22/09/2025
THE LEADER OF THE INVASION – JOSE “AMANG” PARICA 🎱
🇵🇭 The Original Giant Killer. The Godfather. The Man Who Changed It All.
Not enough is said about how incredible Jose Parica really was — and how long his prime lasted. This man played world-class pool well into his 50s and paved the way for the Golden Era of Filipino billiards.
📖 His Story Reads Like a Legend:
In 1979, Parica established the Philippine Pocket Billiard Association Inc. (PPBAI) and became its first president. He wasn’t just a player — he was a leader. He captained the Philippine team to 8 titles in Japan during the 1980s, cementing the country’s status as a global billiards powerhouse.
🏆 The First Asian World Champion:
In 1988, Parica won the historic World Pro 9-Ball Tournament (JPPA) — the largest pool tournament ever recorded, with over 900 players from around the world! He became the first Asian to win major titles on U.S. soil, smashing barriers and inspiring an entire generation of Filipino cue artists.
🔥 Dominance in the Philippines & Abroad:
Throughout the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, Parica ruled Philippine pool, winning everything there was to win — including the Philippine National 8-Ball (1979), Philippine 9-Ball World Open (1989), and Philippine 9-Ball Open (1992).
In the U.S., he became the 1997 Camel Tour Overall Champion and was named US Pool Magazine’s Man of the Year. He is enshrined in the Philippine Billiard Hall of Fame, Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame, and the US One Pocket Hall of Fame.
💯 The Perfect Game:
Parica is also the first Asian champion to ever post a PERFECT 1.000 stat rating in a race-to-11 9-ball match — no miss, no error — a flawless performance.
💰 The Money Game King:
For two decades, Parica was widely regarded as the greatest money game player in the world — outmatching legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes (4x), Bustamante (2x), Luat (2x), Alcano, Pikoy Villanueva, and Andam when the stakes were highest.
And for years, he was undefeated in final appearances against fellow Filipino champions — until finally falling to Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan at the 2005 US Open.
🔑 Legacy:
Jose “Amang” Parica didn’t just play the game — he built the foundation for Filipino pool’s global dominance. He was the tip of the spear, the man who led the way for Reyes, Bustamante, Orcullo, and today’s champions.
He truly is — THE LEADER OF THE INVASION.
👊 If you love billiards history, smash that ❤️ and share this to honor a true legend.
Follow The Hotspot – All About Billiards for more untold stories of the greats who shaped our game.
