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: 2025.12.20

Jeffrey Ballester is a Filipino professional poker player who is a frequent competitor in major regional festivals across the Philippines, including the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and series held at the Metro Card Club.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Jeffrey Ballester has accumulated total live tournament earnings of $12,968. He is currently ranked 441st on the Philippines All Time Money List.

His career-best live score occurred in April 2024 at the Okada Manila Millions in PokerStars LIVE Manila . He finished 16th in the PHP 7,500 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event (Event #3), earning PHP 181,000 (∼$3,213) from a massive field of 1,491 entries.

Other notable tournament results include:

APPT Championship Warm Up (September 2025): He finished 3rd in the PHP 15,000 + 10,000 + 5,000 No Limit Hold’em – 15/10/5 (Event #10) for PHP 40,500 (∼$713).
Batang Metro Poker Challenge (August 2024): He recorded a cash in the PHP 15,000 BMPC Main Event at the Metro Card Club in Pasig City.
Manila Megastack 20 (November 2024): He participated and cashed in the Kickoff Event at the Okada Manila.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from and currently residing in the Philippines, Ballester has established himself as a “local pro” who specializes in high-volume, mid-stakes tournament series. He is a regular fixture in the Manila poker scene, frequently traveling between major hubs like the Okada Manila and the Metro Card Club. His steady rise in the national rankings, holding a Global Poker Index (GPI) popularity ranking of 162,504th, reflects a dedicated focus on building a professional resume through consistent participation in established international tours like the APPT and Manila Megastack.

Play Style & Strategy

Ballester is recognized for a disciplined and resilient approach to tournament poker, particularly excelling in Main Event and Bounty structures. His ability to navigate through exceptionally large fields, evidenced by his top-20 finish in the 1,491-entry Okada Manila Millions Main Event, indicates a strong command of stack management and the tactical patience required for deep championship-level runs. By successfully competing in both the technical environments of the APPT and the large-field “grassroots” festivals at the Metro Card Club, he demonstrates a versatile strategy that allows him to adapt to various opponent archetypes found across the Filipino circuit.

Recent Attendances