Marc Rivera On Metro VIP Club’s High-Stakes Cash Games In Manila

Many may not know that the Metro Card Club, located in Metro Manila, Philippines, is the longest-standing brick-and-mortar poker room in Asia. Since opening its doors in 2007, it has served as a premier hub for recreational players, seasoned pros, and high-stakes grinders. In an exclusive with Marc Rivera, Chief Operating Officer and a well known poker pro, SMP readers are given a glimpse at the Metro VIP Club high-stakes cash games along with insights on how to secure a seat. 

Marc Rivera On Metro VIP Games

“The Metro VIP Club is where I spend most of my daily poker games. If you don’t see me playing tournaments, I can be found at the Metro VIP games 99% of the time. The 1% is me on the waitlist.

The Metro VIP games is the longest-running High Stakes Cash Game in Manila. Its evolution from more than a decade ago has been tremendous. Well known players such as Chino Reem, Michael Mizrachi, Kirk Steele, and Marius Torbergsen have visited, and a few years back, David Benyamine stayed for almost a year and played regularly.

“We’ve also had celebrities at the tables like billiard champion Alex Pagulayan and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao before he entered politics. Most often, you will find Filipino pros Mike Takayama, Lester Edoc, John Tech, and PLO shark Terry Gonzaga at the tables.”

The Metro VIP Club has three tables offering No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, with other games available upon request. The blinds start at 100-200-500 (PHP) and can climb up to ten times those stakes. PLO is the most popular and tends to generate massive pots. According to Rivera, he has seen and has played in several eight figure pots. 

Top-Notch VIP Service

When it comes to VIP service the Metro doesn’t hold back. For starters, VIPs are given seating priority through an exclusive list. This ensures immediate access to the high-stakes action. Complimentary meals and beverages are offered throughout the entire session, and for those traveling from out of town / country, free hotel accommodations are provided upon request. Hotel pick-up service is also available for hassle free travel, especially during days of heavy traffic to the poker room.

“The Metro VIP games are composed of both foreign and local players. Some of our international players – who play the Hustler Casino Live games – describe the Metro VIP Club as the best set up they’ve experienced. When VIP players join us, we commit to giving the best poker experience possible to keep them coming back.”

New Contenders Are Welcome

Interested players will find that while the Metro VIP games operate as “semi-private” invitational, new players, walk-ins, and referrals are always welcome, though subject to evaluation. 

“With the club always evolving, we have continuously maintained the ecology of the game, narrowing the gap between all players by introducing innovations that make the game more fun and exciting. We accept walk-ins and players’ referrals but subject to evaluation, and everyone’s feedback is considered. To preserve its integrity, we value our VIPs’ comments and recommendations in deciding who adds value to the game. Long-time members or regulars may get uninvited if their presence at the club hinders having a fun environment.”

For Rivera, the Metro VIP Club stands as one of his proudest achievements. To him, it represents the essence of poker – where players can truly experience the fun, excitement, and camaraderie that make the game special. 

“The room may be small but it is where you will experience the true meaning of VIP. Of course it would not be possible if not for our VIP host and manager, Geneva Rivera and her whole team.”

Want to experience the Metro Card Club’s VIP experience? Contact Geneva Rivera:

Viber and Whatsapp: +639175942008
Telegram: @latina_geneva)