Interschool Chess Tourney

Hi everyone!

As our school is getting ready for next week's class resumption, we've been very busy meeting with almost everyone in the school to discuss school activities for the incoming academic year.

In one of our meetings this week, I almost fell from where I was sitting as I saw the October 2008 calendard. It read:

"1st MGIS Invitational Chess Tournament"

Our school headmaster simply asked me: "Are we on Mr Francis?" To which I replied: "Yes sir! But I will not be able to confirm the date on which we'll be hosting the tourney yet..." "Ok! But it will be by October right?" And I nodded in with positive!

Some guidelines me and other colleagues to keep in mind when selecting would-be invited schools:

1. International schools that offer chess as an after school activity, not a varsity team;

2. Schools within the south, preferrably within the 100KM radius where MGIS is located. Hhmmm!

3. And...hhmmm! What else could it be?

For interested schools, please email me thru philippinechess@gmail.com. Thanks!

Torre Even Things Up

Yes, GM Eugene Torre beats GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio in game four of their six-game match called QC Chess Road Show.

The score is 2-2 now with our very first getting the momentum going into the final two matches. If the match ends with a tied score, a seventh game will be played.

Chief arbiter for the games is IA Gene Poliarco while the tournament director is Tito Estaris. The event is hosted by QC mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr., and Majority Floor Leader Councilor Ariel Enrile-Inton, as part of City's sports tourism project.

In another news, Bacolod city native Jerry Areque won for the second time the Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines (CAAP) 2000 Rapid Chess Tournament title at the Ramon Magsaysay High School Cubao campus last weekend.

Jerry finished the tourney with a score of 6.5 points in the 94 man field event organized and supervised by CAAP officials headed by IA Erwin Carag, Gatz Lutz and Raul Cruz.

Danilo Tiempo Jr., took the runner-up prize with 6.0 points, half point ahead in the huge group of 5.5 pointers in the company of Xavier Verdun, Garry Garcia, Emil Chua, Ricardo Jimenez, Cecil Cuevas and Dharim Bacus.

Bacoor-based and 2008 Vietnam ASEAN age-group representative Vince Angelo Medina won the top kiddie awardee while Romeo Soriano bagged the top senior plum. Aiana de Guzman won the top honor while Aries Cruz took the top juniors.

Congratulations!

NCAA Chess: 2nd Round Results

Here are the results for the Juniors division in the 2nd round:

Jose Rizal University vs Mapua Institute of Technology : 2-2
San Beda College vs San Sebastian College-Recoletos : 0-4
University of Perpetual Help SD vs Colegio de San Juan de Letran : 0-4
BYE vs College of St. Benilde-LSGH

3rd Round Pairings, Saturday, August 2

College of St. Benilde-LSGH vs Jose Rizal University
Colegio de San Juan de Letran vs BYE
San Sebastian College-Recoletos vs University of Perpetual Help System Dalta
Mapua Institute Technology vs San Beda College

4th Round Pairings, Sunday, August 3

Jose Rizal University vs San Beda College
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta vs Mapua Institute of Technology
BYE vs San Sebastian College-Recoletos
College of St. Benilde vs Colegio de San Juan de Letran

It's two in a row for Letran now, blanking their opponents in 1st and 2nd round assignments. MJ Turqueza led San Sebastian blanked San Beda too, 4-0.

We'll see what happens next weekend.

NCAA Chess Opening Ceremony

The parade of the teams began as scheduled at 1130 with former congressman and current NCFP president, Prospero Pichay Jr arriving early. The players showed off their uniforms and my personal taste would tell you, Mapua Institute of Technology had the best jacket. I really like their design and color of choice.

Well anyway, the NCFP president made clear of his goals and vision for chess in the Philippines. He challenged the players to put in discipline and hardwork for their chess studies and yes, he also made sure everyone gets to hear the achievements NCFP has made during his reign. I wouldn't mind being placed in that situation as I believe the president has been the successful "ninong" for chess the past years.

After the games were declared open, ceremonial moves were made by GM Jayson Gonzales against NCAA MANCOM Chair for Chess, Mr. EJY Supan.

Games commenced at 130pm. The playing venue was really good! Organizers made sure there was a waiting room adjacent the playing hall. The hall had 4 doors with only one open from the outside. Non-coaches and players were not allowed to enter and had to make themselves satisfied watching from the door window panels. Before I forget, the waiting room was as cold (geeh! your AC's are all new!)as the playing hall with additional bonuses for the standbys. An LCD projector was placed and showed the board one match between CSB and UPHD seniors.

Results of the matches:

Juniors

St. Benilde-LSGH vs University of Perpetual Help : 3 - 1
Colegio de San Juan de Letran vs San Beda College : 4 - 0
San Sebastian College vs Mapua Institute of technology : 2.5 - 1.5

Jose Rizal University : BYE

As of this writing, I haven't got the results for the seniors division.

For the second round game schedules, check our posting here.

Till then!

Chess Heroes Blog

Hey there!

Check out this new discovery (for me!), Chess Heroes Blog.

I received an inquiry this morning from RusticBull of Malibay Chess Club about Philippine Chess Portal and I haven't got clue of it's status. The last time, the site owner, Hector told me he simply was busy neck-deep with goings on in his life. Hope it the portal goes online again.

Torre lost against Antonio in their game 2 match... Hmmm!

NAPCA Graduates: Trainer Seminar

Hey there!

After the arbiters course, we now have the list of graduates of NAPCA's Trainer Seminar:

New trainer are Raymundo Hipolito, President of the Quezon city Memorial Chess Circle, Councilman Tomas C. Ang and Atty. Jerome Norman Tacorda of Baguio City, Mateo C. Blanquera of Joyland School, inc, San Fabian, Pangasinan, Orlando Arcos from Sorsogon, Leoncio G. Balbin, Jr. of Candon, Ilocos Sur, Anthony Cleo F. Sun of DILG, Roldan A. Samela of Calamba, Laguna, Meinardo Pulido of Pangasinan, Ariel Abellada, Teddy Sarmiento and Hendry Chavez, Officers of the Baguio Chess Association.

2008 NCAA Chess Championships Schedule

Schedule of team pairings for the 1st two rounds:

Round 1 Saturday, July 26

White vs Black

BYE vs Jose Rizal University (JRU)
College of St. Benilde (CSB) vs University of Perpetual Help Daltas (UPHD)
Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) vs San Beda College (SBC)
San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) vs Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT)

Round 2 Sunday, July 27

White vs Black

Jose Rizal University (JRU) vs Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT)
San Beda College (SBC) vs San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R)
University of Perpetual Help Daltas (UPHD) vs Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL)
BYE vs College of St. Benilde (CSB)

84th NCAA Season: Chess Tournament

The 84th NCAA Season has begun 2 weeks ago and on July 26, Saturday, the NCAA Chess Tournament begins. Opening Ceremony starts at 1130 at the Jose Rizal University Gymnasium and the National Chess Federation of the Philippine's (big time mover!)President, former Surigao del Sur 1st District congressman Prospero Pichay jr. is gracing the ceremony as a guest of honor.

Jose Rizal University is this year's chess tournament's host and I'd have to to tell you guys, they've got all the reasons to do so. Their newly-built sports gymnasium offers a great playing venue for the players. In fact, the chess playing hall for this year's chess tournament edition is a well-ventilated, well-secured, well-lighted and spacious three doored-room.

I just hope the security during the games will be consistent as what they've expressed during the coaches meeting like the prohibition of non-chess players and coaches entering the room.

Here is the official list of players of the 84th NCAA Chess Tournament:

Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Seniors:

Datu, Alfonso D.
Garcia, Bon Mark A.
Guerrero, Chester Brian C.
Laceste, Lehi Dan Stephen R.
Mendoza, Ryan E.
Pascua, Randolph A.

Juniors:

Biag, Ranilo Gil C.
Fronda, Jan Jodilyn P.
Laceste, Legrand James Jr.
Laceste, Brigham R.
Mejia, Cherry Ann P.
Suede, Mikee Charlene M.

College of St. Benilde

Seniors:

Bitoon, Jimson V.
Delfin, Andrew V.
Malupa, Renie L.
Reyes, Narquingden D.C.
Reyes, Narquingel D.C.

Juniors:

Galan, Jan Nigel H.
Lahoz, Miguel B.
Nuestro, Angelo Joshua P.
Ramos, Alfonso Baldomero
Ramos, Antonito Miguel R.
Songcuya, Emmauel Elijah

Jose Rizal University

Seniors:

De Fiesta, Lester John S.
Dumagan, Kathleen B.
Enriquez, John Christian R.
Ola, John Jovel N.
Santos, Loidan H.
Zabala, Harold F.

Juniors:

Barrozo, Darwin Joseph V.
Capobres, Mark Ephraim A.
Carbon, Arvin D.
Cuevas, Patrick O.
Laao, Mac Lean M.
Nucum, Coneille Fer M.

Mapua Institute of Technology

Seniors:

Burce, Eleixeis C.
De Ramos, Julius Joseph Z.
Ligon, Francis N.
Pelayo, Ergin Nigel N.
Perez, Adrian E.
Zape, John Priter R.

Juniors:

Loja, Luc Mikhail H.
Loja, Sol Lxzander H.
Rodriguez, Marco P.
Montevirgen, Joshua Paul
Simbulan, Ryan Jeremy M.

San Beda College

Seniors:

Mendoza, Joey Angelo A.
Navarro, Joseph
Salang, Matthew V.
Uy, Jr., Gerard A.
Villasin, Rene F.

Juniors:

Chua, Ian Ferdinand C
Dionisio, John Paul C.
Manahan, Claude Louie R.
Paltao, Abiel O.Neil Patrick M.
Rante, Karen Ann B.

San Sbastian College-Recoletos

Seniors:

De Ramos, Eugenio Z.
Fabre, Luke R
Mercado, Jayson V.
Mercado, Joseph V.
Palomata, Melvin M.
Salvador, Louie D.

Juniors:

Coronel, Aldous Roy V.
Cristobal, Kristian Paulo V.
Fopalan, Robby Dedrick E.
Jongco, Arvie B.
Turqueza, Mari Joseph L.
Valezuela, Nigel Keruvin L.

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta

Seniors:

Alconcher, Jenwin A
Calma, John Hector O.
Dantes, Aurora Kim E.
Dela Cruz, Mark T.
De Guzman, Juan Carlo E.
Melicano, Kris Angelique T.

Juniors:

Dado, Darell John G.
Dandan, Tristan Wayne D.
Manero, Marc Angelo J.
Miso, Nikko P.
Servidad, Elxander A.

Based on the official line-up for each participating school, which one do you think will go all the way to win this year's championship for seniors and juniors?

Just in case your wondering, Philippine Christian University is supposed to field in a seniors chess team but didn't have enough players to meet the eligibility criteria.

Who's your bet?

Chess Invites and Thank You's

We received the following from Mr. Rolly Sol Cruz of MERALCO Chess Club and I hope, thru Philippine Chess Chronicles, the messages reaches the intended readers:

"MERALCO Chess Club would like to once again thanks our co-employees (Teddy Santiago, Boy delos Reyes, Danny Soque, Darryl Mata, Manny Benitez, Joey Santos, Sammy Campos, Edson Gonzales, Aris Lumague, Wilson Manzano, & Benny Caluen) who pitched in their hard-earned money as show of support for the 13 entries we had. Well, their support, not only boosted the morale of our boys and girls but also their energy in terms of assorted drinks, KFC lunch, & even choco bars)

God bless!"

"Ms. Luisa,

The MERALCO Chess Club hopes to invite the UP Manila to a goodwill match with our junior and senior players.

Kindly e-mail me at rjsolcruz@meralco.com.ph

God bless!"

There goes the invitation for UPCM Chess Club! Good luck!

Miguel Tomas' Birthday

Miguel Tomas (Mitto, Miggs, Mi-Mi, Miel) DOB: July 24, 2005


Hi there!

Yesterday, my wife and I, together with our kids, celebrated our 4th year wedding anniversary and at the same time the 3rd birthday celebration (in advance) of our youngest son, Miguel Tomas.

Thank God the rains of typhoon Helen didn't pour out the whole day as we travelled by bus and cab from Imus to Manila Ocean Park (MOP). The MOP is a place still in progress and I have to admit I would have chosen Mall of Asia's Science Centrum had I known the MOP's fishtanks and exhibition halls are in it's infancy stages.

But during lunchtime, I had flashbacks of the excitements and laughters my children had when we were inside the MOP galleries. A good time for me and my kids to bond without the distractions of chess, full-time jobs and other "with-out-this-where-would-we-be" stuffs. Of course, our birthday boy would not pass up on the chance to try and catch one of the colorful pets inside the tanks. Miguel tried to get hold of the Blue Star Fish, got wet, scared and gained another learning experience. Hahahahah! Of course, Miguel's mom would not let this "childish thing" go away without a little litany of do's and don'ts while inside the MOP.

Anyways, while we were heading out to get a cab to take us to SM Manila for lunch, we had to pass by the Luneta grandstand and yes, I was delighted to see two men witting each other out on the chessboard. Although the Luneta Chess Park was just across the street away, I didn't even think of bringing my kids there. Just the sight of the two men playing under the shady trees was ok, enough to remind my kids of the game. Heheheheh!

Some pictures:

Serene Life Of The Tank er, Sea Creatures

Gotta Swim Or Float (Alligator snaps)

Blank Colors

Giant Clams (daw!) I thought giants are GIANTS!

Left to right: Kuya Ydam, B-day boy Miggs and Ate Patricia.

Left to right: Miggs, Mommy Claire, Ydam and Ate Patricia.

Tongue Lashing the Tanks! Ydam, Miggs and Me.

Correctly labeled this time, Giant Spider Crab!

Interestingly, this morning before heading off to NBI-Carriedo for my clearance, I asked my kids what's their favorite fish in the Ocean Park:

Kiko: Ano gusto mong fish sa Ocean Park?

Miguel Tomas: "Yung spi-deh (spider crab) na fish!"

Freedom Angelo: "Yung tao na fish!"

Hahahahah! The "tao na fish" was the mascot of the Manila Ocean Park!!!

Welcome Our New Chess Arbiters

Hey there!

We now have the fresh graduates from NCFP-NACAP Chess Arbiters Seminar which was held from on July 12 to 13,2008 at the Joyland School, Inc., Sison St., San Fabian, Pangasinan.

Here they are:

1. Raymundo Hipolito of Quezon City Memorial Circle
2. Renato Z. Fabro of Baguio City
3. Godofredo "Boi" Tabirao and Roberto Pasojinog of Brgy Rizal Chess Club-MakatiCity 4. Leoncio Balbin Jr. of Candon City, Ilocos Sur,
5. NM Eduardo Agagon of Cavite
6. Roldan Samela of Calamba City, Laguna
7. Ging Pidlaoan of Quezon City
8. Jessie De Vera of Dagupan, Pangasinan
9. Rodrigo Cabural of Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan
10. Leodegario Ricana of Valenzuela City, Metro Manila
11. Mateo Balanquena of Joyland School
12. Erwin Festejo and Reynald Vidal of Pangasinan

Bring out the wine, bring in the cheese, set up the boards and let them do the officiating while we drink and play.

For sure, you guys will be dealing with tournament organizers and players as well. Do make sure that you become an instrument for a good chess tournament exprience for the players and other stakeholders as well.

Congratulations!

NCFP Website: Timely Updates!

!!!

Great move! The NCFP website has been showing signs of online activities since the semi-finals of the Qualifying Tournament for the Dresden Olympiad and I would like to say thank you and commend the people behind it!

Now it would be wise to see for yourselves the site, for sure you'll like the info's it feeds.

That's all we need right? Timely updates from the Official Website of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Philippine's Grand Finals

It's been a long since I've received an email from The BANG, Mr. Bobby Ang and yes, I'll post his article here in full:

After three months of eliminations involving thousands of players nationwide, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) concluded the cycle with an 18 player all-play-all (open division) and a 12 player all-play-all (women's division) held from July 1-13, 2008.

Three-time National Junior Champion IM John Paul Gomez stormed out of the starting blocks with a mind-numbing 9.5/10, earned for himself a GM norm by the 13th round, and coasted home the rest of the way to crown himself champion of this chess-crazy country.

Currently the youngest grandmaster in the world, 14-year old Wesley So finished half a point back and a further point back was comebacking (for the 4th time!) GM Bong Villamayor who left his teaching position in Singapore to try and regain the form which made him the Philippines' highest rated player in 2001.

The NCFP President, Congressman Prospero Pichay announced the composition of the national squad to the 2008 Dresden Chess Olympiad:

IM John Paul Gomez, GM Wesley So, GM Buenaventura Villamayor, GM Jayson Gonzales and GM Darwin Laylo

In addition to that the Philippine team to the Beijing Mind Games to be held later this year was also announced:

GM Mark Paragua, IM Chito Garma, Leonardo Carlos, IM Rolando Nolte and IM Julio Catalino Sadorra.

This breaks the consecutive-Olympiad streak of GM Eugene Torre, who did not participate in the Grand Finals. He was both Junior and Adult Champion in the Philippines in 1970 but gave way to the Asian Zone Champion Renato Naranja as top board player in the Siegen Olympiad. Eugene then registered a record by playing top board in 17 straight Olympiads, from Skopje 1972 up to Calvia de Mallorca in 2004. His 19 consecutive appearances in the Olympiad team (the 17 above plus 1970 Siegen and 2006 Turin) is also a record.

Cong. Pichay lamented GM Torre's inability to take part in the competition, but averred that the rules for the selection to the Olympiad team were announced several months ago and he did not want to be the one to break them.

For the Women's Team to the Dresden Olympiad the top five finishers were Catherine Perena, Shercila Cua, Daisy Rivera, Chardine Cheradee Camacho and Christy Lamiel Bernales.

For detailed results and the games, please go to www.ncfphilippines.org

Godfather Of Cyber Pinoys

Hey there!

The Godfather of CyberPinoys dropped by and left a comment about "something" I breathed and lived for when chess was just a "board game" for me.

Thanks for the visit and hope your doing well and having a good unsupervised-real-life-recollection days out there.

For private messages, send me an email to you-know-where... I miss you bro! Ingat sa alak at baka ikaw ang itumba nyan.

WNM Catherine Perena

WNM Catherine Perena topped the womens division for the qualifying tournament to Dresden Olympiad with a score of 8.0 points. Completing the top five finishers were WNM Shercila Cua (7.5 pts), WNM Daisy Rivera (7.0 pts), WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho (7.0 pts) and WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales (6.0 pts).

I received an email from JM that only 5 players are needed for the Men's Olympiad. This is something I'm not used to knowing but hey, times do change. I have to check on FIDE's site about this one though.

My summer vacation is almost over as I will be back to school next Monday, July 21 to attend in-service workshops and seminars to be provided by International Baccalaureate Organization.

Although I really believe writing/blogging is a good outlet for my creative writing pursuits, there will be dry spells again for PCC as I would need to refocus on my teaching.

I'd like to congratulate all the qualifiers for the Dresden Olympiad!

PLSCA Tournament

Hey there!

We now have a copy of result from the 1st Philippine Las Sallian Chess Association Tournament which was held last weekend, July 12-13 at the La Salle Greenhills, San Juan City.

Here is the email sent in by one of our readers:

Champion-Christian Nanola of Laguna 6 pts - 30,000

2nd place- Paulo S. Bersamina LSGH 5.5 pts - 7,500
3rd place- Vince Medina of Bacoor 5.5 pts - NOKIA celfone

14-under
Jeremiah Alfonso of FEU- 30,000

16-under
MJ Turqueza of San Sebastian - 30,000

20-under
Paulo James Florendo - 30,000

Congratulations to all the winners and players but most specially to the people behind the organizers of this event. For sure, this will be a good annual event for our student-athletes. I really wish there would be at least 4 annual chess tournaments which will be organized by schools here in our country. Xavier School, also in San Juan City, has been holding the Xavier Invitational Inter-Schoalstic Chess Team Tournament and this schoolyear, it will be the 5th time. La Salle started now, Ateneo has one too which was held early this year, I guess it is the Leviste Cup.

One more school-based annual chess tourney for our rising chess stars and I'll be fine, heheheh!

Trainers and Coaches Seminar

Hey there!

The 2nd National Association of Philippine Chess Arbiters 's Trainers and Coaches Seminar will be hel on July 20 at the seminar room of Baguio City High School.

Please call/text/send an email to Ariel Abellada 09296758901 or Teddy Sarmiento 09107731000 or Rolando Suarez 7579253 / 09167716369 or Rolando Linan 6717256 / 09179934851 or Roger Rodis 8863478/ 09166169586 or email us at napca_2006@yahoo.com.ph.

Doors do open when one furthers his credentials! Join now and Good luck!

RP Team for Dresden Olympiad 2008

Hey there!

We now have the top five finishers of Philippine Olympiad Qualifier for Dresden 2008:

1st IM John Paul Gomez

2nd GM Wesley So

3rd GM Buenaventura Villamayor

4th GM Jayson Gonzales

5th GM Darwin Laylo

IM John Paul Gomez stoned two birds in one hit by nailing his first GM norm. Congratulations!

I wonder who'd complete the 6th and final slot for our Olympic team... Will it be the winner of the much hyped Torre vs Antonio match?

We'll find out in the coming weeks!

Round 16 of RP Finals

Hey there!

By the looks of it, the top three posts of the five available slots for the Philippine Team to Dresden Olympiad has been sealed with the names of IM John Paul Gomez, GM Wesley So and GM Bong Villamayor respectively. John Paul still on top place with 12.5 points, Wesley with 11.5 points and Bong with 11 points.

Fighting for the last 2 slots are grandmasters Jayson Gonzales, Mark Paragua and IM Chito Garma with 9.5 points apiece.

In the Women's category, WNM Catherine Perena overtook long-time tournament leader Daisy Rivera and now has seven points going into the final round later this afternoon. On second place are WNM Shercila Cua and untitled Daisy Rivera with 6.5 points.

Stuck with 6 points are Jan Jodylin Fronda of Colegio de San Juan de Letran and WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho.

Tonight,we will know who will go to Dresden Germany to play!

Also, it's good to know that the chess portal of Hector Santos is up and about! Yahoo!

National Finals After 15th

After the 15th round, we now have the following standings:

1 IM John Paul Gomez 12.5 points

2 GM Wesley So 10.5 points
3 GM Buenaventura Villamayor 10.5 points

4 GM Jayson Gonzales 9.5 points

5 GM Mark Paragua

On-going games right now are crucial and the pairings are:

GM Villamayor - IM Bitoon

Gatus - GM Gonzales

IM Gomez - GM So

IM Bancod - GM Laylo

IM Sadorra - GM Paragua

And in the Women's category, CAAP batchmate, surprise leader Daisy Rivera with 6.5 points. Sharing the top post as of the moment is WNM catherine Perena. WNM's Shercila CUA and Chardine Cheradee Camacho both has 5.5 points on 3rd and 4th spots respectively. On 5th spot is Shell's NCR Leg Top Lady Performer, Jan Jodylin Fronda with 5 points.

By Sunday evening, we'll have our players for this year's Dresden Olympiad!

Crampy on Top

After 14 rounds, IM John Paul "the pope" Gomez is still on top with 12 points trailing behind is now GM Bong Villamayor with 10.5 points and on third spot is GM Wesley So with 10 points. On 4th spot is GM Jayson Gonzales with 8.5 points and on
5th is GM Darwin Layo with 8 points.

I guess I spoke too soon when I said the 1st and 2nd spots will surely be taken by IM Gomez and GM So respectively.

It will be crampy for the top 5 finishers as we head into the final 3 rounds of the event. For pairings in the finals 3 rounds, pay a visit to NCFP's Official website.

I'd like to direct you to the Official Website of Laguna Chess Center which I discovered only last night after I failed looking for PINOYCHESS Informe. I hope the portal goes back to life as I really believe it has bridged the gap which the mainstream media and other chess blogs (like ours!) has failed to deliver. Mr. Hector Santos, hope all is well with you.

Where art though?

Hey there!
Last night, while I was trying to go to dreamland, I received a message from one of our readers asking me about the number 1 Chess Portal in the land if I know of it's whereabouts.

After some acts of begging on my part, my wife allowed me to use my, ahem, computer and checked for the portal and sadly, the link was there but all I got was the message PORTAL OR PAGE IS NOT FOUND.

I really hope it comes back to life as I believe it plays a major role in the spreading of the vital infos about chess for everyone of us. Although I admit I haven't logged in for the past months, it serves it's purpose though for those interested in reading chess news, rehash and origs.

Calling Mr. Hector Santos, hope all is well with you. I've lost touch with you because I lost your number, but in case you can reach me thru my email.

IM Gomez Leads Way

After 12 rounds, IM John Paul Gomez leads the way to the Olympiad Qualifier with 10.5points, 2 full points ahead of the second placer GM Wesley So. On third spot is comebacking GM Bong Villamayor also with 8.5 points. On 4th and 5th spots are GM Jayson Gonzales of FEU and IM Chito Garma with 7.5 points.

Unrated Leonardo Carlos on 6th spot with 7 points and GM Mark Paragua on 7th with the same points. GM Darwin Laylo has 6.5 points good for 8th spot while IM Rolando Nolte has 6 points for the 9th spot and on the 10th spot is IM Ino Sadorra with 5.5 points.

With 5 more rounds left, it would be iinteresting to know who'd take the 3rd-5th slots as I feel the first two slots will be taken by IM Gomez and GM So respectively.

GM Paragua is back in the groove after winning his back to back games. We'll see!

And in the Women's division, surprise leader, untitled Daisy Rivera scores six points after eight rounds followed by WNM Shercila Cua with 5.5 points. On third spot is another WNM, Catherine Perena also with 5.5 points.

And in the Philippine youth chess news, I was surprised to see have learned about Mark Prince Aquino's heart condition.

Proudly Filipino

Hey there! I just discovered this Pinoy Chess Online Community and it feels so good to know that Filipinos have their own online site for chess. Visit and join now!

World Youth Chess Wars 2008

Hey there!

Remember our post here?

Check out this thread and try to figure it out.

Well, the war has begun before the battles over the board has started. Well, what can I say? Hmmm! Hmmm!

Let's wait and see!

But before we all get lost in this debacle, the website is up and we can all visit it here for our own info-craving moments.

The Official website offers a good source of information for visitors and if you happen to ask yourself about the list of champions in each category, you can find it at the World Youth Chess Championships History.

Technical director is Mr. Ignatius Leong and it's happening from October 19-31, 2008 at Vung Tau Vietnam.

The quest for world supremacy begins...

Cembo Chess Club

Hi everyone!

There's a new and upcoming chess blog and club which will be taken cared of by Emir Gamis. The Club and Blog is all about Cembo Chess.Watch out for further announcement from them but meanwhile, check their blog at http://cembochessclub.blogspot.com.

As always, the space we have here at PCC is always open for everyone's postings, announcements and what-have-yous. Feel free to link up. In fact I almost forgot that the number one Philippine chess bulletin board was first heard about here at Philippine Ches Chronicles, I was reminded by our readers during my visit in the NCR leg of Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship in SM Manila.

Keep it coming and I'll keep posting!

Just a reminder guys, be original! Remember, the 1st, the original is always worth more than the copy(-cat!) Hahahahah!

Now I do appreciate what Amiel del Rosario of The Closet Grandmaste has been telling me during the first few months of this blog, DO NOT CUT AND PASTE, DO NOT, DO NOT DO NOT!

Anyways, the National Association of Philippine Chess Arbiters (NAPCA)is holding their Arbiters Seminar on July 12 and 13 at the at the Joyland School Inc., Sison St., San Fabian Pangasinan.

Registration fee is only Php 1,500.00 inclusive of food, materials, Seminar Uniform, accommodation and other paraphernalia. Certified Arbiters will be issued by a Certificate of Completion sign by NCFP President and Secretary-General.

For registration and inquiries please contact NA Meinard Pulido 09193085708 or (075) 5244439 or FA Ilann Perez, NCFP 3817224 or NAPCAs Rolando Suarez 757-9253 / 09167716369 or Rolando Linan 671-7256 / 09179934851 or Joseph Estallo 8826288 / 09228914199 / 09215307050 / 09166169586 or Leo Erazo 09206460671. Registration Form is available.

Join now!

Chess With Manny Benitez

Hi there!

When I tried to yahoo Philippine Chess, this blog is nowhere to be found. But when googled it, whew, it was right on top of the ranking.

But what made me take a second look was the link that gives way to Mr. Manny Benitez articles in his Today column,Chess With Manny Benitez.

Don't you just miss Mr. Manny? The last time I saw him was December last year during the long wait we had for the awarding ceremony of the 2nd GMA Cup.

Read on and you'll see some of the issues during the times those articles were written.

Tito Manny, hope all is well!

Symbolic Shots from Treelane II Tourney

Of course it helps to allocate a budget for a good, professional photographer for one's chess tournament... Mr. Ricky Canta proved to be up for the task. When he gave me all the photos he took, these stood out from the rest. Of course I will not post the other photos he took I consider as "for-my-eyes-only".

Thank you so much for the photos Rick! And to all the readers of our blog, this ends our three-part series about the 1st Treelane II Chess Tournament. Congratulations to all the winners, participants but most of all, to Treelane II subdivision community!

More Photo's from Treelane II Tournament

This is the 2nd of a three part series, hope you like the shots. I'm saving the best for last and yes, trying to register the remaining pictures on my adbrite photos account. Enjoy for now!

Soriano Wins 1st Treelane II Tourney

The 1st Treelane II Chess Tournament was held last Sunday,July 6 2008 at the Clubhouse 1 of Treelane II Subdivision, Bayan Luma 3, Imus Cavite. A total of 23 players registered for the event. Five of those played for the Kiddies division and all of them were girls. A good sign for the female division tournament in the future for our "club". For the open division (junior and senior), there were 18 players and in the field was a lone female player (the only rose among the bulls).

Here are the photos taken by freelance photographer Mr. Ricky Canta:

The "budol fight" kiddies section...

The "budol fight" Open Category



OrganiZers of the event, me and Gilbert Gante (wearing white shirt):


Rovel Pullon in red shirt, aka Jong, clarifies his drawn game against Norberto Nior "obet":


Celine Flora and me


Mr. Bert Hernandez and Adrian Saulog


Mr. Asiscio Bagaipo, Founding President of Imus Chess Association and Cavite Chess Federation


Future violinist, child educator, veterinarian, medical doctor and a business tycoon, Patricia Nicole my beautiful daughter


The "budol fight" Heavyweight Division


Roy Olayon and Dan "Cocoy" Sapiandante


A view of the playing venue


Christian Paul Magtibay (striped shirt) vs Rudolfo "junior" Vinoya


Battle of the top boards: (L-R)Dan Supetran vs Bonifacio Magtibay


"Budol Fight" Kiddies Division


The playing venue fom the other side


Seated L-R Mr. Asi, Mr. Alex and Mr Jun Querubin (Treelane II Homeowners Association) while I give the opening remarks and status of chess in our community


Joining us is my partner, co-speaker, and chess buddy, Mr. Gilbert Ghante to add several points about the tourney


The Ceremonial Move : Mr. President vs. 7 yr old Enricka Diaz


The first round pairing is out


Top Lady Christine Ann Chiong receiving 500 pesos plus certificate. With Ms. Mushi of the Treelane II Homeowners Association Office


Erwin Soriano winning the tourney who took home the trophy and 3,000.00 pesos


The top 3 big finishers, Erwin, Dan and Bonifacio


Me and Imus Sports Council Director, Mr. Shernan Jaro


Mr. Shernan Jaro talks about sports development in our town


The participants and organizers of the 1st Treelane II Chess Tournament


The Juniors from L-R: Julius Raymon Hernandez, Tristan Wayne S Dandan, Draylle Dimayacyac, Christian Paul Magtibay and Janjan Mangguera


Top Junior, Janjan Mangguerra receiving 500 pesos and certificate


Well my thoughts about the tournament?

Preparation phase: Man! We need to be prepared well enough and wisely, our names are at stake here...

It was the busiest week for me in this 1 month and a half vacation. In fact I can believe I had nights when I'll sleep at 2 or 3 in the morning trying to organize on paper and in my head everything about the event.

Tournament day: We had to prepare early, around 5 in the morning. The venue had to be cleaned, the tables were already there but needed to be put up. Cordoning off the place was easy but containing the crowd was another story. Pairing was perfectly ok. Most of the concerns during the games bordered on the clarifications of the rules of a drawn game.

Awarding was very good. Although it was only Mr Shernan Jaro who graced our opening ceremony event, his presence was all we needed to perspire and work for the success of the tournament. The budol fight was nice. It was I guess one of a kind which could serve as a wake up call to organizers in the land. C'mon guys, the funds do come in, please share them to all the players. We served coffee, canies, chocolate drinks and unlimited water supply. We also provided certificates for all the participants and it was all in parchment paper. Imagine providing all you can eat during lunchtime for each tournaments your kids will join in? And to think we only asked for a hundred peso registration fee... The money is not for the organizers but rather for the players.

After the tournament?

Heck! It was tiring. I needed at least a whole day to stay away from the chess sets and clocks and all the files that says "1st treelane II Chess Tournament"!

Before we held our awarding ceremonyas, we had an open forum because somebody asked me where the event would lead us....Well, we'll have our Saturdays 2 PM Onwards chess matches to be held in the clubhouse 1. Come one come all!

Thank you goes to a lot of people and organizations....

Mayor Manny Maliksi
Vice Mayor Mandy Ilano
Imus Sports Council and Director Shernan Jaro
Engineer Arguelles
Dr. Jeff Asistio
Imus Chess Association and President Asi Bagaipo
Treelane II Homeowners Association, Residents and Officers "THE COMMUNITY" (Ay sus! salamat ng marami sa inyong lahat, ang dami nyo!)
Rustic Bull of Malibay Chess Club Blog and Malibay Chess Club
Ms. Mushi
Mr. and Mrs. Norlito Bersamina
Mr. Hermie Medina
Mr. Ricky Canta for the photo moments (whole day yun pre!)
Gilbert Gante and Family
Buenaventura Family
My wife Claire for putting up with my "please,I'm in the middle of the chess tournament preparation thing" moments (ang dami nun)
My parents whom I've bothered with all the possible "bothering" I can.
Thank you thank you thank you!

Till next tournament!