Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2025.12.30

George Salud is a Filipino professional poker player who has long been a respected fixture in the Philippines’ poker landscape, widely recognized for his deep runs in major regional tours like the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, George Salud has total earnings of $140,285. He is currently ranked 89th on the Philippines All Time Money List, showcasing his status as a consistent performer in the local high-stakes scene. His career-best live cash of $11,672 highlights a resume built on longevity and frequent deep runs rather than a single outlier score.

Salud has been highly active throughout 2025, recording numerous cashes at major PokerStars LIVE Manila festivals. In October 2025, he secured a 39th-place finish in the PHP 70,000 PokerStars Red Dragon event at the APPT Manila Championship for PHP 125,000. Earlier in the year, he placed 5th in an APPT Manila Championship Turbo event for PHP 23,500. His consistency is further evidenced by his performance at the Manila Megastack 22, where he finished 35th in the PHP 45,000 No Limit Hold’em event for PHP 108,000 (∼$1,872). He also found success at Okada Manila during the February 2025 series, cashing in the Main Event for PHP 40,000 and finishing 10th in a Deepstack event for PHP 33,000.

Biography & Poker Background

A native and resident of the Philippines, Salud has been competing at a high level for over a decade, with results dating back to the early years of the Manila poker boom. He established himself early on by competing against top local legends in inaugural events like the Masters Poker Cup as far back as 2008.

His career trajectory illustrates a player who has successfully adapted to the evolution of the game, transitioning from the early days of the local card room scene to becoming a regular threat in modern, massive-field international festivals. Salud is frequently found competing at the country’s premier poker venues, including Okada Manila and the Metro Card Club, where he continues to be a top-100 ranked player in the national standings.

Play Style & Strategy

Salud is recognized for a disciplined and veteran approach to tournament poker, often characterized by his ability to navigate through large, aggressive fields. His experience is particularly evident in high-pressure spots; during the 2020 PokerStars Red Dragon Manila, he demonstrated his fearless nature by shoving into established pros like Andres Korn during the late stages of the Main Event.

His strategy appears well-suited for both fast-paced “Turbo” structures, where he has multiple final table appearances, and the long-grind of multi-day Championships. By balancing traditional exploitative play with the tactical awareness required for modern “Shotclock” and “Mystery Bounty” formats, Salud remains one of the most reliable regulars on the Philippines’ professional circuit.

Recent Attendances