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

Joseph Sia is a prominent Filipino professional poker player and a fixture of the Southeast Asian circuit. He is recognized as one of the most decorated local pros in the Philippines, having secured numerous titles at major Manila venues including the Metro Card Club and Okada Manila.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Joseph Ty Sia has accumulated total live tournament earnings of $244,016. He is currently ranked 52nd on the Philippines All Time Money List and has maintained a consistent winning record throughout 2024 and 2025.

Sia’s career-best score came in August 2024 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila 15, where he finished 3rd in the PHP 20,000 No Limit Hold’em – SuperStack for PHP 308,000 (∼$5,345).

He has a long history of success in prestigious regional festivals:

Manila Megastack 22 (March 2025): He secured a victory in the PHP 10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Bubble Rush for PHP 137,800.
APPT Manila (July 2025): He recorded a deep run in the PHP 80,000 Main Event, finishing 69th for PHP 213,000 (∼$3,705).
Metro 3M Summer Event (April 2018): He captured the title at this major local championship, which is considered one of his primary professional milestones.
Manila Super Series: He is a former Main Event champion of the PokerStars LIVE Manila Super Series circuit.
Metro Card Club (May 2022): He won the Mixed Hold’em / Omaha side event during the Philippine Poker Tournament festival.

Biography & Poker Background

A native of the Philippines, Sia is a “local pro” who has developed a reputation for being a dominant force in high-volume, large-field tournaments. He is often associated with the METRO-PHILIPPINES TEAM PRO and is widely respected in the domestic community for his longevity and consistency. While he frequently travels for major tours like the APPT and APT, he remains a primary contender at his home bases of the Metro Card Club in Pasig City and Okada Manila.

Play Style & Strategy

Sia is known for an aggressive and highly tactical tournament strategy that excels in both small-ball play and navigating high-pressure endgame scenarios. His ability to effectively transition between different game formats, demonstrated by his title in Mixed Hold’em/Omaha, highlights a versatile technical skill set. In recent years, his results in specialized structures like Bubble Rush, Mystery Bounty, and Turbo Power Button events indicate a strong command of field dynamics and the aggressive adjustments required to exploit short-stack and high-variance environments.

Recent Attendances