For Chef Kevin Villarica, the rhythm of a busy kitchen and the quiet intensity of a billiard table are not so different.
Both demand focus. Both require discipline. In both spaces, it’s just you, the moment, and the goal.
“I’m super focused when I’m inside the kitchen,” he shares. “It’s just me, the tickets, and the food coming out. Same with billiards. When I’m playing, I don’t really care who my opponent is. I’m focused on my game.”
That same mindset is what shaped Game Day Sports Bar, a space built as much for serious players as it is for people simply looking to unwind.
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Built by Players, for Players
Located in Ayala Malls The 30th, Game Day is more than just a sports bar. It’s a passion project shared by owners who are billiard players themselves.
“Game Day’s motto is built by players, for players,” Kevin explains. “We made it where billiard players can really enjoy and practice.”
With nine billiard tables designed for quality play, the space caters to those who take the game seriously. But what sets it apart is how it opens that experience to everyone.
Walk-ins are welcome. Beginners can play alongside regulars. Guests can stay for hours, even until 3 a.m., moving seamlessly between games, food, and drinks.
“You don’t need to leave,” Kevin says. “You can play, eat, and stay the whole day.”
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Food That Keeps Up with the Game
In a city filled with billiard halls, Game Day leans into something that not all spaces prioritize: the food.
For Kevin, that was non-negotiable.
“I designed the menu to be easy to eat,” he says. “Something players can enjoy even while playing.”
Think dishes that are approachable, satisfying, and made to pair well with drinks. Nothing too complicated, but still rooted in the quality you would expect from a chef with years of experience.
“Food plays a major role,” he adds. “People get to enjoy both playing and eating.”
It also opens the space to a wider crowd. You don’t have to be a billiards player to enjoy Game Day. You can come in for the food, stay for the drinks, and find yourself drawn into the energy of the room.
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A Space That Feels Alive
On any given night, Kevin says you will most likely find him at a billiard table, beer in hand. But if the kitchen gets busy, he steps right back in.
That duality defines the space.
Game Day is not just about the game. It’s about the atmosphere, a full house, people playing, laughing, watching live sports, or even singing during karaoke nights.
“In short, I like seeing people having fun,” Kevin says. “Knowing they all had a long, tiring day like me.”
It’s a simple idea, but one that resonates. A place where people can pause, reset, and enjoy.
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Balancing Passion and Purpose
After more than a decade in the kitchen, including opening his first restaurant, Hapag, Kevin now spends more time building and growing his businesses. But his routine remains grounded.
Mornings are for family and exercise. Afternoons are spent checking on his restaurants. Nights often end at Game Day.
It’s a rhythm that reflects both discipline and passion, something he has carried from the kitchen to the billiard table and now into business.
Looking ahead, Kevin sees potential for Game Day to grow, possibly expanding into more branches. But the goal remains the same.
“It’s easy to build a billiard sports bar,” he says. “But to have good food and drinks, that’s what makes us different.”
Maybe that’s exactly what people are looking for: Not just a place to play, but a place that understands how to bring everything together.
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