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: 2025.12.22

Lester Timonera is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a prominent figure in the Asian poker circuit, notably as a multi-time Asian Poker Tour (APT) titleholder. He is widely recognized for his consistency in both major regional festivals and local high-stakes games in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $83,227. Timonera has secured two prestigious APT titles, with his second coming at APT Taipei 2024, where he won the TWD 5,000 No Limit Hold’em – Hyper Turbo – Double Board (Event #46) for TWD 99,638 (∼$3,160). His career-best live cash of $7,720 reflects his ability to compete at a high level across various structures.

In recent years, he has maintained a strong presence at major venues like the Metro Card Club and PokerStars LIVE Manila . At the Okada Manila Millions in 2023, he finished 7th in the PHP 3,500 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event for PHP 91,000 (~$1,630). He also recorded a deep run at the 2024 Batang Metro Poker Challenge, finishing 39th in the PHP 15,000 Main Event for PHP 54,000 (~$947). His consistent performance has placed him in the top 150 on the Philippines All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines, Timonera has spent years grinding the local and regional circuits to establish his reputation. He is often associated with the “Women of Poker” titlist Hazel Timonera, indicating a strong poker pedigree within his family. Lester has successfully transitioned from a local regular at the Metro Card Club to an international competitor, frequently traveling to major stops in Taiwan and across Southeast Asia. His career trajectory highlights a steady ascent from small-field deepstack events to the final tables of major tour series like the APT and APPT.

Play Style & Strategy

Timonera is known for his versatility and high work rate, often excelling in fast-paced formats such as Hyper Turbo and Deepstack Turbo events. His victory in a Double Board tournament demonstrates a high level of adaptability and a deep understanding of specialized poker variants. He is particularly effective in large-field “Marathon” style structures, where his patience and ICM awareness allow him to navigate deep into the money. This tactical flexibility makes him a dangerous opponent at any final table, whether playing a standard No Limit Hold’em freezeout or a niche high-variance event.

Recent Attendances