Kickoff (16,500 PHP)

Jester Intia opened 2,300 on the cutoff, joined by both players on the blinds onto flop 8♥ J♦ A♥ . Intia continued for 3,500, check called by Lenart Ecarma. Both turn A♦ and river 3♣ was checked to showdown, revealing Intia's Q♠ 8♠ , good against Ecarma's busted flush draw 7♥ 4♥ .

Lenart Ecarma opened 1,000 utg, called behind by Kim Enriquez along with Reynaldo Ong on the big blind. Ecarma continued for 1,800 on flop 3♦ 6♠ 5♥ and saw both stick around to turn Q♣ . Action this time, was checked to Enriquez, who bet 3,600. Both made the call, dealing river T♣ . All three checked to showdown, revealing Ecarma's Q♦ J♥ , good for the pot.

With 17 players remaining in an eight-handed format, the final two tables on Day 1a are in sight. Joining Hogyun Kang on the rail are the two local players Nichols Manalo and Lenart Ecarma, who will have to try again in the remaining two flights at Okada Manila to earn their share of the prize pool.