarro's Hero Call

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Lucia Navarro

One of the few women in the field, Lucia Navarro, is making her first appearance at the APPT. The European content creator is in Manila documenting her experience at Okada Manila and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, giving her viewers and fans back home a glimpse of one of Asia's premier poker festivals.

Action folded to Navarro on the button, who opened to 4,000, and Shingo Sakai defended his big blind.

Navarro continued for 3,000 on the T♠ 3♦ 3♥ flop, with Sakai making the check-call.

Both players checked the 9♣ turn before the 8♦ completed the board.

Sakai then led for 5,000 on the river. After thinking for around ten seconds, Navarro flicked in the call.

Sakai could only show Q♣ 7♦ for a queen-high, while Navarro's A♠ K♠ ace-high was good enough to earn an impressive hero call, drawing a few smiles from the table.

Player	Chips	Progress
LN Lucia NavarroSpain	93,500(47 BB)	63,500
SS Shingo SakaiJapan	63,500(32 BB)	33,500

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 12:55:33 PM

Koyama Finds His King

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Atsushi Koyama

Action folded to the button, where Atsushi Koyama open-shoved for 24,000. Viet An Nguyen made the call from the small blind before Fendy Kosasih reshoved from the big blind, forcing Nguyen out of the pot.

Atsushi Koyama: K♠ Q♣

Fendy Kosasih: Q♥ Q♠

Koyama was left with just three outs and found one immediately on the K♦ J♥ 8♦ flop, pairing his king and leaving Kosasih with only the case queen.

The 7♠ turn was no help, and the A♠ river was safe, earning Koyama a much-needed triple up.

Player	Chips	Progress
VA Viet An NguyenViet Nam	84,000(42 BB)	54,000
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	78,500(39 BB)	48,500
AK Atsushi KoyamaJapan	74,000(37 BB)	44,000

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 121/348

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 12:35:00 PM

648 Entries and Counting

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Day 1B has officially closed registration with 348 entries, adding to Day 1A's 300 entries for a running total of 648 entries through the first two starting flights.

The PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,300) Main Event now needs roughly 870 total entries (after accounting for the rake and 4% staff fee) to surpass its PHP 60,000,000 (~USD 1,000,000) guaranteed prize pool. With Day 1C and the Day 1D Turbo still to come tomorrow, the final opportunities to qualify for Day 2, the guarantee looks certain to be eclipsed at the current pace.

Each starting flight plays 15 levels, with the money bubble expected to burst only after the combined field returns for Day 2.

Here are some of the players who were recently eliminated:

Player	Chips	Progress
SK Sakamoto KoichiJapan	busted	-30,000
JK Jinhyun KimSouth Korea	busted	-30,000
JT John TechPhilippines	busted	-49,600
VG Vikrant GuptaIndia	busted	-30,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	busted	-64,200
ED Emmanuel DerechoAustralia	busted	-99,400
KF Kosei FujiwaraJapan	busted	-30,000
NZ Neng ZhaoAustralia	busted	-30,000
VM Vamerdino MagsakayPhilippines	busted	-30,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 12:20:00 PM

Chip Leaders!

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Rikuya Iwabe

Top 15 Chip Count

Player	Chips	Progress
RI Rikuya IwabeJapan	220,000(147 BB)	93,400
YL Yakai LiChina	216,500(144 BB)	63,900
CQ Cezar QuiambaoPhilippines	215,000(143 BB)	15,500
SL Siyuan LiuChina	193,500(129 BB)	143,700
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	191,000(127 BB)	97,800
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	180,500(120 BB)	13,500
AR Andrew RodgersUnited States of America	169,500(113 BB)	139,500
LC Leonard CheongSingapore	166,000(111 BB)	136,000
GY George YutucPhilippines	164,500(110 BB)	76,200
RA Roman AltynikovRussia	162,500(108 BB)	49,200
EC Emmanouil ChalkiotisGreece	152,500(102 BB)	-15,800
JP Jason PereiraHong Kong	151,000(101 BB)	11,800
YW Yuanning WuChina	146,000(97 BB)	-27,200
RT Ryo TakeuchiJapan	138,000(92 BB)	108,000
EA Edgar AntezanaSouth Africa	133,000(89 BB)	103,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 12:06:57 PM

Party's Over, Cards Up

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

The remaining players are back from the Player's Party, having enjoyed a spread of delicious food prepared by the world-class chefs of Okada Manila, some entertainment, and perhaps a drink or two for a little extra courage.

Now it's back to reality.

Late registration has officially closed, and the field will play five more levels before calling it a day.

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 147/348

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 11:12:03 AM

It's Time to Party at Coral Lounge!

Player's Party Break

Players are now on their 45-minute dinner break, making the most of the Player's Party at the Coral Lounge, where complimentary food and drinks await everyone in the field.

When play resumes, late registration will officially close. At the break, 336 entries have been recorded, with 137 players still in contention.It's Time to Party at Coral Lounge

Player's Party Break

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 138/337

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 11:05:08 AM

No Luck for Chase

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Chase Cokaliong

After bubbling the APPT Super High Roller, Chase Cokaliong wasted no time firing his first bullet in the APPT Main Event, getting his fresh stack in early against Rudy Edenata.

Chase Cokaliong: A♦ T♥

Rudy Edenata: A♥ K♥

Despite being dominated, Cokaliong managed to escape with half the pot after the board ran 6♦ 2♠ 2♥ 6♥ 8♦, playing the board.

On the very next hand, Cokaliong announced blind all in, but everyone folded. One hand later, he verbally declared all in again from the big blind.

Action folded to Paul Wee Hsien in the small blind, who quickly moved all in. Cokaliong called off his remaining 33,300.

Chase Cokaliong: 5♦ 5♥

Paul Wee Hsien: A♦ A♣

Hsien looked down at pocket aces and found what seemed like the perfect spot to collect easy chips.

Cokaliong needed one of only two remaining fives to survive, but the K♥ Q♠ J♥ 2♠ K♠ runout offered no help, ending his second attempt almost as quickly as it began.

Player	Chips	Progress
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	167,000(139 BB)	18,200
PW Paul Wee HsienSingapore	91,000(76 BB)	61,000
CC Chase CokaliongPhilippines	busted	-30,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 10:45:00 AM

Three Streets with the Nuts

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Rudy Edenata

Preflop action built a pot of around 9,000 before the flop came K♣ 5♣ 3♣. Rudy Edenata fired 8,000 on the flop and followed up with 15,000 on the 2♣ turn, with Ito Kazuki check-calling both streets.

When the J♥ completed the board, Kazuki checked for a third time. Edenata stayed aggressive, betting 30,000 into the pot.

After spending some time in the tank, Kazuki made the call but quickly mucked when Edenata tabled A♣ T♥ for the nut flush.

Player	Chips	Progress
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	148,800(124 BB)	59,000
IK Ito KazukiJapan	63,100(53 BB)	-55,000

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 146/324

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 10:20:00 AM

Random Big Stacks

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Player	Chips	Progress
CQ Cezar QuiambaoPhilippines	199,500(166 BB)	169,500
YW Yuanning WuChina	173,200(144 BB)	123,900
EC Emmanouil ChalkiotisGreece	168,300(140 BB)	66,000
YL Yakai LiChina	152,600(127 BB)	122,600
KC Kyungheum ChoSouth Korea	144,000(120 BB)	114,000
HK Haruto KoshibaJapan	143,400(120 BB)	113,400
JP Jason PereiraHong Kong	139,200(116 BB)	109,200
GK Georgii KleninRussia	126,300(105 BB)	96,300
JD Jose DrilonPhilippines	113,200(94 BB)	83,200
RM Ramon MendisSwitzerland	108,800(91 BB)	-7,600

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 10:10:00 AM

Philippine Poker's Big Three

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

James Mendoza - Mike Takayama - Marc Rivera

Talk about a rare sight.

The top three players on the Philippines' All-Time Money List are all in action today in Day 1B of the APPT Manila 2026 Main Event, giving the field a combined US$ 13.5 million in live tournament earnings.

Current No. 1 James Mendoza has just arrived at Cove Manila fresh from his 2026 WSOP campaign. While he didn't make a deep run in Las Vegas, Mendoza still sits atop the country's all-time earnings list thanks largely to his career-defining victory at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju II in September 2025, where he captured the US$ 25,000 WPT Global Slam title for a massive US$ 1,515,000. That victory pushed his career earnings to US$ 4,586,126, making him the Philippines' all-time money leader.

Close behind is Mike Takayama, whose career earnings stand at US$ 4,553,425, less than US$ 33,000 behind Mendoza. Takayama remains the only Philippine-born player to win a WSOP bracelet and recently added another highlight by pulling the festival's biggest Mystery Bounty worth PHP 500,000 (~US$ 8,300) here at APPT Manila.

Completing the trio is Marc Rivera, currently third on the list with US$ 4,424,337 in live earnings. Rivera's biggest breakthrough came at the 2019 PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) in the Bahamas, where he finished third for the largest score of his career. Rivera held the No. 1 spot on the Philippine All-Time Money List for several years before eventually being overtaken by Mendoza and Takayama.

While none of the three can add to their totals today with Day 1B ending before the money, seeing the country's top three money earners competing in the same starting flight is a rare moment, and another reminder of just how strong Philippine poker has become.

Player	Chips
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	93,200(78 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	44,500(37 BB)
JM James MendozaPhilippines	36,300(30 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 10:00:00 AM

Day 1B Overtakes Day 1A

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Day 1B has officially surpassed Day 1A's 300 entries, climbing to 310 entries with two levels of late registration still remaining.

The PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,300) Main Event now needs roughly 870 entries (after accounting for the rake and 4% staff fee) to surpass its PHP 60,000,000 (~USD 1,000,000) guaranteed prize pool.

With Day 1C kicking off tomorrow at 12:00 PM, followed by the Day 1D Turbo in the evening as the final opportunity to enter, the guarantee looks set to be comfortably eclipsed.

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 156/310

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 9:36:00 AM

Four-Three Can't Lose

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Left with 17,300, Suyoung Lee open-shoved from the cutoff, and Rudy Edenata, on his left, made the call.

Suyoung Lee: 4♦ 3♦

Rudy Edenata: A♠ 7♠

The K♦ K♠ 3♥ flop paired Lee's three to move him into the lead. The 2♦ turn kept him ahead, and the 8♣ river secured the double up.

Ironically, Edenata had won a huge pot earlier with the very same four-three, cracking Edison Yu's pocket kings. This time, he found himself on the other side of the hand as Lee's four-three got there for the double up.

Watching the hand unfold, Po Hsun Liao couldn't help but laugh and say, "This table, four-three never loses."

Player	Chips	Progress
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	97,000(97 BB)	-11,200
SL Suyoung LeeSouth Korea	37,100(37 BB)	7,100

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 9:22:00 AM

Chip Leaders!

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Player	Chips	Progress
BP Benito PePhilippines	173,200(173 BB)	11,700
JL Junwoo LeeSouth Korea	142,400(142 BB)	112,400
PH Po Hsun LiaoTaiwan	140,000(140 BB)	21,500
RI Rikuya IwabeJapan	126,600(127 BB)	96,600
SJ Singabju JeonSouth Korea	119,400(119 BB)	55,300
RM Ramon MendisSwitzerland	116,400(116 BB)	29,700
RA Roman AltynikovRussia	113,300(113 BB)	83,300
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	108,200(108 BB)	30,600
JL Jessie LeonarezPhilippines	102,900(103 BB)	72,900
EC Emmanouil ChalkiotisGreece	102,300(102 BB)	72,300
JP Jeffrey PoncePhilippines	101,700(102 BB)	-400
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	100,800(101 BB)	70,800

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 177/296

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 169/283

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 8:55:00 AM

Tech Fades the Sweat

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

John Tech

From early position, Lourd Keven Ejem opened to 2,000 and picked up three callers. Action then folded to John Tech in the big blind, who moved all in for 21,200. Only Ejem made the call.

John Tech: 9♣ 9♦

Lourd Keven Ejem: 5♦ 5♥

The 7♠ 6♦ 4♠ flop brought some sweat for Tech as it gave Ejem an open-ended straight draw.

The 9♥ turn, however, improved Tech to trip nines, and the K♣ river completed a safe runout, earning him a full double up.

Player	Chips	Progress
LK Lourd Keven EjemPhilippines	73,900(92 BB)	-36,100
JT John TechPhilippines	49,600(62 BB)	19,600

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 8:50:00 AM

Yutuc Rivers the Straight

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

George Yutuc

A pot of 13,200 had already formed in the middle with the board showing T♠ 3♥ 2♦ 8♦ when Justin Ong, who had just been eliminated and recently took a new seat, got his remaining 33,000 into the middle. George Yutuc, with 12,000 already committed, made the call.

Justin Ong: 3♦ 3♣

George Yutuc: 9♦ 7♥

Ong was in great shape with a flopped set against Yutuc's open-ended straight draw. However, the J♣ river completed the straight, sending the frustrated defending champion to the rail once again and back to the registration desk before late registration closed.

Although representing the Philippines today, all of Yutuc's recorded live tournament cashes have come in the United States, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the USD 1,100 Seniors (50+) event at the Wynn Summer Classic in Las Vegas for a career-best USD 90,922. He's now looking to notch his first recorded live cash on home soil.

Player	Chips	Progress
GY George YutucPhilippines	88,300(110 BB)	21,200
JO Justin OngPhilippines	busted	-38,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 8:31:22 AM

Player's Party Awaits

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Before registration closes, players will enjoy a 40-minute break to attend the Player's Party at the Coral Lounge, just outside Cove Manila.

All players are invited to enjoy complimentary food and drinks before returning to the tables for the final stretch of late registration.

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 174/262

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 8:14:00 AM

Set and Match

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Kunwoo Kim

Emmanuel Derecho opened from early position before Kunwoo Kim, on the button, three-bet shoved for 6,100. Derecho quickly made the call.

Emmanuel Derecho: A♦ J♦

Kunwoo Kim: A♠ A♥

Kim was in complete control and all but locked up the pot after flopping top set on the A♣ Q♠ 8♥ board. The 4♣ turn and 3♠ river changed nothing, earning Kim a full double up.

Player	Chips	Progress
ED Emmanuel DerechoAustralia	99,400(166 BB)	-6,100
KK Kunwoo KimSouth Korea	13,700(23 BB)	7,600

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 7:57:07 AM

Day 1B Closing In

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Halfway through registration, Day 1B has already attracted more than 250 entries and is well on pace to surpass the 300 entries recorded in Day 1A.

The PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,300) Main Event needs roughly 870 entries to beat its PHP 60,000,000 (~USD 1,000,000) guaranteed prize pool. With Day 1C and Day 1D still to come tomorrow, the guarantee looks well within reach.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 7:51:24 AM

Streaming Starts Tonight

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

The PokerStars livestream gets underway today at APPT Manila 2026, bringing the festival's biggest moments to poker fans around the world.

Coverage begins tonight with the APPT Super High Roller Final 6, before shifting to the APPT Main Event for three straight days, including Day 1C, Day 2, and the Final Day.

All streams begin at 11:00 PM (PHT) and will feature PokerStars Team Pro Ambassadors Nick Walsh, James Hartigan, and Seb Huber on commentary.

Livestream Schedule (11:00 PM PHT)

Friday, Aug. 7: APPT Super High Roller Final 6
Saturday, Aug. 8: APPT Main Event Day 1C Featured Table
Sunday, Aug. 9: APPT Main Event Day 2 Featured Table
Monday, Aug. 10: APPT Main Event Final Day

Watch live on the official PokerStars channels:

Twitch: psta.rs/Twitch
YouTube: psta.rs/YouTube

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 173/229

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 7:35:00 AM

Kings Cracked by Trash

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Rudy Edenata

Edison Yu found himself in one of the most unfortunate spots of the day.

From the small blind, Rudy Edenata moved all in for 38,800. The initial raiser got out of the way, while Yu quickly called off his remaining 34,000.

Edison Yu: K♣ K♦

Rudy Edenata: 4♥ 3♠

It looked like Edenata had simply tossed PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,300) into the middle with a ragged hand, and Yu appeared more than happy to collect.

The 8♦ 6♠ 3♦ flop gave Edenata a pair and a few outs. The 9♥ turn was safe for Yu, but the 3♣ river turned the tables, giving Edenata trips and eliminating a stunned Yu.

Player	Chips	Progress
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	77,600(155 BB)	47,600
EY Edison YuPhilippines	busted	-30,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 7:22:00 AM

Ponce's Aces Hold

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Jeffrey Ponce

After a preflop betting war, two players saw the T♥ 6♠ 6♣ flop. From under the gun, Jeffrey Ponce continued for 7,000 into a 13,500 pot before Tomoya Kakihara responded with a check-raise to 15,000.

Back on Ponce, he announced all in for 45,000. After taking his time, Kakihara committed the rest of his stack.

Jeffrey Ponce: A♠ A♥

Tomoya Kakihara: A♦ T♠

Ponce was well ahead with his overpair against Kakihara's top pair, and the 8♣ 2♠ runout changed nothing.

After the dealer counted Kakihara's stack at 43,600, he was officially eliminated.

Player	Chips	Progress
JP Jeffrey PoncePhilippines	102,100(204 BB)	72,100
TK Tomoya KakiharaJapan	busted	-30,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 7:10:00 AM

Chip Leaders!

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Player	Chips	Progress
BP Benito PePhilippines	161,500(323 BB)	18,500
JO Justin OngPhilippines	115,400(231 BB)	48,200
ED Emmanuel DerechoAustralia	111,800(224 BB)	14,100
LK Lourd Keven EjemPhilippines	110,000(220 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	101,300(203 BB)	38,100
RM Ramon MendisSwitzerland	86,700(173 BB)	13,500
SM Sumay MishraIndia	81,200(162 BB)	51,200

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 162/195

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 151/182

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 6:38:00 AM

The Ultimate Laydown

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Three players saw the J♣ 6♣ 4♣ 4♦ turn with 10,800 already in the middle. From the big blind, Carlo Calingasan led for 7,000, and Jaeil Lee, fresh off his runner-up finish in the APPT Open last night, made the call. On the button, Bernard Vu then announced all in for 26,400.

Back on Calingasan, he spent nearly two minutes in the tank before finding a fold. Lee also released his hand, awarding the pot to Vu without a showdown.

A♠ Vu quietly stacked the chips, Calingasan turned to Lee and asked, "What did you have?"

"Ace-jack," Lee replied.

Calingasan revealed, "I folded aces."

Vu never said a word and simply continued stacking the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
BV Bernard VuFrance	51,200(128 BB)	21,200
JL Jaeil LeeSouth Korea	23,300(58 BB)	-6,700
CC Carlo CalingasanPhilippines	19,600(49 BB)	-10,400

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 6:19:24 AM

The Grind Never Stops

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Asaki Tanaka

Less than 24 hours after capturing the APPT Open title, Asaki Tanaka is already back in action.

The Japanese pro completed a remarkable run last night, turning just nine big blinds at the start of Day 2 into his first major title after playing poker for only three years.

His disciplined approach became one of the stories of the final table. Even in the last hand, Tanaka took his time before calling with the second-nut flush, wanting to be absolutely certain before committing the chips.

There hasn't been much time to celebrate.

With another trophy now in his sights, Tanaka is back in the APPT Main Event and has already chipped up after taking down a few early pots.

Player	Chips	Progress
AT Asaki TanakaJapan	52,100(130 BB)	22,100

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 126/144

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 5:59:31 AM

Quick Pot for Anderson

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Dakota Anderson

From early position, Feras Elnatsha opened to 600 and picked up one caller before Dakota Anderson, on the button, three-bet to 3,200. Elnatsha made the call while the other player got out of the way.

The flop came K♥ 3♥ 3♠, and after Elnatsha checked, Anderson fired a 2,000 continuation bet. It was enough to take it down as Elnatsha quickly released his hand.

Player	Chips	Progress
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	64,200(214 BB)	34,200
FE Feras ElnatshaJordan	13,300(44 BB)	-16,700

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 5:46:00 AM

Benito Pe Off to a Flying Start

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Benito Pe

Several players have already added to their 30,000 starting stack, but Benito Pe has surged well ahead of the field with 143,000 - nearly five times the starting stack after the opening levels.

Player	Chips	Progress
BP Benito PePhilippines	143,000(477 BB)	113,000
ED Emmanuel DerechoAustralia	97,700(326 BB)	67,700
RM Ramon MendisSwitzerland	73,200(244 BB)	17,400
JO Justin OngPhilippines	67,200(224 BB)	37,200
SJ Singabju JeonSouth Korea	64,100(214 BB)	34,100
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	63,200(211 BB)	33,200
SL Siyuan LiuChina	49,800(166 BB)	19,800
YW Yuanning WuChina	49,300(164 BB)	19,300

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 5:33:38 AM

The Defending Champion Is Back!

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

he defending champion has officially taken his seat.

Justin Ong is back at APPT Manila, where he turned a dream into reality last year. Ong captured the APPT Main Event title for PHP 14,800,000 (~USD 256,000), the biggest live cash of his career, after defeating a record-breaking field. Just days earlier, he had also won the PokerStars Red Dragon, making it one of the most remarkable runs ever seen at an APPT festival.

That unforgettable week transformed Ong into one of the biggest names in Philippine poker and proved that APPT Manila is where poker dreams come true.

Now, the hometown hero is back, hoping to write another chapter in his incredible APPT story.

Player	Chips
JO Justin OngPhilippines	30,000(100 BB)

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 110/119

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 5:10:00 AM

Champion Returns to Manila

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Minwoong Jeong

Minwoong Jeong is back in Manila looking to add another deep run to his APPT resume.

The Korean pro captured the APPT Championship title here last October, earning PHP 11,850,000 (~USD 202,000), which still stands as the biggest live cash of his career.

After that emotional victory, Jeong said:

"I am so happy! I am not a good player, just very lucky. It is not about winning the money, it is about pride. Poker is very challenging, but I love poker. I have been trying to win for eight years and I was going to stop. Now, I don't know, I am so happy."

Now, the defending champion is back in the hunt, hoping to write another memorable chapter in Manila.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 4:57:00 AM

Set Over Set Early

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Ramon Mendis

The board showed J♣ 7♠ 2♥ 5♠ A♥ with a massive 28,000 already in the middle, nearly a full starting stack. From the big blind, Christopher Runas led for 12,000, and Ramon Mendis took a moment before making the call.

Runas tabled 2♣ 2♦ for a flopped bottom set, but Mendis revealed 5♣ 5♦ for a turned middle set to scoop the massive early pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
RM Ramon MendisSwitzerland	55,800(279 BB)	25,800
CR Christopher RunasPhilippines	16,600(83 BB)	-13,400

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 78/80

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 4:35:00 AM

The World Comes to Manila

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

The APPT Manila 2026 Main Event is already living up to its international reputation. Just one level into Day 1B, the field features players from 18 different countries spanning five continents.

From established pros to first-time APPT hopefuls, every player has arrived with a different journey, but they're all chasing the same dream - lifting the APPT Manila 2026 Main Event trophy.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 4:20:00 AM

Early Bird Players

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 4:05:00 AM

Shuffle up and Deal!

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Cards are now in the air for Day 1B of the APPT Manila 2026 Main Event, with 31 players already in their seats as the opening flight got underway.

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 31/31

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

8/7/2026, 12:54:47 AM

The Hunt Continues in Day 1B

Day 1A Chip Leader - Joungsun Kim

After an action-packed opening flight, the APPT Manila 2026 Main Event returns today with Day 1B at 12:00 PM local time inside Cove Manila, Okada Manila.

Today, another wave of hopefuls will take their shot at the PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,300) buy-in flagship event, which features a PHP 60,000,000 (~USD 1,000,000) guaranteed prize pool.

Like every starting flight, players will contest 15 levels of 40 minutes each, with late registration remaining open until the start of Level 10 at 7:25 PM. The money bubble is expected to burst on Day 2, when the surviving fields from all starting flights combine.

The opening flight attracted 300 entries, with South Korea's Joungsun Kim bagging a commanding 855,000 to finish as the overnight chip leader. Fellow Korean Seung Hyun Han (445,000) and Michael Bagdasarov (306,000) rounded out the top three, while 47 players successfully advanced to Day 2.

Stay tuned as Somuchpoker brings you live updates, key hands, chip counts, and all the action throughout Day 1B of the APPT Manila 2026 Main Event.

Event starts 12:00 local time..