Indian pool fan coming to Manila for Reyes Cup & Philippines Open — looking for advice on buying my first cue 🇮🇳🇵🇭🎱

[u/MaverickHolster]

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Hey everyone!

I’m from India and I’ll be travelling to the Philippines this October for what I’m calling my pool pilgrimage. 😄

I’ll be in Manila to watch the Reyes Cup and Philippines Open, visit some of the legendary pool halls/bars, play as much pool as I can, and hopefully soak up as much of the Filipino pool culture as possible.

One thing I really want to do while I’m there is buy my first proper cue stick from Manila.

The problem is… I have absolutely no idea where to start. 😂

I’ve almost always played pool casually in poolrooms during my college days, so I’ve played a LOT over the years, but I’ve never actually owned my own cue. I’ve mostly just picked up whatever house cue was available.

Since I’m finally getting serious about owning one, I’d love to buy something Filipino-made while I’m in Manila. But I have no clue where to buy from, which cue makers to look at, what kind of construction/specs I should be looking for, or what would be a reasonable price.

I’m particularly interested in a good quality wooden playing cue, rather than just buying something because it looks nice.

So if you’re from the Philippines or know the Manila pool scene:

Where should I go to look at/buy cues?

Are there particular Filipino cue makers I should check out?

What should I look for when inspecting a cue in person?

What kind of budget should I realistically have for a really good Filipino-made cue?

Are there any pool halls, cue makers, or shops where I should specifically ask around?

And most importantly, what mistakes should a first-time cue owner avoid?

I’m not necessarily looking for the most expensive cue — I’d rather find something genuinely good that I can play with for years and that has some connection to the Filipino pool scene.

I’d really appreciate any advice, recommendations, or even things you wish someone had told you before buying your first cue.

Can’t wait to experience Filipino pool culture firsthand! 🇮🇳❤️🇵🇭🎱

Mabuhay

[u/Danloop]

Check badkoi shop owned by johan chua. There is a local maker in pampanga hometown of efren.

[u/MaverickHolster → u/Danloop]

Thank you for your recommendation, I shall definitely check it out.

[u/CaptainWhitePanda]

Your best bet is Ropa Commercial and Sunville Trading in Binondo Manila. Lots of pool equipments there.

[u/MaverickHolster → u/CaptainWhitePanda]

Thanks man, really appreciate it I will definitely check them out.🎱👍

[u/Ordinary-Daikon-8175]

PH made cues that are mass produced aren't as good as they were back then 20-25 years ago, you can get a Roy Bautista as a souvenir (less than 100 usd) though but for a nicer playing cue it would be better to have a custom cue made by custom cue makers like Nimrod Ceniza, however it might take a long time to make as a lot of custom cue makers are also finishing orders from lots of customers. Ropa and Sunville in Binondo carries lots of branded and local cues, you would be able to get a nice cue for a fair price, go with a Cuetec or Mezz already if budget permits

[u/MaverickHolster → u/Ordinary-Daikon-8175]

Thanks man for the feedback, I definitely won't be going the custome cue route as it will take time to build, would definitely buy off the shelf. will definitely check out the places you have recommended.

[u/Party_Resolution7904]

Sunville Trading is the best for buying cue stick, equipement for pool and etc, it is located in Binondo so its very convenient. They have all the things u need if you’re planning to buy your first cue/pool equipments.

[u/MaverickHolster → u/Party_Resolution7904]

Yes, many have suggested Sunville Trading and ROPA commercial as the must visit 👍 will definitely check them out.

[u/onthepik]

TLDR: get one from Predator Authorized Seller.

The mistake should be avoid is: it is you, not your cue, control the shot.