Why is Efren 'Bata' Reyes called 'The Magician'?

Efren 'Bata' Reyes has brought pride and glory for the Philippines as he has carried the country to the world stage countless times with his excellence in billiards.

But how did he come to be called 'The Magician'?

The billiards legend recalled to "Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel" about his exploits during those times he would not use his real name so that his opponents would be unaware that he was competing.

"Bago ako magpunta ng Amerika, alam ng mga tao doon na darating na ako, na darating na ang Efren 'Bata' Reyes sa Amerika. Eh siyempre paano ako makakalaban, paanong may lalaban sa akin doon kung 'yun kaagad alam nila na ako yun? Siyempre naano kami, so 'yung pangalan ng kasama ko ginamit ko, 'yung Cesar Morales, e hindi naman nila alam ang mukha ko eh, pangalan lang," Reyes narrated.

"'Cesar Morales ang pangalan n'yo? Hindi, sabi ko Efren Reyes ang tunay na pangalan. So ikaw na ba 'yung Efren Reyes? Oo."

"Kaya pagbalik ko mga 1986, '87, tinawag na akong Magician kasi bawat dating ko doon may napupulot silang iba-ibang tira, iba't ibang klaseng posisyon ng tira na nakukuha nila na hindi nila alam," Reyes shared.

Indeed, 'The Magician' has a lot of tricks and still competes in various professional billiards tournaments. During the recent Hanoi Southeast Asian Games, Reyes even bagged a bronze medal in the carom event.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News