Philippine Election '07

Hi there!

May 14 2007, Monday. Election day for us, registered voting age 18 years old and above...

Chess and election? Politics and chess? Superb mix? chess, election, war, battle, psychological warfare? Well, it's not just chess where we see the monstrous effect of the mix-up between chess and politics. Basketball, Football, Swimming...

All the National Sports Association (NSA) here in our country will do better if politicking between their members and officers veer away from such activities. To be or not to be? Or the age-old instinct, stay away from it all, live your own life, don't mind them, and earn your living!

But... yes, there's the big but. Not your double lettered t at the end of the word but. But I believe, chess has also benefitted from politics (politicos) who sincerely has the love for the game.

As one of the NM's I chatted with some days ago, chess players and the chess community itself has three candidates this coming May 14... We have of course, NCFP's President and (saviour daw po!) Surigao del Sur Representative, Prospero Pichay Jr, Matt Defensor, whom I have always associated with chairmanship post of our country's chess federation and yes, Koko Pimentel. Pichay and Pimentel are running for a senate post and Matt Defensor I think (not really sure!) is running for a congressional seat in Quezon City.

AS for the residents of Imus Cavite and neighboring towns, we have the incumbent vice-mayor, Manny Maliksi, who has the distinction of being the Founding Chairman of the Imus Chess Association, Inc. We saw last year, together with ICAinc's adviser, IA Gene Poliarco, how much effort Manny has out in and given for chess and other sports in cavite, specially Imus.

Guys, I don't intend to preach that we go and vote for these guys, I only want you, just like me, to see with our clear vision what they have done for chess.

Anyways, come May 14, let's go out and vote responsibly. Again, there will be confusion and disorganization expected, let's keep in mind though that we can help clear and clean these mess. Let's be part of the solution, not the problem.

Vote wisely!