Efren 'Bata' Reyes given Champion for Life honors

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday conferred upon billards champion Efren "Bata" Reyes the honor of Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Champion for Life, an accolade reserved only for the most exceptional Filipino achievers. The development follows Reyes' conquest of the World Open 8-Ball Championship of the International Pool Tour 2006 in Reno, Nevada, last month. Reyes' win came with $500,000 or P25 million in prize money, the second highest pot in the history of the sport. The Order of Lakandula is a political and civic honor for Filipinos who uphold Rajah Lakandula's ideals of courage, leadership and public service. Another legendary Filipino cue master, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, received the Presidential Medal of Merit, also for bringing honor to the country in various international billards tilts. The 52-year-old Reyes, dubbed in international billards circles as "The Magician," is undoubtedly among the most beloved sporting icons in the Philippines. Prizefighter Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao is the first recipient of the Champion for Life title last July.-GMANews.TV