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: 2026.01.03

Manuel Geronimo is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a consistent presence in the local and regional Asian circuits, widely recognized for his deep runs in major Manila-based festivals such as the APPT and the Philippine Poker Millions.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $30,692. His career-best cash of PHP 560,000 (∼$9,537) was achieved in November 2024 at the RVS Cup Philippine Poker Championship in Pasig City, where he secured a 5th place finish in a field of 899 entries. Geronimo has maintained strong momentum through 2025, notably finishing 44th in the Philippine Poker Millions Main Event for PHP 210,000 (∼$3,678) and 37th in the PokerStars Red Dragon event during APPT Manila for PHP 125,000 (∼$2,193). He also recorded a deep run in the APPT Manila Main Event, finishing 158th for PHP 125,000.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines, Geronimo is a regular fixture at premier Manila venues including the Metro Card Club, Okada Manila, and City of Dreams. He is currently ranked 266th on the Philippines All Time Money List and has shown significant growth in the global rankings, reaching a career-high Global Poker Index (GPI) rank of 7,970th in late 2025. While his primary success remains in the Philippines, he has also demonstrated his versatility by competing internationally, recording a notable 105th place finish in the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) Main Event in early 2025.

Play Style & Strategy

Geronimo is known for a resilient and patient tournament strategy, particularly excelling in the high-pressure environments of large-field No Limit Hold’em events. His ability to consistently navigate deep into fields featuring over 1,000 entries, such as the APPT Manila and Philippine Poker Millions Main Events, highlights his strong situational awareness and discipline during the mid-to-late stages of a tournament. Whether competing in a local recurring tournament or a prestigious international championship, his adaptable approach allows him to effectively manage variance and capitalize on critical final table opportunities.

Recent Attendances