Getting to know Filipina billiards champion Rubilen Amit

In 2009, Amit defeated the former world number one Jeanette Lee in the quarter-finals, before defeating Akimi Kajitani of Japan in the semifinals. She then won against Shin-Mei Liu of Taiwan, making her the Philippines’ first female world champion in billiards. In 2013, she defeated Kelly Fisher at Resorts World. 

Rubilen Amit’s first sport was basketball until she turned 12. At that age, her classmates started to focus on other activities. Her father took the opportunity to introduce her to billiards. 

At first, she enjoyed playing with her cousins. But her father saw her potential and would incentivise her with prizes, such as shirts and pants, for winning each competition. If her parents were upset with her, winning a competition was an easy way to return to their good graces. 

She stopped competing for a while to obtain a college degree in accountancy at the University of Santo Tomas. Eventually, she returned to 9-ball and won 10 gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games.  

Rubilen Amit is a board member of Project: Steady Asia, the mental health program of Rock Ed Philippines. This project gives national athletes support and encouragement during their mental health journey.  During the pandemic, members of the public could undergo mental wellness sessions via Zoom three times a week. 

Along with Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Amit facilitated some Zoom sessions of her own, encouraging Filipinos to take charge of their mental health journey through encouragement and support. 

More from Tatler: The Olympics and Paralympics’ chief brand officer on creating the games’ visual identity and why inclusive design needs to be ubiquitous

Along with other Filipino athletes and champions, Rubilen published an essay about her experiences navigating the sports landscape during the turbulent times of COVID-19. “This is a dream come true,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “Congratulations to everyone who took part in making this a reality!” 

Familiar faces in the world of billiards include Efren Reyes, who is among the greatest pool players of all time. Amit took inspiration from Reyes in her games, especially against male competitors who tended to underestimate her abilities. 

But with her family’s encouragement, she was able to hone her keen eye and sensibilities. At the same time, she maintained composure under pressure, allowing her strategies to dismantle those of her opponents. 

Billiards has become a key part of Rubilen Amit’s life, teaching her many valuable lessons about discernment and intentionality. Her goal is to encourage other Filipinas to try this sport, as it has many lessons they can apply on and off the table. 

She recently started the Amit Cup, where amateur women players can compete in a tournament. She hopes that future generations of Filipinas take up the mantle and prove that women are just as capable of excelling in this sport. 

READ MORE

After years of armed conflict, ‘Products of Peace’ and weaving provide Filipino women with a platform for empowerment

Lea Salonga on having her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Singapore

Paris 2024 Paralympics Team Philippines round-upThe Olympics and Paralympics’ chief brand officer on creating the games’ visual identity and why inclusive design needs to be ubiquitous