HomeBack on land and on overdrive! The Asian Poker Tour kicks off the last quarter of the calendar year with the APT Manila 2016 held at the APT Poker Room in the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino in Manila, Philippines. Starting today, October 4th until October 12th, this latest festival features 18 APT signature side events and the highlight event, the APT Manila 2016 Main Event.
Today’s events: Welcome Event and Main Event Satellite
Taking the wheel today is the highly popular festival booster, the Welcome Event P1,000,000 Guaranteed. This event has consistently attracted a large number of players looking to scoop up the first big payout and the bragging rights first trophy. Things to know for this event:
- There are two qualifying heats both running today, Flight A at 1pm and Flight B at 5pm
- Buy-in is P6,600
- This is a two-day event, Day 2 begins tomorrow at 1pm
While that cruises along, there will be a Main Event Mega Satellite at 6pm. This is the first of five satellites leading up to the highlighted Main Event. Buy-in to the satellite is only P5,500 with one out of ten players awarded a coveted seat. Last month, Malaysia’s Jin Yong finished in second place at the Main Event turning his satellite ticket to a massive payout.
Main Event starts this weekend
While many side events ignite the felt during the weekdays, the Main Event takes control on the weekend. This means, all you weekend warriors have the opportunity to get in on the action. What’s up for grabs? The APT Main Event championship title and the prestigious APT Championship Ring. This is the only event where you can win one of these special silver bands. Ten of these have already been awarded this year with the latest one claimed by the newest two-time APT Main Event champion, UK’s Samad Razavi. Things to know:
- There are two entry flights, Day 1A is on Friday, October 7th, and Day 1B is on Saturday, October 8th
- Main Event buy-in fee is P55,000
- First deal is at 1pm
- Main Event Bubble Protection will be in effect
- This is a five-day event with Day 2 on Sunday, Day 3 on Monday, and the Final 8 on Tuesday, October 11th
Side Events lineup
After opening day, there are a wide variety of side events running daily throughout the festival with buy-ins ranging from P5,500-P55,000. Here’s a quick rundown of the APT side event suspects:
- Head Hunter event P4,000/Bounty
- Battle of the Nations (team event)
- Ante Up for Charity
- Ladies of Poker
- No Limit Hold’em 1 Day event
- Monster Stack
- Open Face Chinese Pineapple Shootout 24 Max
- Pot Limit Omaha Hi
- Ante Only
- 6 Handed Turbo w/Antes
- Several Deep Stack Turbo events
There will also be a High Roller event with an entry fee of P108,000. One addition is the NLH 50K Challenge event. Not quite a high roller, not quite a main event, this tournament has an entry fee of P55,000. Both of these said events are slated for a two-day stint.
For the full schedule, please head to the APT Manila 2016 event page.
APT Player of the Year 2016 race
Iori Yogo and Sam Razavi still on top of the APT POY race
With only four APT events left in the year, time to fuel up more points for the APT Player of the Year 2016 race. All the events offered are point generating. As it stands, it is a tight race for the overall top spot with Japan’s Iori Yogo and UK’s Samad Razavi running neck and neck. The regional race for the Philippines and Korea is also very close with several players in contention.
Hotel Accommodations for APT Players
APT guests can now avail of the Special APT Player Only Rates with rooms at the venue starting at P3,000-P8,000 net. The rooms are equipped with complimentary bottled water, wifi, and guests can use the swimming pool free of charge. One way airport transfer to and from the hotel is available for P900 each way however guests must reserve at least two days prior to arrival as seats are based on availability. Things to know about the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino:
- Facilities include a Business Center, Gym, Outdoor Pool, Chapel, Parking, and Safety Deposit Box
- There are smoking and non-smoking rooms available
- 24 Hour Room Service
- 2 Restaurants and 1 bar
- 24 Hour Casino
For hotel information and reservation, please visit the APT Poker Room Hotel booking page.
Things to do nearby
The venue is located in the heart of Manila and is walking distance to the city’s iconic Rizal Park. This is a great place to take a stroll, enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens, and be immersed in a great deal of Philippine history. Hero Jose Rizal was executed in this place and a monument was erected with his remains guarded day and night by officers in full uniform. There is also a chess park within the grounds if you dare challenge the locals, free concert in the park on Sunday afternoons, an orchidarium, the National Museum, and other activities for those more inclined. You can obtain a map at the park’s visitors center and inquire about tour guides for a much more fulfilling experience. Other attractions nearby:
- Intramuros “the walled city” where you can walk along the historic walls built during the Spanish era
- Fort Santiago, the city’s premiere tourist attraction; this is where Jose Rizal was incarcerated until his execution
- Manila Bay
Other things to know
The venue is approximately 30-45mins away from any of the nearby airports; it can be longer depending on the traffic. It is still rainy season in the country, which means expect some daily showers. If you venture further away from the hotel/casino, metered taxicabs are easily accessible and sometimes stationed by the casino entrance. You can also have one hailed for you by the hotel lobby attendant. In terms of currency, it is highly advisable to convert to the Philippine Peso.
Time to get the cards in the air and let the fun begin! Welcome to the APT Manila 2016!