In the heart of Manila, in a dimly lit pool hall resonating with the clinks of billiard balls and the murmur of hopefuls and hustlers alike, a scene unfolded that few would forget. It was a special night, not just because the legendary Efren "Bata" Reyes was in town, but because a young boy, barely twelve, had stepped into the arena with a cue stick that looked too big for him, a determined gleam in his eye.
Efren, known for his humility and kindness, noticed the boy while playing a casual game with locals. The boy, who everyone called Kid, watched Efren with unwavering attention, absorbing every slick, smooth move the pool maestro executed. Seeing his admiration, Efren beckoned Kid over.
"You want to learn a trick or two?" Efren asked, his voice gentle, a stark contrast to the rowdy background.
Kid nodded, his eyes wide with awe. Efren handed him the cue. "First, you must trust this," he said, tapping the cue stick, "Trust it to be the extension of your arm, and trust yourself to make the shot."
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For the next hour, Efren showed Kid various shots — the draw, the follow, the spin. But then, he set up a difficult shot, one that seemed nearly impossible to the young onlookers and old sharks watching.
"This," Efren said, gesturing towards the setup, "is about more than just making the ball spin. This is about trusting what I've taught you. Can you do that?"
Kid nodded, taking his position. Efren's lessons weren't just about handling the cue or striking the ball; they were about believing in the impossible. With a shaky breath, Kid lined up, trusting his mentor's teachings, trusting the cue, trusting himself. He struck. The cue ball danced across the table, hitting the target ball into the pocket exactly as planned.
The crowd erupted in cheers, but none louder than Efren's. He clapped Kid on the back, smiling. "That’s it! It’s all about trust. Not just in pool, but in life. You trust your tools, you trust the people who guide you, and most of all, you trust yourself."
Kid beamed, his earlier hesitation replaced by a newfound confidence. For the rest of the night, he played with more assurance, and Efren stayed by his side, teaching and guiding.
When the evening wound down, Efren pulled the boy aside. "Remember this," he whispered, "the trust you showed today, keep that with you everywhere. Whether you’re playing pool or stepping into life’s bigger challenges."
As Kid walked away, cue stick in hand, he realized the lesson wasn’t just about pool; it was about life. Efren Reyes, the magician of the billiard world, had taught him the greatest trick of all: trusting himself to make the impossible possible.
