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 Calonge is a Filipino professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent figure in the Southeast Asian poker scene, particularly within his home country’s major tournament circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Jeffrey Calonge has accumulated total live earnings of $86,186. He has experienced a significant breakout year in 2025, recording $44,873 in winnings, more than half of his lifetime total. He is currently ranked 140th on the Philippines All Time Money List.

Calonge has achieved multiple high-profile finishes in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and at PokerStars LIVE Manila festivals:

APT Manila Classic (February 2025): He secured a 6th-place finish in the PHP 20,000 Mini Main Event for PHP 536,000 (∼$9,210). Earlier in the tournament, he entered the final stages with one of the top three chip stacks in the field.
Okada Manila Millions (April 2025): He reached the final table of the Micro Main Event, finishing 9th for PHP 48,000 (∼$900).
APT Manila Classic (February 2025): He also recorded a deep run in the Mini Main Event – Flight B, surviving with a substantial stack of 347,000 chips to advance.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines, Calonge has rapidly climbed the national and international rankings, currently holding a Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 4,573rd worldwide. He is a quintessential circuit regular, frequently appearing in high-volume series at the Okada Manila and other major regional hubs. His consistent performance over the last three years, with earnings of $27,568 in 2023 and $13,745 in 2024, demonstrates a steady progression from local tournaments to becoming a top-tier contender in major international festival side events.

Play Style & Strategy

Calonge is known for his ability to build and maintain large stacks during the early and middle stages of tournaments, as evidenced by his chip-leading positions in both the APT Mini Main Event and Okada Manila Millions. His tactical approach often involves aggressive chip accumulation, allowing him to navigate deep into large fields. While his final table appearance in the Okada Manila Millions ended as the first casualty in 9th place, his consistent ability to reach these high-pressure stages indicates a strong understanding of tournament dynamics and technical proficiency in the Filipino poker market.

Recent Attendances