Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2025.12.20

Marvin Dela Cruz is a Filipino professional poker player with a tournament history dating back to 2008. He is a consistent competitor in the regional Southeast Asian circuit, particularly within flagship series held in Manila.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Marvin Dela Cruz has total live earnings of $12,529. His career-best live cash of PHP 230,000 (~$3,984) was achieved in October 2024 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship, where he finished 5th in the High Roller Warm-Up.

Dela Cruz also holds a major tournament title from the 2008 APPT Manila, where he won the Manila Cup for PHP 160,000 (~$3,272). His more recent 2024–2025 results include:

83rd Place: Manila Megastack 23 Main Event (December 2025) for PHP 86,000 (~$1,461).
30th Place: Manila Poker Cup (MPC) Main Event (September 2024) for PHP 106,000 (~$1,876).
6th Place: Manila Super Series 20 Hot Hyper Turbo (May 2024) for PHP 50,000 (~$859).
89th Place: APPT Warm Up Manila (July 2024) for PHP 26,000 (~$445).

As of late 2025, these performances have earned him a ranking of 474th on the Philippines All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines and currently residing there, Dela Cruz has built a long-term professional foundation through frequent participation in the PokerStars LIVE circuit at Okada Manila. His tournament record spans over a decade, reflecting his status as a veteran regular of the Filipino poker scene who competes in a variety of formats, including Main Events, High Rollers, and fast-paced Hyper Turbos. His Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking reached #82,593 globally in late 2024.

Play Style & Strategy

Dela Cruz is recognized for a disciplined and adaptable play style, demonstrating the ability to navigate both large-field No Limit Hold’em Main Events and the high-pressure environment of High Roller final tables. His victory in the Manila Cup and his deep run in the APPT High Roller Warm-Up highlight strong tournament fundamentals and the tactical patience required to outlast diverse international fields. Known for his consistency across different buy-in levels, his strategy effectively balances the conservative approach needed for multi-day championships with the aggressive decision-making essential for short-stacked Turbo formats.

Recent Attendances