Malibay Chess Club vs MERALCO Chess Club

First impressions last forever.

And what an impression it was! Members of the Malibay Chess Club and the kids from Edang in Pasay City were really enthralled by the warm reception accorded to them by the officers and members of the MERALCO Chess Club in a friendly club-to-club match held last September 6, 2008 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

It was indeed an educational trip – especially for the Edang kids – as they were introduced to the importance and relevance of chess in their daily lives and future. After a serene prayer led by a kid from the host club, Mr. Raul J. Sol Cruz (Meralco Chess Club President), related the significance of chess, even basing his insights from the Holy Bible.

Getting first-hand tips from the father of a chess rising star is simply priceless. Mr. Norlito Bersamina, the father of the 10-year old Paulo Bersamina (1862), shared his experiences on how he raises Paulo as a fast-rising star in the chess community. Mr. Bersamina, a man of big heart, even treated the visitors from Pasay to a simple burger merienda (we guess, from his own pocket).

Capping the visit was MERALCO Chess Club’s generous act of donating seven chessboards to Edang kids. The gesture was highly appreciated by the visiting club.

The seven chess sets were donated by the following kind people, or the so-called "Magnificent 7":

1) Anna Sabularse
2) Manny Benitez
3) Teddy Santiago
4) Sammy Campos
5) Roger Ilano
6) Darryl Mata
7) June de Galicia

FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, THANK YOU, MERALCO CHESS CLUB, FOR A WONDERFUL AND ENRICHING CHESS EXPERIENCE!



Mr. Sol Cruz (center, standing tallest) welcomes the Malibay Chess Club and the Edang group from Pasay City and relates the importance of chess.


Mr. Bersamina (center, in green(?) shirt) shares how he raises his son Paulo to be a good chess player.


Kids from the MERALCO Chess Club in the act of donating seven chess boards to the kids from Edang, Pasay City. At the back are senior players from both clubs.


Kids in serious mode.


A happy farewell. Satisfied visitors with the generous hosts.