The Living Legend: At 71, legendary ‘Bata’ still weaving his magic

The cue has long been set down, lifted again, and steadied by time, but Efren “Bata” Reyes still stands at the center of the table where Philippine billiards learned how to dream.

In an era now shared with prodigies and protégés, Reyes’ presence at the WNT Legends event that wrapped up last Friday at Gateway Mall in Cubao was not about reclaiming past glory, but showcasing the skills he helped create — one shot, one lesson, one quiet mastery at a time.

For decades, Reyes, 71, has been more than a champion.

He has been a moving classroom, a standard, a story passed from one generation to the next in pool halls across the country and around the world.

Even now, with the label of “legend” firmly attached to his name, Reyes remains grounded in the simple rhythm of the sport that changed his life.

“I want to thank my followers who have been watching me until today,” said Reyes, who shared some memorable battles with fellow greats Francisco “Djanggo” Bustamante, Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet of Germany and Earl “The Pearl” Strickland of the United States.

“The tournament is a big deal for us, too. Of course they enjoy billiards, especially now that there are many young people getting better.”

Humble beginning

Reyes’ practically grew up on a pool table as he lived at Lucky 13 in Avenida Street in Santa Cruz, Manila, at five years old.

“My father was already living in Manila for about five years. That’s where I really got into billiards. That’s where I learned and where I played. I didn’t play any other game — only billiards,” Reyes said candidly during a visit to DAILY TRIBUNE office recently with Puyat Sports president Aristeo “Putch” Puyat.

“I was afraid to go outside, so I mostly played at night when there were fewer people. When I woke up in the morning, there were still people playing.”

It took a call from the late Jose “Pompit” Puyat to forge what is a lifelong partnership with Puyat Sports.

“When I met Boss Puyat, the first person I met was his brother, Jose ‘Pompit’ Puyat. He called me and asked me to open their billiard hall along Taft Avenue. That’s where we met,” Reyes said.

Filipino magic

From there, Reyes, also known as “The Magician,” toured around the world and showed his skills in a sport that is greatly dominated by Western countries.

From Souquet to Strickland, Reyes struck fear in the hearts of his opponents despite his humble demeanor and innocent smile.

Reyes won three WPA nine-ball titles, a two-time World Pool League champion and a US Open winner.

But his most memorable stint was his clash with Strickland in “The Color of Money” in 1996 in Hong Kong where he pulled off a miraculous comeback from 17 racks down for the victory.

For Reyes, competition has never been about ego. It has always been about the game itself, about showing up prepared and accepting whatever result follows.

“You have to stay strong, keep your eyes clear, and avoid getting tired. When you get tired, your vision changes. Billiards is also a form of exercise,“ Reyes said during an episode of Off the Court.

While he wasn’t able to replicate the same magic he had at the WNT Legends after losing 9-11 to Souquet in the bronze medal match, he enjoyed being catching up with old rivals and putting on a show in front of local fans, some of them too young to catch him in his prime.

“I didn’t make a ball off the break, which ultimately let me down, and luck wasn’t on my side today. Congratulations to Ralf — he was the better player today,” Reyes said.

“Even without winning, I’m happy. This week has been one I’ll never forget. Whether you were here in person or watching at home, thank you to everyone who supported us.”

Future

Reyes is always excited to see new talent emerge and make a name for themselves.

Players like AJ Manas represent that next wave — players who grew up not just hearing stories of Reyes, but watching him in real time, frame by frame, tournament by tournament.

“He’s talented and already has experience playing abroad — in Vietnam, Indonesia and Europe. He plays well, has a strong heart, and fights hard for his dream,“ said Reyes, smiling whenever he imagines what the future holds for Philippine billiards.

“There are many talented kids now, from very young to older players. They still want to learn and watch my games. They want to see what I can do. At my age, I can’t do what I used to, but they still learn from watching.”

His advice to young players is simple, almost parental, shaped by years of seeing talent rise and fade.

“Take care of your body. Avoid vices. Concentrate when you play. If you want your career to last, stay healthy and disciplined.”

Reyes did not chase the past. He stood beside it, nodded at it, and then looked forward.

In doing so, he reminded everyone watching that legends are not defined by how long they stay at the top, but by how many others they lift on the way down — until the game is no longer just theirs, but everyone’s.