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

Jose Padilla is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a prominent fixture in the local and regional tournament circuit. Known for his high volume of play in the Philippines’ major poker hubs, he has established himself as a consistent contender in high-field events at venues such as Okada Manila and the Metro Card Club.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Jose Padilla has accumulated total live earnings of $12,922. His professional breakthrough occurred in July 2025 during the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila, where he recorded his biggest career cash. Competing in the PHP 15,000 No Limit Hold’em – Deepstack, he finished in 3rd place to earn PHP 215,000 (∼$3,787).

During the same APPT Manila series, Padilla demonstrated his consistency by securing a 15th-place finish in the PHP 35,000 APPT National for PHP 185,000 (∼$3,258). His 2025 season has been marked by several deep runs, including a 4th-place finish in a Weekend Special 700k GTD event for PHP 63,250 (∼$1,102) and a 30th-place finish in the PHP 3,800 Metro Walk to a Million – BluffMasters for PHP 13,000 (∼$229). He currently ranks 443rd on the Philippines All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Based in the Philippines, Padilla has utilized the booming local poker scene to build a robust tournament resume in a relatively short period. While he frequently competes in major international series like the APPT, he is also a regular participant in regional festivals such as the Philippine Poker Tournament (PPT) and various events at the Metro Card Club in Pasig City. His steady climb in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings throughout 2025 reflects his transition into a dedicated circuit professional.

Play Style & Strategy

Padilla is known for a resilient and tactical play style, particularly excelling in “Deepstack” and “Super Stack” formats that reward patient accumulation and post-flop proficiency. His ability to navigate large fields, evidenced by his deep runs in the APPT National and Metro Walk to a Million, demonstrates a strong command of tournament survival and late-stage aggression. Whether competing in a high-speed Hyper Turbo or a traditional championship structure, his adaptability and growing experience make him a formidable local regular in the modern Philippine game.

Recent Attendances