Hey, Poker playas!

Metrocard Club will always be the home of a lot of local poker players. That is because it is home.

It is one of the oldest poker rooms in Manila that is proudly owned by Filipinos. It was where our local homegrown talents grew and sharpen their skills before they became the champion we knew today.

If you checked GPI Philippines. a number of local pros are part of the Metroclubs family.

It was not just being a pro for a poker room. it was. a badge of honor for some of the Filipinos.

Why would it not be? it was the biggest poker house in Asia.  They still have some of the prettiest dealers in the industry. good and well-trained floor managers and tournament directors, excellent service, and great management.

They may not have been the best in any single category but were never worst in any category.

Before the pandemic hit. they were the only poker room that was still offering the lowest blinds in Manila(PHP10/20). They kept that game alive just so that new players have a place to play without hurting them

The pandemic

Then the pandemic happened. all gaming operations were ordered close. what can you do? it was a long wait but after almost a year. The Metrocard club was allowed to open its doors.

Restrictions were added, but they moved forward. Here a list of the health protocols that were implemented when they first re-opened. click here.

But due to the increase of people getting infected with the virus in the Philippines. another lockdown was ordered by the government. Once again all gaming establishments were closed. It took a few weeks but as the situation improved. restrictions were lifted and slowly Metro is back once again.

Ground report.

All measures that were implemented after the first re-opening are still implemented. but what is it like on the ground? here the quick report.

Arriving at the Metrowalk. before you are allowed inside the Metrocard club. the city implemented a no QR code no entry policy. (A covid tracing app)

Fear not! to register is quite simple. you can download the app and it helps to track people.

There is also an agreement for the Valenzuela Contact Tracing, PasigPass, Antipolo Bantay Covid-19, and MandaTrack contact tracing applications through the use of quick response (QR) codes to share data.

We also tried the Manila QR code for fully vaccinated people and it was also accepted.

After signing up or registering with the QR code(if you already have one).

You are allowed to enter! uhmmm no! wait a minute!

There is a convenient sink located near the entrance where you must wash your hand first.  Then surrender your bag which will be surrendered for UV treatment. Then the metal detector test.

After going through all that, then you are allowed to enter.

Entering the Metro

The receptionists are still the friendliest of all poker houses and rooms in Manila. They would greet you warmly and asked what blinds would you want to play. although there are now transparent barriers to protect the receptionist.

Faceshield and facemask are a must at the Metro. 

How strict are they?

Very strict, but if it is for your own safety. why would anybody complain? of all the poker rooms. We believe it is the Metrocard club that has spread their table the farthest from each other. Entrance and exits are not split as well.

The staffs of Metro are definitely meticulous in cleaning the chips and card. We believe it is every 30 minutes that cards are being replaced and treated to UV rays.

They also replace colored down chips with a fresh batch of chips. exchanging of chips between players are frown upon.

Should you go?

We are not health experts, We did this report to give players an idea of what to expect when they go to the poker rooms.

But if you want to go. just make sure you follow the safety protocols.

stay safe poker playas!