Chess Training Program for Everyone

Here is a Chess Training Program I found online. Notice the balance between the theories and experience. Take note of the balance between the study of the phases of the game too, opening, middle game, endgame, tactics and strategy.

Just like any academic endeavor, you get the best out of the theoretical and application of what you've studied. In chess, studying one or two openings and using it in your games for more than 3 months will give you a deeper insight into the variations, positional and tactical.

So here it is, the Chess Training Program:


Chess Training Program

Correspondence Chess for 2012

Here is my first win this year in a correspondence chess tournament over at Chess.com. The Chess Unlimited Mini Tournament 5 Days per move Part 4 has 20 players with a maximum of four players per group. The top two players for each group will advance to the next round. Check the groupings and pairings here.

And the game:

For the Kids 2012

We have a contributor from St. Scholastica's College Ms. Alex Jewel Leonor, a third year SPED Major. She shares to us her views and her perspectives on the the volunteering program she joined in called For the Kids 2012.   


Here it is:


Being someone for somebody voluntarily is a fulfilling action that can lift up your heart. For the Kids 2012 (FTK) was an experience to boost up our talents and skills in handling children of all abilities. As a L.O.V.E. volunteer, great opportunities abound for college students from La Salle and other universities in and around Manila. SPED Olympics happens once a year and once a year we share our laughter, fun, games, food, and company with the children. I can say that being a volunteer, one carries a with her a responsibility as big as one's love for the children. The child will be under our supervision for the whole day. We were given an assignment and the ration was 2 is to 1. Two volunteers to one child,  one ate and one kuya. 


There was a bond established between us and at the same time we met new friends along the way. People from DLSU were accomodating, quite the opposite of what was expected from them. Snub!
. 
Handling children was one of the thrills of FTK. It wasn't difficult to handle a child. I told myself that if I was the only one who had the child, I wouldn't have survived. He was simply too strong for me to handle. At first, my partner Ked and I didn't have any problems with the child. He was easy to be around with but tantrums came and we couldn't we can't stop him! He didn't want to get off the microphone. He even peed on his pants. I didn't know what to do but my partner was there to help me and the father of the child. 


My idea of getting my child off the stage and the microphone was not good, he was unstoppable. We were not able to finish all 3 games, just 1 game.
 
But every FTK volunteer has the end goal of giving joy to our assigned child, make them happy.


We wanted them to enjoy each moment we were with them,while we were under under the sun, literally. My skin was burnt and it was really bad. My partner asked me if I wasn't tired and I told him "No" because I was happy the child was enjoying his time. My partner gave up and needed to rest for quite awhile. Heart problems he had and he needed it. 


I saw the passion, the zeal that every teacher must have. My partner was not a SPED major, but then, his heart was really for the kids. You can do your work without any complains if you love your work.


For the Kids 2012 was a blast! It was a successful event where everyone enjoyed especially the kids. We  learned a lot from them!

For the Kids 2012 was really a day for the kids! To make them smile and take a break from the usual stuff that they do. Our desire to make the kids happy was a success. We were all successful in painting smiles on their faces that day. That Sunday was one of the most unforgettable Sundays that ever happened to me and I'm sure also for the other volunteers. 


As Scholasticans, we are very willing and motivated to lend a hand for every kid. The love for kids were clearly seen as the Education majors of St. Scholastica's College lend a hand to every child.

SPICE Boy GM So

Remember the seven-member group of congressmen Estrada called as the "Bright Boys"? They were openly critical of then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and they played a key role in the removal of Estrada in Malacanan in 2001.

The group consisted of the following:

• Rolando Andaya, Jr. – 1st District, Camarines Sur
• Robert Ace Barbers – 2nd District, Surigao del Norte
• Michael Defensor – 3rd District, Quezon City
• Hernani Braganza – 1st District, Pangasinan
• Federico Sandoval II – Navotas-Malabon
• Juan Miguel Zubiri – 3rd District, Bukidnon

And in Philippine chess, GM Wesley So has become a SPICE Boy. This was confirmed by no other than GM Susan Polgar when I asked her about the rumored move of Wesley to the US of A for college education via Twitter:

"@brownmandiary Wesley So applied and has been accepted to Webster University. He will join 7 other GMs at Webster SPICE in August 2012.
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) February 21, 2012"

This is the best move Wesley So has made in his entire life and I congratulate him for doing so. Although I've never been a big fan of the global education system that is in place, no thanks to the industrialization, I still believe getting a college degree will give him the confidence and good self-image in the end.

Don't go Iskul Bukol Wesley! Make the best of what is given to you and remember, your generation will be looking up to you for inspiration and as a role-model. The next few years will hopefully make you a stronger, willful and better person outside of chess.

A SPICE Boy he is!
 

The Learning Center Special Collection 2012

One of the Philippine's pioneer in providing special education services within a school context, The Learning Center Inc, is raising funds for the school's continued sustainability.

Proceeds from this event will be for The Learning Center, Inc.'s Financial Assistance Program for special students from low-income families, Sheltered Social Enterprise, and Community Service Programs. We need all the help we can get. Please help us spread the word.

Give it a try people!

2011 DEPED SPED Awards

DepEd fetes outstanding SPED teachers and centers.

The Department of Education announces the winners of the 2011 National Search for Outstanding Special Education (SPED) teachers and SPED centers across the country in recognition of their exemplary work in responding to the learning needs of children with learning disabilities or giftedness.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said these special needs teachers play a very important role in making Education For All (EFA) a reality. “Inclusive education means all learners including those who are differently-abled and we have the SPED teachers and centers nationwide to thank for their exemplary work,” Luistro said.

There were categories used to better classify and appreciate the different areas of exceptionalities such that there is an outstanding teacher for children with autism, hearing impairment, visual impairment, intellectual disability, learning disability and children with intellectual giftedness.

The national winners for SPED teachers teaching children with autism are Ma. Cristina Cardinal of Sta Ana Elementary School SPED Center,  NCR, first place; Marife de Guzman of Tomana ES SPED Center, Pangasinan, second place; and Marilou Oliveros of Sinag SPED Center of Kalalake, Olongapo City, third place.

For SPED teachers for children with hearing impairment, first place winner is Salvacion Olinares of P. Gomez ES SPED Center, NCR; second place winner is Rosebeth Gabay of La Union SPED Center of San Fernando City, third placer is Mylene Cosico of Candelaria West SPED Center of Quezon.

For SPED teachers  for children with visual impairment, first placer is Apolinaria Sun of West City Exceptional Child Learning Center of Dumaguete City; second placer is Estela Sembrano of M. Hizon ES SPED Center of NCR and third placer is Sheryll Ativo of Legazpi City SPED Center of Region 5.

Best SPED  teachers for children with intellectual disability are Zoraida Gonzales, first place,  of La Union SPED Center in Region 1; Evelyn Basa, second place, of  Baguio City SPED Center; and Juliet Sepe Sonjaco of West City Exceptional Child Learning Center of Dumaguete City.

The winners for teachers  handling children with learning disabilities are Flordelina Lee, first place, of Baguio City SPED Center; Myrakay Palana, second place, of Sto. Nino SPED Center in Tacloban City and Luz Cabogrin, third place, of Dipolog City SPED Center in Region 9.

For teachers teaching children with giftedness, first place winner is Lelibeth Duran of West City Exceptional Child Learning Center of Dumaguete City; second placer is Amcy Esteban of Legarda Es SPED Center of NCR and third placer is Aubrey Marie Oasay of Catalino Acosta Memorial ES SPED Center of Batac City in Region 1.

Meanwhile the country’s top three SPED Centers are Baguio City SPED Center, first place; Butuan City SPED Center, second place; and Angeles City SPED Center, third place.

The winners received a plaque of recognition each and cash prizes.

Bukidnon Open Chess Championship 2012

It will be an exciting event to watch in Northern Mindanao when it kicks-off the 1st Governor Alex “Boy” Calingasan - Kaamulan 2012/Bukidnon Open Chess Championship on March 5-9, 2012 9:00am at Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City. The event is organized by the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, under the leadership of Governor Alex P. Calingasan, Malaybalay City Chess Club, (MCCC) Inc. of President Fundador S. Binahon, Jr., Bukidnon State University (BSU) President Dr. Victor M. Barroso, and National Association of Philippine Chess Arbiters (NAPCA)-Bukidnon Chapter-Richard D. Macas. This prestigious event is part of the activities of the KAAMULAN Festival and in observance of the 95th Foundation Anniversary of the Province of Bukidnon.

The guaranteed attractive prizes will be distributed to the major winners including the special awards in different categories as follows;

Champion-P 40,000.00 + Trophy(King)

2nd -P 20,000.00 + Trophy (Queen)
3rd-P 10,000.00 + Trophy (Rook)
4th-P 5,000.00 + Trophy (Bishop)
5th-P 4,000.00 + Trophy (Knight)
6th-P 3,000.00 + Medal Gold, 

7th-P 2,000.00 + Medal –Silver
8th-P 1,500.00 + Medal –Bronze
9th-P 1,500.00 + Medal –Bronze
10th-P 1,000.00 + Medal –Bronze

Best Top 3 Kiddy Players-P 1,000, 750, 250+ Medals (G,S,B)
Best Top 3 Junior Players-P 1,000, 750, 250 + Medals (G,S,B)
Best Top 3 Senior Players-P 1,000, 750, 250 + Medals (G,S,B)
Best Top 3 Female Players -P 1,000, 750, 250 + Medals (G,S,B)
Best Top 3 Executive Players-P 1,000, 750, 250 +Medals(G,S,B)

Best Bukidnon Player-P 2,000.00 + Medal –Gold
Best Bukidnon Municipal/City Players: Prizes will be announced during awarding.
Best Bukidnon Congressional District I, II, & III Players: Prizes will be announced during the awarding.

This is open to all Filipino players of all ages titled, rated and non-rated, male or female, residing anywhere in the Philippines. The event will abide the new advisory sanctioned to the NCFP-National Chess Federation of the Philippines. The tournament shall be played in a nine-round Swiss System Tournament and the allotted time will be One Hundred Twenty (120) minutes for each player to finish the game.

The Tournament Schedule will be

1st Day 5 March (Monday) - 9:00am - Deadline of Registration
10:00am-Technical Meeting and Opening Ceremonies
11:30am - Motorcade of Provincial Government Officials, Sponsors, Guests and Participants including GMs, IMs and FM's with Norkis Group.
12nn – Lunch Time
 2:00pm - Round 1.
2nd Day, 6 March (Tuesday)9:00 am - Round 2 & 3:00 pm - Round 3.
3rd Day 7 March (Wednesday) 9:00 am - Round 4 & 3:00 pm - Round 5.
4th Day 8 March (Thursday) 9:00 am - Round 6 & 3:00 pm -Round 7.
5th Day 9 March (Friday) 8:00 am - Round 8 & 2:00 pm - Round 9. 6:00 pm Awarding / Closing Ceremonies.

The registration fee is P400.00 per participant. However, players residing in the Bukidnon Province is P200.00 only. Junior and Kiddy Players shall pay P100.00 only, upon presentation of a certified copy of birth certificate. A bond of P100.00 is required from all players, which will be returned to him/her after the tournament. However, the same will be forfeited in favor of the organizer if the player defaults in one of his/her games.

The contact persons for the tournament are HON. MANUEL “ Datu Maning Batong-Bantilis” DINLAYAN, Sr., Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Provincial Legislative Staff-III, Douglas Murillo, Mr. Richard D. Macas, Legal Officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples of the Province of Bukidnon (09275628668) and Datu Fundador S. Binahon, Jr., President of the Malaybalay City Chess Club, Inc. (09396831377 & (088)813-3374). Mr. Nolly Cabillas, (CP No. 09059530300) Bukidnon State University, Technical Staff.

In Between Writing Report Cards

Here are two games I played against a 2000+ player over at ChessCube. I won 2 games out of three and both times I won, I game the same checkmating patterns.

The games below:


The fatal combination of Queen and Bishop along one diagonal also known as battery is deadly if we neglect to defend their attack. Back to work.

57th Birthday of Steve Jobs

Happy Birthday !

February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

YouTube Worldview with PNoy

The current Philippine President is a product of political machinery, mass media and uneducated citizenry. We all are celebrating the EDSA People Power Revolution today but we all know that the essence of the so-called EDSA revolution is gone and nowhere to be found.

Want to find out what PNoy has to say? Watch ABS-CBN news channel exclusive interview with President Benigno Aquino III as he answers questions from the world internet community last year. The Philippine President is the first leader in Asia to be featured on YouTube World View Series:

The Great Chess Movie

The Great Chess Movie is documentary film and it was first shown last April 6, 1983 at the Film Forum. The film was the work of Gilles Carle and Camille Coudari.

After last Sunday's CBS News 60 Minutes with Magnus Carlsen, I began to look for classic, decades old film clips that features chess on YouTube. Prior to the Magnus Carlsen CBS News episode, they replayed their 60 Minutes with Bobby Fischer and this really did the trick. It made me want to see more of the chess classics.

The Great Chess Movie:

 

The backroom story of how the movie came about, which players ended up in the film and how it all began are in the Part 1 of the Chessbase Article called Nineteen hours with Bobby Fischer.

Summer Kids Workshop @ The National Library

The National Library of the Philippines- Children Section, in cooperation with Children's Literature of the Philippines, is inviting children from 7-12 years old for a Summer Workshop on Storytelling, Puppet making and Arts and Crafts.

To find out more like registration fees and schedule of activities, please call the Reference Division at 310-5033/528-1972 and look for Melai or Kristin.  

Lenten Season 2012

I made it for the Holy Eucharist celebration last night with my three kids minus wife and 3 month old baby. Ash Wednesday it was yesterday and the Cathedral of Imus was busy hosting the Sunday-like schedule services. With all the never-ending buzz about the world's end, it helps that we hold on to our faith with conviction and sincerity.

Lenten Season is the time of Spiritual Purification

What are we really celebrating during Lent?

Basically, the season of Lent is the time of preparation Easter Sunday. It is the season of penance and prayer before the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic calls on every believer to pray and fast for 40 days. For the age group 18-60, they are to skip one meal a day and avoid meat foods. For 14 years old and above, they are expected to avoid any forms of meat foods during the 40 days of purification. Purification process can take on many forms and practices. This is also known as abstinence and fasting.

There is a difference between abstinence and fasting but it is closely related. Abstinence is the avoidance of meat which has been a spiritual practice since the early beginnings of the church while fasting is the restriction one adheres to on the quantity of the food we eat.

Fasting and Abstinence are two powerful spiritual tools which helps us tame our body to concentrate more on higher, Godly things. Take note, these practices are voluntary and that almost everyone has a thing or two to say about it.

For our cultural note, one superstition I grew up with when it comes to Lenten practices is that we are not suppose to take a bath on Good Friday.  It may be funny to listen to such superstitions but honestly, I think it has a lot to do with the spirituality of Filipinos from long ago.

Remember, we have prayer vigils for almost all occasions and these prevents you from completing your 8-10 hour sleep. To prevent the young ones from getting sick after the prayer vigils, most probably the older generations wanted to prevent them from taking a shower.

So how will you participate in Christ's Passion this Lenten Season?

60 Minutes with Magnus Carlsen

CBS News presented 60 Minutes with Magnus Carlsen, the world's current top player on the FIDE ratings. The 21-year old Norwegian also known as the Mozart of Chess is being compared the late great American 11th World Chess Champion Robert "Bobby" Fischer".


While Magnus Carlsen earned the highest title in chess at the age of 13 years and 148 days in April 26, 2004. Robert "Bobby" Fischer became a grandmaster at the age of 15 and 1/2 years old. 


But unknown to many, Carlsen and Fischer are said to be having the characteristics of a person with Asperger Syndrome. 


If you'll ask me, I don't see this as a negative element in their lives. In fact I've been working for more than a decade now in the area of special education and I totally understand why there's this buzz about Carlsen and Fischer. 


Persons with Asperger Syndrome have changed the the course of the world and you can check the list here.


The New York Times even run an article Dealing in Chess, Bet on This Norwegian and in it it said:

Henrick Carlsen said his son’s progress in chess was typical for him. “Sometimes, he’s been thought to be slow,” he said. But when he gets interested in something, “then he accelerates.” He added, “I don’t think he is conscious of this approach. It is innate.” He said that his son, from a young age, exhibited an ability to focus single-mindedly. One day, the father recalled, when Magnus was 4, he spent six hours building a train out of Legos. A half-hour after he went to bed, Mr. Carlsen found him in the dark “wide awake and staring into space, and I thought, ‘O.K., this is too much.’ ”

Magnus’s parents have not had their son tested for developmental disorders because he is well-enough adjusted socially. “Magnus seems to be fortunate enough to have the right characteristics to be considered normal despite the fact that he has some traits that might lead others to call him abnormal,” his father said. “Most people like him.”

But Carlsen clarified this over at Chessbase' Magnus Carlsen on Golden Goal.

Anyways, let's watch the video from CBS News:

Lazarte Banned for Life

Great news but still, I'd love all the boxing organizations around the world to have a "No Boxing Event" in Argentina. Banning Lazarte for life is one thing, the f@#cked-up crowd is another thing and they must learn from this. The Argentine Boxing Commission Chief should be ashamed of what happened and that he be sacked for his statements after the fight.

The Philippine Senate sent a strong message against this with a resolution recalling Philippine Ambassador to Argentina Rey Carandang. The resolution also asks the Argentine Ambassador to the Philippines Joaquin Daniel Otero. Some camps were even asking for the Philippine-Argentina ties be cut-off because of the participated in by the unschooled, uneducated Argentinians.

Why not?

Good for you crazy, barbaric, stupid Argentinians!

Watch the riot-marred boxing match between Casimero and Lizarte.

Xtreme Chess Championship

Reality TV has been around for more than a decade and the 1999 movie EDtv screened out of competition at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival is a classic example of what a reality TV show is.

I believe chess is hard to sell on TV and sponsors are not really dying to have spend their millions to promote the game compared to football, basketball, billiards and other sports.

But thanks to the chess playing dudes and dudettes for launching the Xtreme Chess Championship, Jennifer Shahade, Greg Shahade and Daniel Meirmon.

Chessbase's article on the topic is here and you can read through it for further info.

You can watch the first two episodes on YouTube but I'll have the first episode embedded below:

FIDE Chess Laws

I've been blogging about chess for the last seven years and I never posted a copy of the official FIDE Laws of Chess. This is the right time to post the laws of the game for everyone to copy, download, print out and study.

Below is a Scribd copy of the FIDE Laws of Chess:


FIDE Laws of Chess

PhilDev presents Fireside Chat

Here is an event I wish to promote among our readers but most specially among the Filipinos in the United States. PhilDev and its partner organizations presents Fireside Chat. If only I could give you a live streaming of the event.

Think about the efforts our fellow Filipinos putting in to help the country and its citizens, whether overseas-based or in the Philippines.

Events for Pinoys across America

To say that we Filipinos have conquered the world is an understatement. The Filipino diaspora is as real as the Israelite's diaspora. There are more than 100 million Filipinos of us on Earth, some are living a king's life, some a pauper's life and most are serving the country they live in.


In the United States, we have Pinoys in the White House and other government agencies. we have Pinoys in Hollywood, in the healthcare and in the Education Department. There's no stopping the Brown race from moving forward and claiming the rightful spot in history. It's our time and the time is now.


For those of you based in the States, here are events that might interest you:

February 15 

Project Renew

Project Renew will help you restore your credit and help you become a sustainable homeowner!


Join us for our bimonthly workshop, Wednesday, February 15th.  


If you are in the Bay Area, attend at 1535 Landess Avenue in Milpitas.  
If you are in Southern California, come to 9580 Black Mountain Road, Suite A in San Diego.
We will have housing counselors available for Foreclosure Prevention Counseling/Loss Mitigation Assistance and Homebuyer Education/Credit Counseling.


February 18 

Filipinos in Alliance Presents: Battle of the Bamboo 2012 

It's that time of year again! UIC's Filipinos in Alliance Presents: Battle of the Bamboo 2012. Battle of the Bamboo is an annual cultural dance competition that brings dance troupes from all over the Midwest area into one venue to compete for the coveted first place title. Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 5:pm-8:pm, UIC Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL.


February 24 

Kababayan Hoops Youth Basketball 

Kababayan Hoops Youth Basketball invites all Fil-Am organizations to participate in our inaugural Mabuhay Invitational Youth Basketball Tournament, February 24-26, 2012 at Downey High School, Downey, CA. We welcome boys and girls teams of Filipino-Asian descent, from 3rd grade thru 8th grade (Youth Division), 9th grade thru 12th grade(High School) and 22 &under (College). Portion of fees to benefit, SIPA youth programs, www.esipa.com More information: kabahoops@gmail.com, George Quitoriano, 949-872-9492


February 26 

Mapa High Class '57 Reunion

Officers and members of the Mapa High School '57 Alumni Association of the US and Canada are gearing up for the 55th year anniversary of their graduation and are calling on all 1957 alumni to join in the forthcoming reunion in the Philippines. A whole-day picnic has been scheduled for the class of 1957 on March 3, 2012 at the M&N Hot Spring Resort in Calamba, Laguna. This will be preceded by the general yearly reunion for all alumni on Feb. 26, 2012 at the Le Pavillon in Pasay City. A presentation of the Blue Falcon Awards honoring the outstanding alumni for 2012 will highlight the general reunion. Some '57 MHS alumni are candidates for the awards. Alumni of the 1957 class wishing to attend the emerald jubilee may contact in Los Angeles, Ronaldo A. Almero at 714-307-6045; Jovita Agbong Chotiwatnanond at 818-919-3314; Carmelita Velasquez Cabangon at 818-731-8221; in New York, Dr. Herminio C. Valenzuela at 718-444-9244; in Florida, Cora Mangahas Angeles at 904-786-5687; in Toronto, Canada, Roger Sta. Mina at 416-867-7414. Contact E-mails:MapaHS57@yahoo.com, RAAlmero@missiongeo.com, jchotiwat@yahoo.com,hermvalenzuela@aol.com.


March 3 

Singgalot - The Ties that Bind Filipinos In American Community 

Celebrate this rich heritage at the Charles B. Wang Center is delighted with Singgalot - The Ties that Bind: Filipinos in America from Colonial Subjects to Citizens, on view from February 12 through April 22, 2012. Exhibit hours are from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and weekends from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Joey Tabaco (631) 428-3574; Ramon Villongco (631) 742-3479 and Jennifer Iacona (631) 632-1944.


March 17 

Filipino Children's Fund Benefit Dinner Dance 

The Filipino Children's Fund, Inc is cordially inviting the public to its annual benefit dinner dance to benefit the indigents in the Philippines at the Astoria World Manor located at 2252 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11102 from 1-6 pm. Cocktail starts at 1 PM. Donation $75. For ticket information and directions, please call Dely Go (973) 754-9035; Lisa Gaviola (631) 943-9707 and Evangeline Manjares( 631) 948-0269 or you can visit our website at www.filipinochildrensfundinc.org.


March 24 

PIDCI Grand Marshal Gala 

PIDCI will honor Dr. Prospero Lim with the annual Grand Marshal Gala at the Grand Ballroom of the Astoria World Manor in Queens, New York on Saturday, March 24. For information on the Gala, interested parties may call the gala chairmen PIDCI Vice President Art Diongon at (917) 822-9225, Vilma Filoteo at (646) 344-9709 or Eleanor Parico, MD at (908) 265-1293.  

64 Things You Need to Know in Chess

Chess maybe as enigmatic as the concept the Holy Trinity in my religion called Catholicism but it is not what it seems. Chess is something you can study over time and learn the intricacies, in and out. Just like any endeavor here on Earth, one has to put in the necessary amount of effort, practice and study in order to master the game.

There are 64 squares on a chessboard and according to John Walker, one has to remember only 64 concepts and ideas to improve in the game. Here is the book Mr. Walker wrote in 2002:

64 Things