National Age Group: Bukas Na!

It's a leap and with one more sleep, Philippine Age-Group Chess Championships and Junior Chess Championships will be held on April 18-22 and April 24-28, respectively, at the Cabagnot Training Center in Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.

12 months ago we had the 2008 Philippine Age Group and Junior Chess Championship Honor's List.

Let me help you read it in bullets, 2008 Philippine Age Group and Juniors Chess Champs:

Boys:

Under 18: Karl Victor Ochoa with 7.5 points
Under 16: Alcon John Datu with 8 points
Under 14: John Emmanuel Garcia with 7.5 points
Under 12: John Ray Batucan with 7.5 points
Under 10: Paolo Bersamina with 6.5 points
Under 8: Daniel John Lemi with 7 points

Girls:

Under 18: Kimberly Jane Cunanan with 6 points
Under 16: Jedara DOCENA with 7 points
Under 14: Chardine Cheradee CAMACHO with 6.5 points
Under 12: Jean Karen Enriquez with 6 points
Under 10: Samantha Glo Revita with 5 points
Under 8: Danica Ablang with 6 points

We will see how these defending champs fare this year. This could be the year for upsets with the grassroots chess and awareness started around 2005, most of the players and chess parents as well, made sure they will compete in A-Form in this years'edition of the tournament.

One name I'd be looking for at the upper part of the standings would be Stephen Pangilinan who will be playing in the 8 Under or 10 Under.

Aklan is the place to be and you better be sure you had the year to prepare or else!

Good luck to all!

Before I end this post, it was April 13, 2008 when Mr. Manny Benitez' The Weekender had it's Last Dance. It's interesting to go back and see what were the happenings during that time, really!

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