“Chinoy”. This word is a combination of being a Chinese and Pinoy. Chris was born in the Philippines from Chinese parents. At first look, there’s no doubt he is a Chinese; but fellow Pinoys, beware of saying something in Tagalog behind his back because he can understand and speak the language fluently and maybe better than any other Filipinos. I met Chris sometime last year at a pool hall in Cypress, California. A CSUF student, he is approachable and very respectful, well-mannered individual. But… don’t expect this characteristic when he is playing pool. Dude, he is bad! Real bad! Loud.
Efren Reyes, a Filipino cue master, influenced Chris Fangre the most. Chris said he admires Efren’s composure and his vast knowledge about the pool table.
As a young kid, he learned playing pool through computer in the old Nintendo Famicom System. At age 14, his dad bought a pool table and that’s where he learned the basics. His dad played a big role in him becoming a good pool player and buying a pool table at home was the best and coolest thing he has done for him. He’s been playing pool for 10 years now and continues dreaming to win a World Pool title.
Efren Reyes, a Filipino cue master, influenced him the most. Chris said he admires Efren’s composure and his vast knowledge about the pool table. Locally, he also acknowledges the patience of Jerry Leung, who showed him some good fundamentals and be mentally strong for any game. For Chris, Efren “Bata” Reyes is still considered the best all-around pool player of all time. He has dominated every pool tournament around the world for 30 years. One time, we teased him (Efren) the “Tiger Woods” of pool but he did not agree with that and he said it should be (Tiger) the “Efren Reyes” of golf.
I asked Chris why Filipinos are so good at pool. He said, Filipino pool players are so good in this game because they have great confidence in themselves and believe that they’re not only the best in the game but they are gifted with it. Because of self-fulfilling prophecy, they step up to everyone’s expectation.
“Watch out for this young pool shark, Chris Fangre is one of the best, if not the best younger generation of pool players in Orange County today”.
“Pare, eto lang advice ko sa iyo pag sikat at gumaling ka na ng husto, batiin mo ako kahit saan tayo magkita. Be humble always and keep your feet on the ground as is… You are the best… You’re my IDOL… God bless you…”