It was warm and the sky was clear.
The ocean calmly broke on a white sand beach that had temporarily transformed itself into one of the best parties on the poker circuit.
Starting at about 6pm, players were treated to cocktails, live music and a giant buffet of Filipino delicacies at the Shangri-La resort. There was also a live band that covered a myriad of different songs with surprising accuracy. There were 90s romance songs, rock songs and the band even sang “Poker Face” while fireworks exploded in the background.
While the band delighted players earholes, there were plenty of things around to occupy their mouth holes. Small bites of of bacony meat, chicken on a stick and crackers with artfully-placed salmon. Players brought their friends, family and appetites and everyone was pleased. They also brought a desire to drink.
As plenty of signs indicated along the Shangri-La resort, there were plenty of cocktails being offered on the beachfront.
Many players were enjoying one of these tropical cocktails when APPT staff and Team PokerStars Pro took to the stage. They thanked players for joining them under such tough conditions and informed them of everything else they had to look forward to on the island. One of those things was a boat tour that many players took today. Not those up for Day 1B though, today is their poker day.
Staff then informed the players they had a surprise for them and that’s when the fire started. There was an impressive display of fireworks going on as the band shifted gears and whipped out a Laday Gaga cover of “Poker Face.” Because this is a poker tournament.
After the formalities and explosions were over, the party continued. Players and members of Team PokerStars Pro started playing a drinking game that ended in at least one shirt removal.
But the drinking game has since turned into a game of wits, bluffs, odds, draws and cards: Poker.
Day 1B of APPT Cebu drew 77 entrants bringing the total amount of players up to 158. Play is still underway as we continue to chop the field into Day 2.
For live updates, check out our live updates page.
Alexander Villegas is a figment of the PokerStars Blog’s imagination.
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