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

Hernan Villa is a Filipino professional poker player who has established himself as a dominant force in the Southeast Asian tournament circuit. Known for his deep runs in major regional festivals, he is a respected regular at venues like the Metro Card Club and a consistent contender in high-stakes series across the Asia-Pacific region.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Hernan Jaybee Villa has accumulated total live earnings of $279,669. His career-best live cash of $79,839 reflects his ability to compete at the highest level of regional championship poker. He currently ranks 45th on the Philippines All Time Money List, solidifying his status as one of the country’s elite performers.

Villa has been exceptionally prolific throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In June 2025, he claimed a title at the Manila Super Series 22, winning the No Limit Hold’em – Deepstack for PHP 215,000 (∼$3,663). His recent resume also includes a 10th-place finish in the PHP 12,000 No Limit Hold’em – Micro Main Event at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Manila Classic 2025 for PHP 32,000 (∼$548). Additionally, he secured a victory in the PHP 8,800 + 1,200 No Limit Hold’em – Turbo event during the Manila Super Series 15, earning PHP 178,000 (∼$3,236).

Biography & Poker Background

Based in the Philippines, Villa has built his professional reputation through a high volume of play at the Metro Card Club and major Manila festivals. He gained significant recognition in May 2022 when he amassed a “monster stack” to lead the field during the Philippine Poker Tournament (PPT). His career trajectory has seen him transition from a local standout to an international circuit regular, recording cashes in prestigious series such as the World Poker Tour (WPT), where he famously competed in the WPT Cambodia Championship. His steady climb is reflected in a career-high Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 5,714th.

Play Style & Strategy

Villa is recognized for a resilient and tactical play style, often characterized by his ability to navigate large, high-pressure fields with significant chip stacks. His performance at the WPT Cambodia, where he was noted for making deep-tank decisions and high-stakes calls against elite opponents, demonstrates a strong command of stack management and situational awareness. Whether he is grinding a local Deepstack event or competing on the main stage of a WPT or APT championship, his patient yet opportunistic approach makes him one of the most formidable Filipino regulars on the modern circuit.

Recent Attendances