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: 2025.12.18

Michael Manlapaz, popularly known as “DJ Mike,” is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a prominent force in the local circuit, recently clinching one of the most prestigious titles in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Michael Manlapaz has total live earnings of $35,935. He currently holds the 243rd position on the Philippines All Time Money List, a ranking set to rise following his recent major victory.

His career-best score came in November 2025 at the Metro Card Club, where he was crowned the RVS Cup Philippine Poker Championship Main Event champion. Manlapaz dominated a massive field of 749 entries to take home the coveted title. He maintained high momentum into the Manila Megastack 23 in PokerStars LIVE Manila last December 2025, where he finished 2nd in the NLH 20/15/10 event for PHP 103,500 (∼$1,768). His resume also includes a 3rd-place finish in the APPT Manila Super Deep for PHP 256,000 (∼$4,490) and a 1st-place finish in the Weekend Special 500k GTD for PHP 143,702 (∼$2,530).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from the Philippines, Manlapaz has been a regular fixture at the Metro Card Club and Okada Manila for several years. While he has recorded results dating back to 2015, his career saw a significant surge in 2024 and 2025 as he transitioned from a consistent finalist to a major champion. He is widely recognized for his “red-hot” runs in high-guarantee events, frequently topping leaderboards in major local festivals like the RVS Cup and Manila Super Series.

Play Style & Strategy

Manlapaz is known for a high-pressure and commanding play style, often leveraging his ability to build massive chip leads during the early flights of tournaments. His performance in the RVS Cup, where he bagged the overall chip lead in the final entry flight and stayed in command through Day 2, demonstrates strong mental endurance and effective stack management. He excels in navigating large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments, utilizing a mix of aggression and tactical patience that makes him a formidable opponent at any final table.

Recent Attendances