Q: Where were you raised, Mr. Manalo?
Marlon: I was raised in Mandaluyong City, with my father Claro M. Manalo as my coach and mentor and with his loving wife Caridad Manalo. We have six in the family- 3 boys and 3 girls. I am the 2nd youngest child.
Q: When were you first introduced to pool? By whom?
Marlon: I was introduced to pool by my father, Claro Manalo, who used to manage local pool players here in the Philippines. It was 1988 when I first held a pool stick.
Q: What is your regular practice regimen? Where do you play?
Marlon: I have a pool saloon here in Mandaluyon City, Philippines with 12 tables where I used to practice. At the same time I was in the Philippine national team and we had a practice venue supervised by our national coach Mr. Ricardo Ancaja. We had to be there at least three times a week.
Q: There is lots of pressure in pool, how do you get your head in the game before a match?
Marlon: The most pressured game that I ever encountered was in the International Pool Tour events, especially when you think of the huge prize that you are possibly going to win. This money and pressure have never happened in the history of pool, until Mr. Kevin Trudeau made it not only a dream but a reality. We really thank him, all the staff and officials of IPT for that. Before the big match, like in the IPT, I have a pep talk with myself and remember that I can only win inside the four corners of the table. I have to focus 100 percent. I have to think one rack at a time and live for the moment. I never think of the audience, spectators, and the prize that you may win. That only adds pressure on me.
Q: What kind of music do you like?
Marlon: It depends on my mood.
Q: What is your favorite pastime besides pool?
Marlon: I usually go to the shooting range at least 3 times a week. I also love hanging out with my family and friends, and swimming.
Q: You have traveled the world. What is your favorite cuisine?
Marlon: Before I loved eating Japanese and Chinese cuisine, but now I’m trying to eat fish and other seafood as much as possible.
Q: What do you normally eat for dinner at home?
Marlon: Eating my favorite food is only secondary. The most important part of dinner for me is eating with my family or friends. That's what I really enjoy.
Q: What is the worst place you have ever had to sleep while on the road?
Marlon: So far I haven’t had a bad one except in Johannesberg,
South Africa, in 1994 during a World Championship in snooker. We were staying in a Holiday Inn where guests were not allowed to go out of the hotel for
security reasons.
Q: Who is your idol in pool? Outside of pool?
Marlon: Willie Mosconi in pool because I can relate my life to him with having his father as his mentor. Outside of pool, I would have to say, aside from my father, Fernando Poe, Jr. is my idol. He is our movie king here in Philippine cinema and in real life he is not only a philanthropist, but what ever great deeds he does for others he would never announce them publicly. He is a great person inside and out.
Q: Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
Marlon: If the IPT comes back in full swing then I will concentrate more on pool. If not, just in case, I will concentrate on business. I also hope in the next 5 years I will achieve my goal as becoming the world champion.
Q: What was your initial reaction to facing Rodney Morris in the IPT Challenge Match?
Marlon: It will be a very exiting match since both of us were runner-ups in the IPT events, which were the biggest in the history of the sport. I think both of us will do our best to win this match. Facing a great player like Rodney is a big challenge for me. May the best athlete win!!!
Q: Can you predict the outcome?
Marlon: Rodney is a great player with a big heart so we are both champions. I can only predict it will be a very exiting match and whoever gets the roll will most likely win.