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: 2026.01.05

Jose Cheung is a Filipino professional poker player who has established himself as a model of consistency within the Southeast Asian tournament circuit. Primarily competing in the Philippines, Cheung has built a career defined by high-volume grinding, frequently appearing at final tables in major regional tours such as the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Jose Cheung has accumulated total live earnings of $233,549. He currently holds the 56th position on the Philippines All Time Money List, a testament to his longevity and steady performance in various mid-stakes fields.

The 2025 season has been particularly active for Cheung, as he continues to secure deep runs in prestigious Manila-based festivals. Recently, he finished 11th in the City of Dreams (COD) SOUL Poker Fest Main Event for PHP 151,400 (∼$2,609) and 14th in the APPT Championship Warm Up Manila Mystery Bounty for PHP 13,500 (∼$233). His ability to navigate large fields was further demonstrated by an 8th-place finish in the APPT Manila Double Stack for PHP 38,500 (∼$670). His career-best live cash was recorded at the APT Manila in late 2024, where he finished 4th in the Sunday Super Stack for PHP 828,300 ($14,216).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from and currently residing in the Philippines, Cheung is a fixture at the country’s premier poker venues, including the Metro Card Club and PokerStars LIVE Manila. Over the years, he has successfully transitioned from a local regular to an international competitor, traveling to stops in Taiwan and Australia.

He is often recognized for his work ethic, frequently cashing in multiple events during a single series. Whether he is competing in the Manila Super Series or the Philippine Poker Tournament (PPT), where he recently placed 7th in the Main Event for PHP 66,000 (∼$1,166), Cheung maintains a relentless schedule that has kept him at the forefront of the Filipino poker community.

Play Style & Strategy

Cheung is known for a disciplined and adaptable tournament strategy, particularly excelling in “Super Stack” and “Double Stack” formats that favor his patient approach to stack accumulation. His strategy is deeply rooted in exploiting regional player dynamics, a skill he has refined through years of experience against diverse Asian player pools.

He demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency in No Limit Hold’em, showing particular strength in the mid-to-late stages of tournaments where his understanding of pressure points allows him to outlast more aggressive opponents. By balancing a high volume of local play with selective international appearances, Cheung has maintained a strong Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 7,441st, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable professionals in the region.

Recent Attendances