The $2,500 USD buy-in Manila main event is the first of four APT events planned to 2009, with the details of the final three being released sometime next week. The CEO of the APT, Chris Parker, is excited for next year:

"The APT has already held two major events this year - APT Philippines and APT Macau. After consultation with players, online partners, and sponsors, a comprehensive schedule is now being planned for 2009 to successfully meet the needs of all concerned. We are looking forward to enhancing poker's presence in Asia."

This year's APT Manila event attracted 316 players with a $1 million guaranteed prize-pool, Australian pro David Saab winning the first prize of $280,000. The second APT tournament this year was the even more popular APT Macau sporting a massive $1.5 million prize-pool.

The APT is planning for each event in next year's schedule to be bigger and better than before with more tournaments, more money, more players and more ways to get in to the action. Keep your eyes on your favorite online poker-room to satellite or step your way to the Far East.