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: 2025.12.23

Alvin Jeff Sembrano is a Filipino professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent and consistent figure in the Philippine poker circuit. Known for his high-volume play at major venues like Okada Manila and the Metro Card Club, he is recognized as a formidable competitor in both regional festivals and prestigious tours like the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Alvin Jeff Sembrano has total live earnings of $173,404. He currently holds a strong position on the Philippines All Time Money List, ranking 79th. His career-best live cash of $38,139 highlights his ability to perform at a high level in major championship events.

The 2025 season has been a landmark year for Sembrano, characterized by multiple victories and deep runs:

APPT Manila (July 2025): He secured a 3rd-place finish in the PHP 35,000 APPT National for PHP 1,510,000 (∼$26,594) and a 2nd-place finish in a PHP 15,000 Deepstack event for PHP 301,000 (∼$5,301).
Okada Manila Millions (April 2025): He won the PHP 12,500 Mega Stack title for PHP 423,550 (∼$7,461).
Manila Super Series 21 (February 2025): He captured a victory in the Superstack Hyper Turbo for PHP 66,060 (∼$1,129).
Metro Summer Event (May 2025): He placed 3rd in the Super Stack for PHP 20,600 and finished 15th in the Main Event.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from and currently residing in the Philippines, Sembrano has become a dedicated “circuit grinder” with a primary focus on the burgeoning domestic market. While his early recorded tournament history spans several years, his professional activity surged significantly in 2024 and 2025 as he expanded his reach to international-standard stops like the APPT and the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT). His steady ascent through the national rankings, where he sits among the top 60 in the Global Poker Index (GPI) Philippines, has established him as a premier mid-to-high stakes professional.

Play Style & Strategy

Sembrano is known for an adaptable and aggressive tournament style, particularly excelling in fast-paced formats like Hyper Turbo and Deepstack events where he has secured multiple career titles. His results in both deep-stacked national championships and short-stacked turbo structures suggest a versatile strategic foundation. Strategic observers note his ability to navigate elite fields by balancing selective aggression with the patient accumulation required for major multi-day events, a strategy that has earned him a high final table conversion rate in the modern Asian poker landscape.

Recent Attendances