Orcollo star of the post-Bata, Django era

MANILA, Philippines - His conquests in 2011 – world 8-ball, Predator 10-ball, SEA Games and Philippine 9-ball and World Pool-Billiards Association’s Athlete of the Year – left little doubt about Dennis Orcollo’s status as the hottest property today for Phl billiards that’s starting to see less of icons Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante.

To some, Orcollo has already taken the mantle from the two ageing and seemingly fading pool wizards.

But ever humble, the two-time PSA Athlete of the Year awardee was quick to shrug off such “the-guards-have-changed” notions.

“Actually, hindi pa. Sila Efren at Django, matatag pa rin kahit may edad na (Actually, Reyes and Bustament still have the touch, they remain solid players despite their age),” Orcollo said during Saturday night’s PSA Annual Awards at the Manila Hotel presented by Smart.

“Talagang matibay pa rin sila. Siyempre malaking bagay sa amin na nandyan sila, inspirasyon namin sila, lalong lumalakas ang loob namin pag kasama sila sa tournament (They’re still strong. Of course it’s good for us because we get inspiration and more guts with them around everytime we’re in a tournament together),” added “Robocop.”

Orcollo, however, admitted, that Phl billiards is under serious threat from fast-rising nations like Chinese Taipei and China in its standing as a global power.

“Sila ang pinakamatigas ngayon. Sana makakasabay tayo sa kanila (They are the toughest today. I hope we can keep in step with them),” he said.

Orcollo was awarded Athlete of the Year by the PSA for the second straight year, receiving the coveted plum from Vice President Jejomar Binay and PSA president Rey Bancod. He shared the accolade with honoree in-absentia Nonito Donaire Jr.

“Talagang napakalaking karangalan na ako na naman ang mahirang na Athlete of the Year. Syempre masayang masaya tayo dahil alam ko lahat ng atleta, Pinoy player pinangarap ito at yun nga ako uli ang nahirang so talagang nagpapasalamat ako sa PSA (It’s a big honor to be named Athlete of the Year once more. I’m truly happy because every athlete dreams of getting this distinction. I’d like to thank the PSA for giving me this award),” Orcollo said.

The 32-year-old cue star said the honor will further drive him to strive for excellence this year, and a possible shot at a “grandslam” in the next PSA awards.

“Talagang gagawin ko ang lahat. Sana marami tayong mapanalunan uli (Getting inspiration from this, I’ll give it my all to try to win more tournaments this year),” he said.

Orcollo led the honorees during the gathering of champions that was also graced by PSA Hall of Famer and boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao. Philippine Olympic Committe president Peping Cojuangco and International Olympic Committee rep to Phl Frank Elizalde.