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: 2025.12.18

John Dela Cruz is a professional poker player from the Philippines who has established himself as a prominent and consistent figure in the Southeast Asian tournament scene, specifically within the PokerStars Live (PSLIVE) and Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, John Dela Cruz has total live earnings of $72,954. He is currently ranked 154th on the Philippines All Time Money List, a testament to his longevity and frequent deep runs in major regional festivals.

His career-best live cash was achieved at the Red Dragon Manila 2020, where he finished 8th in the Red Dragon Poker Challenge for PHP 537,500 ($10,597). Dela Cruz has maintained a high volume of results through 2025, most recently recording two cashes at the Manila Megastack 23 in PokerStars LIVE Manila last December 2025. He finished 82nd in the PHP 45,000 Main Event for PHP 86,000 (∼$1,461) and 50th in the Sunday Millions for PHP 25,000 ($424). His resume also features multiple final table appearances, including a 9th-place finish in the Manila Megastack 11 Main Event for PHP 276,747 ($5,301) and a 70th-place run in the 2024 APPT Manila Main Event for PHP 230,000 ($3,941).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from the Philippines, Dela Cruz has been a regular fixture at major Manila venues for over five years, with his earliest recorded results dating back to early 2019. He is a familiar face at the Okada Manila, where he consistently competes in the region’s most prestigious tours, including the Manila Megastack, Manila Super Series, and Okada Manila Millions. His career trajectory shows a player who has successfully transitioned from local recurring tournaments to becoming a respected regular on the international Asia Pacific Poker Tour.

Play Style & Strategy

Dela Cruz is known for his disciplined and resilient tournament approach, excelling particularly in the deep-stack structures of marquee events like the Manila Megastack Main Event. His ability to consistently reach the money in large-field tournaments demonstrates a strong technical proficiency and patient stack management. He is especially effective in the middle and late stages of play, where his deep familiarity with the local player pool allows him to make precise exploitative adjustments during critical bubble and final table phases.

Recent Attendances