Alejandro "The Lion" Pagulayan

In March 2007, when asked where he resides in a Pool Billiards News interview, Pagulayan jokingly replied, "My suitcase. Yes. That's where I live right now – out of my suitcase." Aside from pool, Alex also plays poker, chess and basketball, and is friends with poker star Daniel Negreanu. He is a big fan of the band Texas.

Alex has always had the dream of the world playing pool and loving the game as must as he does. He took on the role as Head Team Captain with Behind the Rock to be a part of making a change in the pool and billiards industry. If you choose to be on “The Lion’s” team you will be in for a treat. He is excited to train and share his knowledge with his team to encourage them to be the best they can be not only at the table, but in life itself.

Cabagan, Philippines; the most beautiful country in the world! And Canada is a close second to that!
Age started playing: I started playing when I was 10 years old. My friends and family all had high expectations for me because they knew how much I loved to compete at anything. Plus I had exceptional hand eye coordination.
Married or Single: I’m single but I have had some terrific women in my life and consider myself very lucky to still have a strong relationship with most of them.

Family: Mother (Sonia), Sisters (3), Brothers (2). They all live and work in the greater Toronto area. I’m the only one in my family crazy enough to play pool for a living!
Favorite player growing up: Efren “Bata” Reyes, Jose “Amang” Parica. I used to sit and watch them play for hours and I admired their fierce never- say-die attitudes. Efren could see shots that no other player could see and watching him when I was learning to play was a key factor to my suc- cess in pool.
Favorite type of food: Italian foods, Korean barbecue and Japanese Yakeniko. Just thinking about some of my favorite places to eat around the world makes my mouth water.
Favorite music: Anything I can dance to and I don’t own an Ipod ha ha!
Favorite actor/actress: Adam Sandler, Robert Deniro, Drew Barrymore. I admire their talents and they can all make me laugh.
Favorite movie(s): The Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, 50 first dates.
Biggest influence on your career: When I started out there were lots of people who said to me that I would not be able to make it playing pool. I sometimes think about when I started and it brings a smile to my face now. I really consider myself to be blessed with what I have accomplished and what my future holds for me.
Toughest opponent: Thats easy! But there are two players that are on this list. In tournament play Ralf Souquet has been the toughest player for me to beat. He is like a pool playing robot and his ability to perform under pressure and consistent play is second to none. When I have gambled I find Dennis Orcullo to be incredibly hard to beat. For the money he seems to hit another gear and I remember him beating me right before I went to Taipei and won the 2004 World 9-Ball Championship. I’ve been meaning to thank him for that.
Happiest moment in pool: Winning the World 9-ball title in 2004. I celebrated with my friends there and back in the Philippines and Canada. I received so many texts and emails telling me how happy everybody was with me that winning the World title made me feel very proud of my accomplishment. I also really appreciate the support I receive from all my fans, thank you.
Sporting hero(s): Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali, Anderson Silva. They are all extremely talented and were committed to being the best. I like that. Goals: To win another World Championship – and then another and another.
Hobbies: When I’m not playing pool I love to play poker. I practice playing snooker all the time and have actually won two consecutive Canadian snooker championships. I can even see myself trying to play snooker on the pro tour one day, I’d love the challenge of competing with the likes of Ronnie OSullivan and Mark Selby. I also love to cook and can easily see myself becoming a chef. I like experimenting with new foods and I think being a good chef means never being satisfied with anything but perfection. Staying fit is an important aspect of my life too. I like to walk long distances and get as much exercise as my time and travel commitments will allow.
Life after pool: After reading my hobbies above it should not surprise anybody if I became a professional poker player or a chef at a nice restaurant.