Wilde Blu Wonder

I watched a few videos of Bernie “Benok” Regalario’s match against one of the greatest to ever wield a cue stick, our very own, former world champion Efren “Bata” Reyes. Bernie won the match and by the look of the seriousness on Bata’s face, he wasn’t taking it easy on the billiards prodigy.

Was it a changing of the guard? Was it the baton or cue stick being passed on to Benok? Was it the passing of the torch? As if Reyes saying, it’s now your time Benok, it’s your turn.

Bernie was cool, calm and collected. Cool as a cucumber for a 16 year-old with his whole life of billiards ahead of him. Seldom do you see a 16 year old so composed and exuding confidence with tons of respect for his opponent but showing no fear.

Leslie “AnitoKid” Mapugay, Nino Lopez and Bernie’s parents have done an outstanding job of keeping this young man’s feet firmly planted on the ground. As he slowly but surely builds his legend, we hope all his success doesn’t go to his head.

My hope for this young man is that despite all his wins and victories, that he still enjoys being a young adult. We don’t know if Bernie is interested in other sports but if he is, then, we hope he’s given opportunities to enjoy them recreationally.

Bernie leads the future of Philippine billiards. Kids will look up to him and sponsors will want a piece of him for whatever reason. We also hope that he continues to be surrounded by people with only pure, honest and good intentions for him.

Finally and personally, I hope he finishes school, gets a degree, finishes his education because as Denzel Washington said in one of his commencement speeches, “Education is not a fall back, it’s a fall forward”. Billiards is not a lifelong career and I’m definitely sure Wilde Blu Juniors knows that as well.

It is just a matter of time before Benok becomes a world champion, and someday he will, and when he does, may he not forget his humble beginnings, the people who brought him to the precipice of greatness and lastly, the people who love and care about him.

Good luck Benok! Always break a leg!