It's not every day that players have the possibility to begin the New Year with a taste of an exotic Eastern culture and a share of millions of dollars. The recent launch of the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Manila 2009 Satellite Series at Titan Poker has certainly given those looking for a fresh and lucrative start to 2009 cause for celebration.

The highest profile stop on the expanding Asian Poker Tour (APT) circuit, the APT Manila tournament has gained a reputation as one of most exciting poker destinations in the world.

From the moment of its first running in May 2008, the APT Manila's prize pool and the level of talent continue to reach new heights. The first tournament boasted a $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool and attracted 315 talented poker players from all over the world. Neighboring Australian poker pro David Saab made history as the first APT Manila winner after taking home $280,000.

Not to be outdone, the second stop on the Asian Poker Tour circuit was staged in Macau in August, 2008 with an inflated prize offering of $1,500,000. In an unexpected demonstration of skills and patience, twenty-year-old Yevgeniy Timoshenko won the tournament and $500,000 for his effort.