Player Profile Series: Billiards' "Lion Heart" Alex Pagulayan

Alex Pagulayan began his billiards journey in 2002 when he made a stunning run to the finals of the US Open Nine-ball Championship, only to fall short against Ralf Souquet, 11–13. Three years later, he returned to the same stage with renewed fire and captured the title, defeating fellow Filipino Jose Parica, 11–6.

Though raised in Canada, Pagulayan represented the Philippines in the mid-2000s and again in 2012. In recent years, however, he has returned to carrying the Canadian flag in international tournaments.

His biggest career breakthrough came in 2004 when he won the World Pool Championship in Taipei. After his victory, he paid a courtesy call to the Philippine president, accompanied by his close family friend Andrew Lee, who recalled the moment with a hint of surprise. “We didn’t know what was inside the envelope,” Lee said, referring to a modest incentive from the government for winning the world title.

Later that year, Pagulayan helped the Filipino team secure the Snooker gold medal at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, alongside Joven Alba and Leonardo Andam. After a 3–2 win over Thailand at the Makati Coliseum, he emerged as a triple gold medalist — a testament to his skill and his dedication to the flag he once proudly bore.

Despite his achievements and the pride he brought to the Philippines, Pagulayan made the difficult decision to switch allegiances and represent Canada. As a dual citizen who grew up in Canada, he has always kept close ties with his Canadian roots, regularly visiting family and maintaining a presence there. Still, the bulk of his career had been spent representing the Philippines on the world stage.

According to his agent, Jim Wych, even when he won the World Nine-ball title in 2004 under the Canadian flag, Pagulayan declared himself Filipino — understanding the deeper significance that title held in the Philippines compared to Canada.

However, political issues within a Philippine billiards association eventually pushed him away. He faced bureaucratic roadblocks and unfair treatment while competing as a Filipino — challenges he no longer encounters when representing Canada. The Canadian association welcomed him back and even worked with the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) to restore his full playing status without delay.

In the end, playing for Canada became the simpler and more respectful path forward.

Still, what lies ahead in his journey remains to be seen. While the “Lion Heart” now roars for Canada, a part of it still beats for the country of his birth — the Philippines. Perhaps, when the time is right, he will once again fight under its flag.