Victory Central Mall National Open Grouping Chess Championships

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) announced changes in the format of the Victory Central Mall National Open Grouping Chess Championships which will be held from July 2 to July 8 at the 4th floor of the Victory Central Mall in Caloocan City.

Instead of having three categories, Group A and B have been merged into an Open category with no rating requirements. (The official website of the NCFP did not provide enough details about the composition of teams.)

As a result, the prizes were combined as follows:

OPEN DIVISION

CHAMPION P 100,000.00 +Trophy

2nd 60,000.00 +Trophy

3rd 40,000.00 +Trophy

4th 20,000.00 +Trophy

5th 10,000.00 +Trophy

6th 8,000.00

7th 7,000.00

8th 6,000.00

9th 5,000.00

10th 4,000.00

11th 3,000.00

12th 3,000.00

13th 2,000.00

14th 2,000.00

15th 2,000.00

KIDDIES DIVISION

(Open for kids 14 years and below):

CHAMPION P 7,000.00 +Trophy

2nd 5,000.00 +Trophy

3rd 3,000.00 +Trophy

4th 2,000.00

5th 1,000.00

6th 500.00

7th 500.00

8th 500.00

9th 500.00

10th 500.00

Top Non-Master - P 2,500.00

2nd place 1,500.00

3rd place 1,000.00

Top Women - P 2,500.00

2nd place 1,500.00

3rd place 1,000.00

For inquiries:
NCFP office: 381-7224
NCFP Executive & Events Director Willie Abalos: 0929-226620, 0929-390644, 0905-3269576
NCFP Secretariat: 0927-7209260 and 09285513089

Dungca tops Regions 1, 2, CAR qualifying tournament

Ryan Dungca (2000) scored 6.0 points out of possible 7.0 to rule the Qualifying Tournament (Regions 1, 2, and CAR) for the 3rd Asian Indoor Games. The tournament was held in Urdaneta, Pangasinan from June 26 to 28.

Seeded No.12 in a 79-player field, Dungca piled up five wins and two draws, halving the point with No.2 seed Belsar Valencia in Round 3 and defeating No.1 seed Merben Roque in Round 4.

Notably, kiddie player Vince Angelo Medina showed what he’s made of by tangling with more veteran players and finished strong with 5.0 points to end up at very respectable No.13 spot.

Also, Pangasinan’s young chess jewel 10-year old Samantha Glo Revita joined the tough battle and finished with 3.5 points.

Final Rankings:

Rk. Name Pts.
1 DUNGCA Ryan 6
2 PAGUITAL Macapagal 5.5
3 NEBATO Sheider 5.5
4 GICAIN Dick 5.5
5 BAS-ONG Geron 5.5
6 PEREZ Michael 5.5
7 BATULAN Elito 5.5
8 VALENCIA Belsar 5
9 NAVARRO Leonardo 5
10 FALCON Zaldy 5
11 BAYRON Jonathan 5
12 ULANDAY Judylito 5
13 MEDINA Vince Angelo 5
14 ROQUE Merben 4.5
15 TULIAO Edgar 4.5
16 LABUANAN Fidel 4.5
17 GONZALES Ruel 4.5
18 DELA CRUZ Joey 4.5
19 DULAY Dave Patrick 4.5
20 ALEJO Edwin 4.5
21 MAILIG Joven 4.5
22 PASCUAL Orlando 4.5
23 MIRANO Kevin 4.5
24 CARINO Michael 4.5
25 LEGASPI Gary 4
26 MENDOZA Jonathan 4
27 MANALOTO Heirry 4
28 SANCHEZ Fernando 4
29 YLARDE Rector 4
30 DE DIOS Lazaro 4
31 YAP Gerry 4
32 DEL MUNDO Jason 4
33 BAUTISTA Roberto Jr. 4
34 COCJIN Joel 4
35 SANTOS Eduardo 3.5
36 FAGON Romy 3.5
37 QUINTO Jorge 3.5
38 VALLEDOR Clement 3.5
39 LEUSEN Samir Samuel 3.5
40 REVITA Samantha Glo 3.5
41 BAUSA Cleo 3.5
42 MANALOTO Highzzy 3.5
43 REYES Ruel 3.5
44 MAGDALAGA Luffe 3
45 DANCAL Neil 3
46 TRASFIERO Eugene 3
47 CULIAN Santos 3
48 ALTARES Joeric 3
49 FORTIN Artriño Paul 3
50 DAHIL Serjohn 3
51 APAN Lodegario 3
52 CUISON Elmer 3
53 AQUINO Walter 3
54 VALDEZ Melandro 3
55 MADRIAGA Jose 2.5
56 LIBUNAO Jonathan 2.5
57 ALCANTARA Rudolph 2.5
58 FRANCISCO Vincent Paul 2.5
59 GELACIO Jose 2.5
60 CACHIN Josefino 2.5
61 PILARE Rolando 2.5
62 ESTABILLO Larry 2
63 CATUBIG Florencio 2
64 ABALOS Leonardo Jr. 2
65 LEDINA Ferdinand 2
66 ZAPATERO Jomel 2
67 DALIDA Marc Jason 2
68 CASTRO Clarence 2
69 GUERRERO Rocky 2
70 FABRO Renado 2
71 DE LA CRUZ Rolando 1.5
72 LOZANO Carlos 1
73 DEL PRADO Juan Miguel 1
74 OGRASI Lorence 1
75 PILART Rolando 0
VALDEZ Melando 0
77 ESTABILLO Elyjohn 0
OMAOIS Rynner 0
79 SARIPADA Sinoden 0

Palmdale chess photo

Standing from left to right: Fide Master Christopher Castellano, Bandera Sports Editor Frederick Nasiad, Palmdale Import and Export Co. manager Nerissa dela Fuente, GM Jayson Gonzales, ASEAN + Age Group gold medallist Paolo Bersamina, Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre, Womens Billiards World Champion Rubilen Amit, Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, QC coun. Bong Suntay,QC coun. Bayani Hipol, GM Mark Paragua, and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.

Sitting down at the center organizer RP and US chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., and daughter Ma. Gloria Mikaela Icao Bernardino.

Photo taken prior to the start of 1st Palmdale Import and Export Co. Rapid Chess Tournament at the Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School (RMCHS) along Edsa, Cubao, on Sunday in the one-day affair,sponsored by sportsman/ businessman Fernando “Kuya Nanding” Reyes, FDR International, XT2000 Orange Oil and Diana Secret for anti aging treatment in close cooperation with Filway Marketings Inc.CEO/President Hector Tagaysay and Dickies vice president Dody T. Arcaya. CAPTION by NM Marlon Bernardino, Jr.

17th SNYACC-NCR Leg Juniors Final Rankings

And here are the final rankings for the 17th SNYACC-NCR Leg Juniors Category:

Rank Name Pts
1 SALGADOS Lennon Hart 6½
2 GARCIA Jan Emmanuel 6½
3 MERCADO Jayson 6
4 SALCEDO Richelieu 6
5 FRONDA Jude Emil 6
6 IBANEZ Piokit 6
7 TURQUEZA Mari Joseph 6
8 MIRANO Kevin 5½
9 CHAVEZ Antonio Jr. 5½
10 GUYA Ali 5½
11 ORENSE Gerwin 5½
12 REYES Narquingden 5½
13 PILARTA Willbert 5½
14 CRISMO Joshua Hesed 5½
15 SUEDE Mikee Charlene 5½
16 CRUZ John Paul 5½
17 REYES Narquingel 5
18 FERRIOL Gerald 5
19 RICO Jonathan Adam 5
20 DACANAY Steven James 5
21 IBISATE Aljon 5
22 REYES Ferdinand Jr. 5
23 PEREZ Adrian 5
24 BERMAS Lemuel 5
25 ALFONSO Avhix 5
26 SALVADOR Louie 5
27 DONGUINES Mark Fernan 5
28 GALAN Jan Nigel 5
29 RAPANOT Alfred 5
30 INGCAD Nolie 5
31 PAULITE Arnold 5
32 VASALLO Revin Briam 5
33 LABABO Ywen 5
34 BIAG Ranilo Gil 4½
35 NEBATO Sheider 4½
36 MALIAM Ephraim 4½
37 BURCE Eleixeis 4½
38 ABUCEJO Jessie 4½
39 TUMALIUAN Jake 4½
40 ALBARAN Mike Angelo 4½
41 GRAVILLO Nathaniel 4½
42 VISCA Jessica 4½
43 SONGCUYA Emmanuel Eumir 4½
44 ROMERO Giovanni Cyrene 4½
45 SANCHEZ Daniel Elijah 4½
46 DANDAN Tristan Wayne 4½
47 FULCHER Steaven Crenz 4½
48 GRAFIL Franz Robert 4
49 DIMALIWAT John Mark 4
50 LIGON Francis 4
51 GALANG Teresa Marie 4
52 ABUG Lev Lamiel 4
53 BERSAMINA Joseph 4
54 CAPINPIN Nikki 4
55 DATU Nino 4
56 SANCHEZ Marfred 4
57 SO KUA Timothy John 4
58 GRAVILLO Norvin 4
59 BERSAMINA Joshua 4
60 MARIBAO Alexis Emil 4
61 CRUZ Jared 4
62 MEDINA Lovelyn 4
63 LAYUGAN Dominique 4
64 JONGKO Arvie 4
65 EDANIOL Katrina 4
66 VALENZUELA Nigel Keruvin 4
67 CORANEZ Aldwin 4
68 BALTAZAR Michael Kelvin 4
69 IGNACIO Genesis 4
70 ZAFE John Priter 4
71 MACABITAS Jeffrey 4
72 PALOMO Jenny Rose 4
73 SAMONTE Irene Mye 4
74 SORIANO Jhuniever 4
75 SALTORIO Jerome 4
76 SENORA Ronna Reigner 4
77 SAQUING Janine Khrisna 4
78 CASIL Daniel Jr. 4
79 ALCABA Pedro Rogelio 4
80 VILLAFLOR Sandy Marie 4
81 BALBONA Jessa Marie 4
82 BONIFACIO Riza Gabriela 4
83 NERI Susan Grace 4
84 CHUA Ian Ferdinand 4
85 LACESTE Loren Brigham 3½
86 SEROTE Christopher 3½
87 MELICANO Kris Angelique 3½
88 ILAO Patrick James 3½
89 ROVILLOS Kenneth Martin 3½
90 SAMANTE Louie 3½
91 MENDOZA Kathleen 3½
92 SONGCUYA Emmanuel Elijah 3½
93 SUEDE Akiko Charmaine 3½
94 CARREDO Anthony 3½
95 NUESTRO Angelo Joshua 3½
96 BARCELON Ronald Allan 3½
97 REYES Queenielyn 3½
98 NUESTRO Angelo Ezekiel 3½
99 DAVILA Joaquin Ignacio 3½
100 SALCEDO Brylle 3½
101 INOCENCIO John Michael 3½
102 FLORENDO Patrick Erle 3½
103 RAMOS Antonito 3½
104 SAMONTE Iris Kye 3½
105 ORONA John Noel 3½
106 DABLEO Arvin 3½
107 RIVERA Julian Christofferson 3½
108 DILAO Dan Gabriel 3½
109 SALDO Jeniellyn Lou 3½
110 OBILLO Kester Carlo 3½
111 JOSE Leoneriz Myra 3½
112 BONGON John Albert 3
113 PASCUA Randolph 3
114 ROSALES Princess 3
115 DATU Jesus Alfonso 3
116 GERALDINO Reanlee 3
117 MOSCOSA Daryll 3
118 PERALTA Mark Julius 3
119 PAGUNSAN Angelo Noel 3
120 CANADA Vianca Camille 3
121 DIAZ Joel 3
122 MEJIA Mary Ann 3
123 AGUSTIN Jhonel 3
124 SOLER Nico Ocinne 3
125 SOPUNGCO Aaron 3
126 DE LEON John Kristofferson 3
127 DOMINGO. Ernesto Jr. 3
128 MAGNO Julius Picolino 3
129 OLONAN Ianah Marie 3
130 LAHOZ Miguel 3
131 GILBUENA Micky 3
132 RAMOS Alfonso Baldomero 3
133 MORALES Joymee 3
134 IDENCIO Ralph Andrew 3
135 VILLACAMPA Aljhun Take 3
136 CHEN Kelvin 3
137 MCDONOUGH Kennedy 3
138 JAVIER Guilbert 3
139 HIPOLITO Rachel 3
140 GONZALES Ma. Josephine 3
141 SIDAYA Jollibee 2½
142 MABASA Mario 2½
143 DAYOG John Edward Lee 2½
144 RELOS Jojo 2½
145 MENDONEZ Alexander Jude 2½
146 MARIANO Kristine 2½
147 NARANJO Jomar 2½
148 BALSALUBRE Joven 2½
149 DACAYO Luzzel 2½
150 ESCOLAR Lorenzo Gabriellie 2½
151 STA. RITA Eloisa 2½
152 MAGO Rengel Cess 2½
153 SALTORIO Joannah Marie 2½
154 MISO Niko 2½
155 ESTOLANO Adrian Paul 2½
156 PRUDENTE Luke 2½
157 BOCAYA Gabriel 2½
158 VITORIO Denise Ruby 2½
159 VELASQUEZ Ralph Lester 2½
160 DADO Darrel John 2½
161 ESCOLAR Alphonzo Nazareno 2
162 CONSTANTINO Jennifer 2
163 FLORES Jerome 2
164 SUMAGANG Jay R 2
165 DATU Ma. Perla 2
166 CASTRO Juan Claudio 2
167 MORTOS Angelina 2
168 CHAN Tristan Jayson 2
169 MATUGAS Miguel Rhett 2
170 MADARANG Kashman 2
171 BARRIOS Ken 2
172 BARRENECHEA Jeconiah 2
DUQUE Cherry Mae 2
174 QUINIQUINI Neil Patrick 2
175 VILLAROSA Lewelyn 2
176 BERNARDINO Faye 2
177 GALAN Cristine 2
178 CRISOSTOMO Jon Carlo 2
179 MANAHAN Claude Louie 1½
180 GOMEZ Michael Angelo 1½
181 SOLER Quinna Louise 1½
182 VILLANUEVA Katrina 1½
183 SILVA Daniel Keanu 1
184 VALENZUELA Ranella Agustina 1
185 SABULARSE Juan Paulo 1
186 FRANCISCO Julian Nino 1
187 VILLASIN Rene Iii 1
188 TUPAY Reina 1
189 VICENTE Michelle 1
190 GARCIA Rolando Jr. ½

17th SNYACC-NCR Leg Kiddies Final Rankings

Many of our avid readers have been requesting for the official final rankings in the Kiddies and Juniors categories of the recently concluded 17th Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships.

The request is cordially responded to by no less than Mr. Alex Dinoy, the man behind the success of SNYACC-NCR legs.

So here are the final rankings for the 17th SNYACC-NCR Leg (Kiddies):

Rank Name Pts
1 ALFONSO Jeremiah 7
2 BALTAZAR Melwyn Kenneth 6½
3 CRISTOBAL Kristian Paulo 6½
4 NANOLA Christian 6
5 MEDINA Vince Angelo 6
6 BERSAMINA Paulo 6
7 DULAY Dave Patrick 6
8 JAVIER Neil Collins 6
9 LAGULA Mcdominique 6
10 EVANGELISTA Paul Bert 6
11 MEJIA Giovanni 6
12 FLORES Christian Anthony 6
13 VERGARA Sudama Khrisna 6
14 KWOK Malcolm Leeland 5½
15 CORONEL Aldous Roy 5½
16 SICAT Kevin 5½
17 DOCENA Jerad 5½
18 DE LEON Haince Patrick 5½
19 FLORO Ralph Jordan 5½
20 FUERTE Vincent Joseph 5½
21 LOBITANA Raffy 5½
22 SAMANTILA Daryl Unix 5½
23 SALDO Jonniel Lloyd 5½
24 CRUZ Renato 5
25 CASIANO Paul Benjamin 5
26 ENRIQUEZ Jean Karen 5
27 PAULITE Christian Carlo 5
28 COBSILEN Clifford Jr. 5
29 MALIAM Elijah 5
30 VERANO Dante Leonardo 5
31 CORTES Ma. Essah Theresa 5
32 QUE Joseph Ernest 5
33 CABUAL Gino Divino 5
34 RICO Eva Marian 5
35 BONIFACIO Anfernee 5
36 DRAPETE Christian Ray 5
37 CANADA Crissa 5
38 AVELLANA Renzoe Vince 5
39 CASTRO Jose Carlo 5
40 GALAS Bernadette 5
41 MARGARITO John Eric 5
42 GUTIERREZ Jaymarc 5
43 MAGPILY John Michael 5
44 LABOG Marc Kevin 5
45 GONZALES Julius 5
46 MAYOR Lorenz Jeremy 5
47 REYES Prince Kenneth 5
48 QUINTO Sheila Mae 5
49 BARCELON Bryan 5
50 CABIDA Christian Dave 5
51 SAQUILAYAN Drexter 5
52 JIMENEZ Wilmark 5
53 RAMOS Justine Joshua 5
54 ORTEGA Evan Reck 5
55 MADCASIM Reema 5
56 PRAILE John Canny 5
57 LUCHINA Christian David 5
58 PRADO Davemar 5
59 GERALDINO Cyrey 5
60 PEREZ Remdee Angiel 5
61 MARCELLANA Mark James 5
62 LAUDE Edward Rowell 5
63 ONG GUE Romel Septan 4½
64 CUNANAN Homel Aristotle 4½
65 NOCELLADO Jerick 4½
66 BONIFACIO Joribene 4½
67 CANAPE Ynna Sophia 4½
68 DELA CRUZ Jean Paula 4½
69 VIERNES Tucker Howard Elsteine 4½
70 MENDEZ Lawrence 4½
71 CARANYAGAN Carlo 4½
72 PRESENTE Juan Carlos 4½
73 PALACIO John Tristan 4½
74 GUTIERREZ John Cedric 4½
75 CAPULE Shem Jasper 4½
76 CAUNCA Louie 4½
77 SAN JUAN M. Mae=bel Grace 4½
78 ROMASANTA Rommel 4½
79 FULCHER Lawrean Angeley 4½
80 FAGON Romy 4
81 DELA CRUZ Jon Ira 4
82 SALTORIO Jefferson 4
83 AQUINO Stella Theresa 4
84 ALVAREZ Don 4
85 LOZANO Marx 4
86 FUERTE Mary Joyce 4
87 MAGO Ian Rogel 4
88 BALINGIT Hans Christian 4
89 CULILI Yosef Banderas 4
90 DE CASTRO Ma. Allianah Joie 4
91 UY Philip Andrew 4
92 VILLA Enrica 4
93 RAMOS Lucas 4
94 LUMACAD Jerome Christian 4
95 DOCENA Jesca 4
96 DATU John Vasilly 4
97 PRAILE Mary Rose 4
98 FRONDA Jusmel Christian 4
99 ANONUEVO Amansinaya 4
100 CADOY Brian Christian 4
101 DUENAS Erveen Mars 4
102 RELATIVO Paul Carlo 4
103 CABUGAO Earl Nathaniel 4
104 MANERO Marc Angelo 4
105 MARQUEZ Ivan Csar 4
106 MIRANDA Mel Joseph 4
107 TALAPIAN Surewin 4
108 ORINION Joseph 4
109 YANO Elvin 4
110 MACAPAGAL Kianjoo 4
111 COCHING Caesar Louis Zion 4
112 VICENTE Venice 4
113 CAMILLO Francine 4
114 GACELO Marvin Bryan 4
115 GUTIERREZ Mikael Bianca 4
116 PALMA Vince 4
117 COCHING Christiane 4
EXIOMO Ronald Joseph 4
119 PELAYO Ariel Kenneth 4
120 SUEDE Alexis 4
121 EXIOMO Rodney 4
122 DELA CRUZ Timothy James 4
123 NG Jenny Sze Mui 4
124 DIONISIO Nikko Ver 4
125 NARCISO Jeru Israel 4
126 ALI Bin-Ali 4
127 MARIANO Justine Nicole 4
128 MADCASIM Abdullah 4
129 FORTES Roben Jaime 4
130 LEGASPI Jhonel 4
131 RAMOS Noah 4
132 ESTAVILLO Stephen Von 4
133 ROGADO Jonas Joshua 4
134 GRANADA Matthew 4
135 REYES Mark Onil 4
136 JERUSALEM Edwin Jr. 4
137 SANTIANO Al 4
138 HERNANDEZ Mackay 4
139 GUTIERREZ Dennis Iii 4
140 SABULARSE Julian Lorenzo 4
141 NUESTRO Angelo Isaiah 4
142 BUCLATIN Raycel 4
143 FERNANDEZ Patrick Lance 4
144 MALIAM Clarissa Faith 4
145 NASAD Vincent Frank 4
146 MENDOZA Shania Mae 3½
147 YANO Kimberly Ann 3½
148 GERALDINO Rey 3½
149 ENAJE Melody 3½
150 CASIANO Martina Sophia 3½
151 ABOGANDA Jhay 3½
152 FERRER John Paul 3½
153 ULANDAY Kevin Paolo 3½
154 TABOL Ana Margarita 3½
155 LANDICHO Maverick John Michael 3½
156 GAMAYOT Janela Joyce 3½
157 SALTORIO Jolina Mae. 3½
158 GRIMALDO Michael 3½
159 REYES John Ray 3½
160 NARCISO Jeremy John 3½
161 ASUNCION Ryan James 3½
162 SOL CRUZ Raul Jr. 3½
163 MONTECLARO Mark Lester 3½
164 GUTIERREZ Dennis Jr. 3
165 BASILIO Mikko Joselino 3
166 CATINDIG Julie Pearl 3
167 DE LEON Luke Matthew 3
168 CABILES Albert 3
169 SALAZAR John Emil 3
170 DELA CRUZ Roel Ian 3
171 WERBA Crystal Jade 3
172 PAGKALIWANGAN Joshua 3
173 BALSALUBRE Ricardo 3
174 GUMASING Manolito 3
175 SALCEDO Byl Ezekiel 3
176 CAMILLO Francisc 3
177 VILLANUEVA Angelie 3
178 DE LIMA Fritz 3
179 VOLUNTATE Joshua Ron 3
180 AUSTRIA Jonas Philip 3
181 DURIAN Miscah Allain 3
182 DELOS SANTOS Kim Limuel 3
183 ALVAREZ Angel 3
184 ESCOLAR Vincenzo Giusseppe 3
185 MAGURA Lawrence 3
186 BUCLATIN Geneel 3
REANO Jessther 3
TUMANDA Al Samuel 3
189 MAGO Rojan Vic 3
190 CASTILLO James Gabriel 3
191 PERICO Jenerson 3
192 BULABOS John Kenneth 3
193 SAMPANG Jesse Justine 3
194 YATOR Anthony 3
195 SOPUNGCO Andrew 3
196 TUAZON Rica Portia 3
197 GONZALES Timothy Dale 3
198 SAN JUAN Nastasha Michelle 3
199 JARDELIZA Rose Ann Florita 3
200 BERMEJO Rakel Mari 3
201 RAMOS Liam 3
202 BERMEJO Arturo III 3
203 DURANA Chiari Emilie 3
204 ABUCEJO Francis Albert 3
205 VALDEZ Romeo Jr. 3
206 DIONISIO Lucy Jane 3
207 CABALUNA Mike Akdrub 3
208 STO. DOMINGO Harvey 3
209 CHAVEZ Elclaro Luis 3
210 KOBAYASHI Ariza 3
211 DESEO Anthony 3
212 MONTEZA Jomarie 3
213 MELICANO Angelika 3
214 VENTINILLA Coleene Denise 3
215 AQUINO Shaira Mae 3
216 SALDO Joan 3
217 DONGUINES Peter Lev 3
218 MAGPILY Francois Marie 3
219 LUMACAD Marylaine 3
220 LIM Pauline 3
221 JACULO Philip 3
222 MADLANGBAYAN Alvin 3
223 REANO Jesspher Jerean 3
224 GONZALES Lorraine Agaphe Danne 3
225 DONGUINES John Fleer 2½
226 CATAGUE Krystal Joy 2½
227 SAQUILAYAN Ma. Theresa 2½
228 RILLORAZA Israelito 2½
229 PANGANIBAN Reymark 2½
230 GERALDINO John Ray 2½
231 VILLANUEVA Joyce 2½
232 DAYOS David Matthew 2½
233 MARCELLANA Jan Erlson 2½
234 FULCHER Lance Jaime 2½
235 REYNANTE Robert Ray 2½
236 EUSEBIO Christian Paul 2½
237 GARCIA Danrev 2
238 IGNACIO Robin 2
239 GUTIERREZ Myka Sofia 2
240 MACALALAD John Rusty 2
241 CUNANAN Harold Thaddeus 2
242 ESCOLAR Leonzo Francessco 2
243 RODRIGUEZ Charles 2
244 DURIAN Christian 2
245 COLUMNA Dheyvern Lee Kate 2
246 GALAN Colin Anand 2
247 MANALOTO John Romvi 2
248 BUCAL Aeron 2
249 COCHING Christia Anne 2
250 PERICO Jenry 2
251 DACANAY Veronica 2
252 BORROMEO Maureen 2
253 SAMPANG Joe Mari 2
254 GONZALES John Paul Jesther 2
255 LANDICHO James David 2
256 LIPALAM Jerwin 2
257 ESTRIBELLO Brian Edward 2
258 LACAMBRA Jarel Renz 2
259 CLARIN Ivan Paul John 2
260 TOMAS Lee 2
261 SISTOSA Lea Kim 2
262 LLAGAS Jayson 2
263 ESCOLAR Bianza Czhae Lourdez 2
264 BUSTILLO Jerome 2
265 TARDECILLA Dec-Ember 2
266 CUNANAN Harvey Matthew 2
267 MOSE Jeramie Nathan 2
SALTORIO Jomari 2
269 GONZALES Elisha Hanley 2
270 PRESENTE Janna Clarissa 2
271 SALCEDO Robie 2
272 CAPULONG Neil Jahn 1½
273 RUIZ Joshua 1½
274 CHAVEZ Potenciano Clarito 1½
275 GOTUACO Sandro 1½
276 REYES Harold Philip 1½
277 AREVALO Mary Angelica 1½
278 BUSTILLO Janinah Claire 1
279 IGNACIO Stephen John 1
280 TOMAS Xian Ngo 1
281 STO.DOMINGO Ranhiel 1
282 DELA CRUZ Jandro 1
283 BORROMEO Via 1
284 PRUDENTE Leonardo 1
285 SANTIANO Alina 1
286 CARREDO Jeane Axcel 1
287 PARAS Christian Daniel 1
288 PAUIG Juan Romeo 1
289 GERALDINO Princess Aizelle 1
290 CERENO Juse 1
291 VILLAFLOR Ralph Vittorio 1
292 ESPARAGOSA Elton Adan Jamie 1
293 ALDEA Mark Jayson 1
294 SILVA Danielle 1
295 ABRIL John Benedict 1
296 DATU Ma. Perlhene 1
297 SALDO Jim Cyril 1
298 PRESENTE Jose Cenon 1
299 LACAMBRA Jalen Rhey ½
300 LABIOS Neil Errolson 0
301 MIRANDA Kenneth John 0
302 BRILLO Jerald 0
MONTEZA Jan Aron 0
304 BALINGIT Patrick Rainier 0
305 SANTOS Alyssa 0
306 LUCERES Avelino Eberglen 0
307 MANGAHIS Marc Rodel 0
308 ELLAZAR Razhel Nicole Anne 0
LUCERES Begavic 0
310 PANGILINAN Stephen Rome 0

5th DWP Mixed Masters Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament

Our reader from Iloilo City emailed me this:

This is regarding our "5th DWP Mixed Masters Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament" and " 4th DWP Invitational Blitz Chess Tournament" scheduled on August 1-2, 2009, to be held at the Residence Hotel, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City.

The format of the Mixed Masters Rapid Tournament will be a FIDE-style knockout event where 52 invited players (top 4 players of last year edition are seeded and will play in the 2nd round) will compete for a share of the prize fund totalling over P40.000.00.

Manila players especially masters are welcome to join the tournament to add strength and prestige to the competition.

Champion - P12,000.00

Runner-up - P 8,000.00

3rd Place - P 5,000.00

4th Place - P 2,500.00

4 from Quarterfinals @ P1,000 each - P4,000.00

8 from round of 16 @ P500.00 each - P4,000.00

16 from round of 32 @ 200.00 each - P3,200.00

30 from round of 60 @ 100 each - P3,000.00

No registration fee and snacks is free.

Contact:
NM Cesar Mariano-09192833826
Mr. Boy Espejo Jr.-09155588924
Engr. Wilson Otero-09208996294

Young Meralco players join Palmdale Chess

MERALCO Chess Club's junior players Paul & Pia Casiano, Rhal Sol Cruz, Earl Cabugao, Julian Sabularse, Jam Jerusalem and Paolo Bersamina head the top-notch roster of players vying for the top honors in the first-ever Palmdale Import and Export Co. Rapid Chess Tournament gets underway on Sunday (June 28) at the Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School (RMCHS) along Edsa, Cubao (opposite of Nepa Q-Mart).

Bersamina, the pride of Pasay City is coming off a victory in the 2009 ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships in Vietnam are tipped to clash for the title along with other 14 years old and below kiddie players, in the event organized by RP and US Chess Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., sponsored by sportsman/ businessman Fernando "Kuya Nanding" Reyes, FDR International, XT2000 Orange Oil and Diana Secret for anti aging treatment, which aims to promote chess in the grassroots-level.

The champion will get the lion share P2,000, 2nd-P1,000, 3rd-P500, 4th to 5th-P250 each.

Sixth to 10th placers that includes youngest participants will each receive Time Life Books, courtesy of Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/ President Hector "Chito" Tagaysay.

Free Lunch to all participants in the said three division tournament (Non-Master, Kiddies 14 years old and below, Womens).

Registration fee for the non-master category is P300 while for the kiddies (14 years old and below) and womens divisions are P200 each. For details: please call / text IA/ NM Erwin Carag, 0921-228-8167 and NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. 0919-849-3648 or email at marlon.bernardino2008@gmail.com, codybank2007@gmail.com. By: NM Marlon Bernardino

IM Barbosa rules 2nd Annual NY International Chess

FILIPINO International Master Oliver Barbosa won his 17th title in the US chess circuit on Tuesday, after ruling the 2nd Annual NY International Chess Championships at the Marshall Chess Club in New York, New York, USA.

The Taytay, Rizal native finished 6.5 points on account of five wins, three draws and a loss in nine outings, the same output of GM Georgi Kacheisvili, GM Zbyneil Hracek, GM Alexander Stripunsky, and IM Samuel Shankland.

Former Asian Junior Champion IM Renato Naranja wound up into a tie for 33rd placers along with eight others in the group of 3.5 pointers in the 55 players tournament.

Barbosa, playing under the banner of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., and New York Immigration lawyer Geronimo "Gerry" Albano will next see action in the tough 37th Annual World Open Chess Championship on July 1 to 5 at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel in Downtown, Philadelphia.

Last week, the top player of University of the Philippines (UP) also scored back to back wins at the “June St. John's Masters” last June 16 and the “Get Ready for June 25th Tonight Chess Championships” last June 18, both held at the heart of Big Apple.

According to RP artists champion Albert Rivera (Barbosa spokesman), other victory of Barbosa in his three-months campaign in the United States from April to June were that includes Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (April 9), Marshall CC Saturday Game 60, Marshall Chess Club, New York (April 11), Marshall CC Sunday Game 60, Marshall Chess Club, New York (April 12), 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight , New York, New York (April 16), Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (April 23), 10th Bowyer Memorial GP , Atlantic Beach, New York (April 25), 10 Points Older Tonight, New York, New York (May 7), PCC 05109 Swiss in Forest Hills, New York (May 10), Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (May 21), NY May Open, New York, New York (May 24), Polgar Chess May 2009 G90, Forest Hills, New York (May 26), Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (May 28), Original 4 rated Games Tonight, New York, New York (June 11) and 6th Annual George Washington Open (June 14) in Sterling, Virginia. By NM Marlon Bernardino

Palmdale Chessfest

I received several messages from NM Marlon Bernardino thru texts and emails. This is one (I'm so busy these days so let me cut and paste his email):

PALMDALE CHESSFEST REELS OFF TODAY AT RMCHS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE much awaited first-ever Palmdale Import and Export Co. Rapid Chess Tournament reels off, today, Sunday, June 28 at the Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School (RMCHS) along Edsa, Cubao (opposite of Nepa Q-Mart).

"Young woodpushers will again vie for honors in the one-day tournament that offers cash prizes, trophies and medals plus Dickies products and Timelife Books too" said Tournament organizer RP and US Chess Master Almario Marlon Bernardino, also a sportswriter and radio commentator.

Categories are non-master (Womans titled player, WFM, WIM and WGM can join) , 14 year old kiddie class and womens divisions, in this event backed up by sportsman/ businessman Fernando "Kuya Nanding" Reyes, FDR International, XT2000 Orange Oil and Diana Secret for anti aging treatment, which aims to promote chess in the grassroots-level in close cooperation with Dickies Vice President Dody T. Arcaya, Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/President Hector Tagaysay and Barangay Alabang Chairman Victor Ulanday.

After the opening ceremony at 11 a.m. that will be graced by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Quezon City Mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte, Vice-Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista, 3rd district rep. Matias Defensor and 4th district rep. Nanette Castelo Daza, the first round of the three-division (14 year old and below kiddie class, womens and non-master) tournament starts at 12 noon.

Players can still catch up with the registration in the morning starts at 9 a.m. according to Chief Arbiter NM Erwin Carag.

Other invited guest to the opening rites are 4th district councilors headed by Bayani Hipol, Janet Malaya, Edsel Lagman, Bong Suntay and Vincent Belmonte, Barangay Kaunlaran Chairman Teresa Atentar, Barangay Alabang Chairman Victor Ulanday, Barangay Pinagkaisahan Chairman Vincent Saab and long-time resident of Quezon City, Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Rogelio Antonio Jr., Jayson Gonzales and Mark Paragua, among others.

So far, Meralco Chess players Chess Club's junior players Paul & Pia Casiano, Rhal Sol Cruz, Earl Cabugao, Julian Sabularse, Jam Jerusalem and Paolo Bersamina head the top-notch roster of players vying for the top honors in the one-day event in coordination with RMCHS Cubao Principal IV Dr. Josefina Perlado, GM Mark Monera Magadan of MPC Aluminum and Glass Trading, Dr. Alfredo Paez, Dr. Bong Perez, Marikina Chess Federation headed by Johnny Gaudia, g4 chess club led by Joel Pineda, Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines (CAAP), Hi-tec shoes and Jubilant Advertising. Also vying the coveted plum that includes DLSU, College of St. Benilde, University of the East, San Beda College, Ateneo de Manila Univeristy and Far Eastern University, the World Inter-Varsity Chess Champion.

Free Lunch to all participants and entitled to join the raffle game in the said three division tournament (Non-Master, Kiddies 14 years old and below, Womens). Registration fee for the non-master category is P300 while for the kiddies (14 years old and below) and womens divisions are P200 each. For details: please call / text IA/ NM Erwin Carag, 0921-228-8167 and NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. 0919-849-3648 or email at marlon.bernardino2008@gmail.com, codybank2007@gmail.com.

GUARANTEED PRIZES AT PALMDALE CHESS
(Non-Master)1st-P4,000
2nd-P2,000
3rd-P1,000
4th-P500
5th-P500
6th to 10th placers (Give aways products: Dickies and Time Life Books)
Top Senior (50 years old and above);
Top Juniors (20 years old and below);Top Executive; Top Unrated; Top journalist; Top Artist; Top Ramon Magsaysay Student (Give aways products: Dickies and Time Life Books)

Kiddies 14 years old and below
1st-P2,000
2nd-P1,000
3rd-P500
4th to 5th-P250 each
6th to 10th-Time Life Booksyoungest participants-Time Life Books

Womens
1st-P2,000
2nd-P1,000
3rd-P500
4th to 5th-P250 each
6th to 10th-Time Life Books

Samantha Glo Revita

Behind this innocent, youthful, angelic face is a mind that has already brought honors not only to her family and province but also to her country.

Ten year-old Samantha Glo Revita, the chess jewel of Rosales, Pangasinan, was among the four Filipino gold medalists who waved the Philippine flag in the 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championship in Vietnam. (The other gold medalists are Cherry Anne Mejia, Paulo Bersamina and Jacob Literatus.)

Born to an engineer father and an educator mother, and with an uncle (Ricardo Revita) who is the incumbent Mayor of their town, young Samantha is poised to reach further heights in her chess career.

Did you know that whenever this little girl returns home with a medal, she’s treated to a heroine welcome with a town parade and a recognition program?

How sweet. Talk about family support and encouragement.

There’s no doubt about the chess abilities of this promising chess gem. Let’s look at her recent achievements:

1. Gold Medal
Girls 10
10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championship

2. Champion
2009 National Age Group Chess Championship Kalibo, Aklan

3. 1 Gold Medal
2 Silver Medals
1 Bronze Medal
9th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship Da Nang, Vietnam June 9-18, 2008

It’s good to know that she’s really good not only in chess but also in school. Oh wow, she’s a consistent First Honor in all the years since he attended Grade School.

Chess and academic excellence can go together, indeed. Or may I say, chess really helps kids in their academic performance?

After her successful stint in the ASEAN Age-Group in Vietnam this June, we will see more of her intelligence in the coming World Youth Chess Championship in November in Antalya, Turkey.

We wish Samantha best wishes in her chess career. Thank you, Samantha. Continue making the Philippines proud!!

Lennon Hart Salgados

Fifteen year-old Lennon Hart Salgados (1900) – the chess pride of Misamis Oriental – brought another honor to his province by ruling the Juniors Division of the 17th Shell Chess Active-NCR Leg after posting an impressive performance of 6.5 points out of possible 7.0.

A 4th-year student of Corpus Christi High School in Cagayan de Oro City, Salgados won the tournament through higher tie-break points over another talented Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Ateneo who also piled up 6.5 points.

Garcia’s middle-game draw against Richelieu Salcedo of FEU in the penultimate round cost him the championship as his Round 7 win over Narquinden Reyes was not enough to put him back on top of the final rankings.

Salgados has been showing consistent very good performance lately. He scored 5.5 points to finish second in the Boys 16 Under Category in the 2009 National Age Group Chess Championship in Aklan just recently.

Also, he weaved a very solid 4 wins and 5 draws to win silver medal for the Philippines in the 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships in Vietnam.

We hope to see more of his achievements in the future. Good luck!!

(By the way, our reader named Felix Anthony Lafuente of Don Carlos, Bukidnon sent me a text message saying he's an avid fan of Lennon Hart Salgados. Thanks, Anthony, for visiting this blog.)

Jeremiah Alfonso

To register a perfect performance in a tough field of 300+ players simply deserved two exclamation points!!

That’s exactly how the 13-year old Jeremiah ruled the Kiddies Division of the recently concluded 17th edition of Shell Chess Active-NCR Leg.

Alfonso defeated all his opponents (7/7) to snatch the championship via a special fashion to get a berth to the finals to be held this October at SM Megamall.

Alfonso (with White) against Giovanni Mejia for a Board 1 encounter in the penultimate round.

Young chess talents and the media

I had a chance to have a short chat with Cherry Ann Mejia, one of the four gold medalists in the 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships, during the first day of the NCR Leg edition of the Shell Active Chess at the Mall of Asia.

I just told her that GMA 7 wanted to feature her, together with 6-year old Stephen Rome Pangilinan who won in Las Vegas recently, in Mel & Joey program.

She told me that she was already booked to be interviewed this July. Let's all watch out for that episode. Cherry Anne was with another chess talent Jan Jodilyn Fronda when I talked to her.

On Day 2, I spotted 14-year old Chardine Cheradee Camacho in the venue who was watching games from the sideline.

My companion who is as old as I am was astonished when I told him that the girl beside us is the future WGM of the Philippines. All he could say was "Hah, talaga?" with his eyes wondering in amazement.

By the way, paging Bong Pangilinan. Somebody named Garry from La Salle called me several times to inform you that he wanted to talk to you regarding your son Stephen. Please call him at 0919-551-4855.

In the Philippine setting, we all know that our young chess talents need benefactors who can offer help to further their young chess careers.

This blog, no matter how voiceless in the vastness of global media, simply would like to pitch its share, no matter how small, in helping our young chess heroes achieve their dreams.

17th Shell Chess Active

As expected, the 17th Shell Chess Active (NCR Leg) went successfully at the Mall of Asia (MOA) over the weekend (June 20 to 21).

GM Torre hit the nail on the head by using the term “consistency” in describing the character that makes Shell Active successful through the years.

Just imagine 17 long years. That’s how noble – and great – this grassroots project is!!

If you were there at MOA last weekend, you’d certainly be delighted by a wonderful scenery – a flock of kids and teenagers playing chess in the spacious Music Hall of MOA (during Day 1) with rustic breeze and inviting seaside at the background.

The number of participants was simply awesome. There were 155 boards! for the Kiddies Division (or 310 participants) and 95 boards (not sure) for the Juniors.

To see a 3-year old participant who could hardly reach the pieces on the table – and taking down chess notations – would simply melt your heart. Fantastic scene indeed.

I was there from Day 1 to Day 2. It was simply a fantastic experience being there.

After the two days of action, six names emerged victorious to qualify for the national finals of Shell Active which will be held at the latter part of the year.

Congratulations to the good men and women behind this worthy project!!

Shell Active NCR-Leg Qualifiers

KIDDIES DIVISION:

Jeremiah Alfonso (Champion)
Kevin Baltazar (1st Runner-up)
Paulo Cristobal (2nd Runner-up)


JUNIORS DIVISION:

Lennon Hart Salgados (Champion)
Jan Emmanuel Garcia (1st Runner-up)
Jayson Mercado (2nd Runner-up)

Battle of Kiddies

Battle of Juniors

Malibay Chess Club Team-A emerges champ

The Malibay Chess Club Team-A ruled the friendly inter-barangay chess team competition that was recently held in Pasay City.

Barrios Malibay, Edang, and San Antonio fielded their respective chess aces to promote goodwill and friendship among the players, aside from cash prizes and trophies.

The one in gold (leftmost) is Rev. Pastor Larry Teodoro who successfully organized the event. Pastor Larry also serves as councilor of Barangay 154, Zone 16.

Aureada rules Regional Elimination-Region V

Renante Aureada scored 6.0 points in seven rounds to rule the Regional Elimination-Region V qualifying tournament which took place from June 12 to June 14 at Provincial Capitol, Daet, Camarines Norte.

Roger Pesimo also piled up 6.0 points but slid down to second spot due to lower tie break point.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) organized the event as part of a series of regional qualifying tournaments for the 3rd Asian Indoor Games.

The national finals for the selection for the Asian Indoor will be held in Manila from August 26 to September 6.

Final rankings:

Please click photo for the enlarged view.

Faces of young heroes

We commonly see their names in the papers. But isn’t it better to see the faces behind the names?

So here they are. Meet our young heroes who brought honor to the country in the recently concluded 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships in Vietnam.

In this photo are 10 of the 25 Filipino players who produced a medal haul of 4 gold, 28 silver and 16 bronze. More photos to come. Enjoy!



Front row: Sheider Nebato, Paolo Kristobal, John Alcon Datu

Back row: Tristan Ibaoc, Vince Medina, Jacob Literatus, Paulo Bersamina., Cherry Ann Mejia, Ma. Ysabelle Joyce Semillano, and Bernadette Galas

World Cup qualifiers

The name of GM Rogelio Antonio is not yet included in the preliminary list of qualifiers for the World Cup issued by FIDE. See the list HERE.

Actually, the names of the 90 qualifiers through Continental and Zonal Championships are yet to be announced.

GM Antonio qualified for this prestigious chess event after finishing among the Top 10 in the Asian Continental Chess Championship which was held in Subic from May 12 to 24.

Filipino aspirants who didn’t make it in Subic still have a chance to play in the World Cup which will be held in in Khanty-Mansiysk from November 20 to December 15 this year.

The last chance for any aspiring Filipino to enter this tournament is to win the Zone 3.3 Zonal Open which will take place in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam from July 22 to July 30.

To date, only 28 qualified players were identified in the list.

What about the name GM Wesley So? Notably, Wesley had already beaten qualifiers No.7, No.8 and No.28 in the list and drew with qualifiers No.3 and No.5.

It’s still possible to see that name in the list. I strongly believe!!

Here are the qualifiers:

a) From World Championship Match 2008:
1. V. Anand (IND - World Champion)

b) From World Cup 2007:
2. G. Kamsky (USA)
3. A. Shirov (ESP)
4. M. Carlsen (NOR)
5. S. Karjakin (UKR)

c) Women's World Champion 2008:
6. A. Kosteniuk (RUS)

d) Junior World Champions 2007 & 2008:
7. A. Adly (EGY)
8. A. Gupta (IND)

e) From FIDE Rating List, 20 players, average 7/2008 & 1/2009:
09. V. Topalov (BUL) 2786,50
10. V. Ivanchuk (UKR) 2780,00
11. A. Morozevich (RUS) 2779,50
12. V. Kramnik (RUS) 2773,50
13. T. Radjabov (AZE) 2752,50
14. P. Leko (HUN) 2746,00
15. L. Aronian (ARM) 2743,50
16. S. Movsesian (SVK) 2737,00
17. D. Jakovenko (RUS) 2734,50
18. S. Mamedyarov (AZE) 2733,00
19. P. Svidler (RUS) 2730,50
20. A. Grischuk (RUS) 2730,50
21. B. Gelfand (ISR) 2726,50
22. M. Adams (ENG) 2723,50
23. R. Ponomariov (UKR) 2722,00
24. Wang Yue (CHN) 2721,50
25. V. Gashimov (AZE) 2720,00
26. E. Alekseev (RUS) 2713,00
27. L. Dominguez Perez (CUB) 2712,50
28. Ni Hua (CHN) 2707,00

Palawan Open 2009 results

Sadly, the 8th Gov. Joel T. Reyes Palawan National Open Chess Tournament 2009 (Palawan Open) ended like a whisper in the wind.

Wasn’t it a major NCFP tournament? A Filipino GM participated in that event, together with the country’s leading IMs and NMs.

Yet, did you hear anything about the event?

Is it too costly for the NCFP to at least publish in its official website the round-after-round reporting of who beat whom?

The local chess community is hungry for chess news, especially during tournaments. Sadly, the NCFP just can’t satisfy that hunger.

If the NCFP can’t deliver the very basic service of providing reports on its tournaments and activities, how can we expect it to propel Philippine chess in general?

As usual, we had to depend on the newspaper – particularly the Philippine Daily Inquirer – for the reports. Thanks to Inquirer sports journalist Roy Luarca for that.

Anyway, here are the results of the Palawan Open 2009.

Final rankings (based on the Inquirer report):

7.0 points
GM John Paul Gomez
IM Rolando Nolte
IM Richard Bitoon

6.5 points
B. Nadera
E. Senador
R. Nava
C. Gurrero

6.0 points
R. Tolentino
E. Bagamasbad
M. Maga
R. Trinidad
D. Fabian

5.5 points
R. Seratubias
E. Cagumbay
N. Curioso
M. Santos
E. Sayaman
T. Olmedo
T. Escalante
M. Montoya
S. Trinidad
J. Maberit

Stephen Rome Pangilinan and the media

Somebody named Michol from GMA-7 texted me this message this morning:

“Good morning. Hi dis is Michol of GMA 7 Mel & Joey. I got ur number in ur website. I just want to ask how can I get in touch with Stephen Rome Pangilinan, a Pinoy kid won in Las Vegas international chess festival? Gusto po sana namin cia i-feature po in Mel & Joey. Thanks po.”

I just gave Michol (who has this cellular phone number 0929-682-6597) the contact number of Bong, Stephen’s very supportive father. It’s up to them now to arrange everything.

I’m just happy that this blog has been becoming a messenger of good things – somehow – for our young chess players.

Stephen has been getting media spotlight lately. Recently, he was already featured in ABS-CBN upon his return from his successful stint in Las Vegas. Watch the VIDEO.

RP finishes 2nd in 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships

The 25-man RP Team finished second overall in the recently concluded 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships which ran from June 6 to 15 in Hue City, Vietnam.

The lean Philippine team produced a relatively decent medal haul of 4 gold, 28 silver and 16 silver (a total of 48 medals).

Final rankings by country:

1. Vietnam (80 gold, 30 silver, 38 bronze)

2. Philippines (4 gold, 28 silver, 16 bronze)

3. Malaysia (3 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze)

4. Indonesia (2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)

5. Iran (2, gold, 0 silver, 0 bronze)

6. Brunei (1 gold, 2 silver, 10 bronze)

7. Singapore (0 gold, 18 silver, 14 silver)

I didn't make a typo error here. Vietnam has 80 gold -- yes, eighty. And we have four -- yes, four.

If medal production would be the sole indicator for measuring the performance of each participating country's strength, then we could easily say that Vietnam indeed pulverized the Philippines in this regional tournament.

Yes, RP's status as the chess powerhouse in ASEAN is being threatened. Perhaps, Vietnam is making the right moves in its own fence.

Okay, let's look at the country's Best Performers:

Gold Medalists:

Cherry Ann Mejia (Standard Girls 14 Individual)

Paulo Bersamina (Rapid Open 12 Individual)

Austin Jacob Literatus (Rapid Open 12 Individual)

Samantha Glo Revita (Rapid Girls 10 Individual)

Please click HERE for the overall medal tally.

We congratulate all the members of the RP Team for a heroic stand. Thank you for the gallant fight!!

Paulo Bersamina produces 2nd gold for RP

Eleven-year old Paulo Bersamina reaped the second gold medal for the Philippine Team in the 10th ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships that is about to conclude in Hue City, Vietnam.

Bersamina actually tied with compatriot Austin Jacob Literatus and Vietnamese player CM Le Huu Thai for first to third spot with 5.5 points but won the gold with the highest tie break points in the Open 12 Rapid Chess category.

Bersamina’s heroic feat was punctuated by a victory over Open 12 Standard Champion FM Tran Tuan Minh (2043) of Vietnam in Round 6.

This young chess pride from Pasay City had to beat one Russian, one Malaysian, and three Viets to bring honor to the country. Two of the three Viets whom he defeated were FIDE title holders.

Equally talented Literatus took home the bronze.

The country’s first gold medal was won by Cherry Ann Mejia in the Girls 14 Standard Chess Category.

Congratulations, Pau!!! You made the Philippines proud!!!

RP gets 1st gold

With a round to spare, 14-year old Cherry Ann Mejia has already won the first gold for the RP Team in the 10th ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships by piling up 7.0 points in eight rounds after settling for a draw against WCM Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Trang of Vietnam in Round 8.

Her closest follower in Girls 14 category is Vietnam’s Do Hoang Minh Tho who is in solo second spot with 5.5 points after the penultimate round.

Congratulations, Cherry Ann!! You made the Philippines proud!!!

10th ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships Round 7

The Filipino bets had their hardest day so far in the 10th AAGCC as the 25-player RP contingent produced its lowest number of wins in Round 7 of this nine-round event.

RP bets’ winning matches greatly dropped to 5 in the seventh round from as many as 12 in the sixth round.

The slowdown was bannered by the broken six-game winning streak of the hottest RP bet so far in the event – Cherry Ann Mejia – who settled for a draw against her opponent in Round 6.

After seven rounds of play, five RP bets are in a good position to snatch good medals. Mejia (Girls 14), Sheider Nebato (Open 20), Akiko Suede (Girls 16), Jedara Docena (Girls 20) are all ranked No.1 in their respective age-category and are poised to bring home the gold.

Lennon Hart Salgados (Open 16) is tied from No.1 to No.2 spot in his category and is also a strong contender to win a gold medal.

Notably, Nebato – RP’s reigning Under-18 champion – came out to be the surprise in his category as he beat seeded No.2 FM Nguyen Duc Hoa (2342) of Vietnam in the fourth Round and drew with No.1 seed FM Chan Yi-Ren Daniel (2375) of Singapore in the fifth round to snatch the top spot. Nebato is one of the four players in his category who are untitled and unrated.

RP bets’ performance through Round 7

Palawan Open 2009

The 8th Gov. Joel T. Reyes Palawan National Open Chess Tournament 2009 (Palawan Open) kicks off today at the Palawan Provincial Capitol in Puerto Princesa City.

This nine-round tournament runs up to June 15 and boasts of a P100,000 cash prize for the champion.

GMs John Paul Gomez, Mark Paragua, and Darwin Laylo were earlier reported to be in the line-up, together with IMs Richard Bitoon, Barlo Nadera, and NM Emmanuel Senador.

It is not clear, though, if GM Bong Villamayor would be around to defend his crown which he won in the 2008 edition of this cash-rich event.

Good luck to all the participants. May the best man win.

No game-fixing, please.

See my earlier post about this event HERE.

10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships Round 6

One Pinay woodpusher remained unscathed after Round 6 of the ongoing 10th AAGCC.

Drum beating. Trumpet singing. Unroll the red carpet for 14-year old Cherry Ann Mejia who has erected a 6/6 performance so far – and counting.

Handling Black, Mejia forced her Round 6 opponent to resign after 27 moves of a Queen's Gambit Accepted Opening to maintain her solo leadership in the Girls 14 Category.

Meanwhile, erstwhile unbeaten Jedara Docena suffered her first (and hopefully last) setback in Round 6 in the hands of WFM Pham Vich Ngoc of Vietnam. Despite the loss nonetheless, she maintained her solo leadership in the Girls 20 Category with 5.0 points.

Mejia’s dominance over the board in her category can bee seen in this game. Please watch her Round 6 game below.



Other players who are in good contention to bring home medals are the following:

Julius Gonzales 5.0 (Open 8)
John Lemi Daniel 4.0 (Open 10)
Austin Jacob Literatus (Open 12)
Paulo Bersamina 4.0 (Open 12)
Lennon Hart Salgados 4.5 (Open 16)
Patrick Erle Florendo 4.0 (Open 20)
Sheider Nebato 4.5 (Open 20)
Samantha Glo Revita 4.0 (Girls 10)
Marie Antoinette San Diego 4.5 (Girls 10)
Mira Mirano 4.0 (Girls 12)
Akiko Charmaine Suede 4.5 (Girls 16)

Performance of RP bets through Round 6

The playing venue

GM Susan Polgar

Oh my!!! GM Susan Polgar in the house!!!

I was surprised and flattered indeed to know that GM Polgar visited this blog and posted a comment. See her comment HERE.

Thank you, GM Polgar. More power to your worthwhile projects!

(In photo are six-year old Stephen Rome Pangilinan and GM Polgar. For the full-size version of the photo, please click HERE.)

10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships Round 4

A heartwarming news. Our young Pinays are leading the Philippine campaign in an international chess tournament.

Cherry Ann Mejia (Girls 14) and Jedara Docena (Girls 20) sustained their perfect form after thrashing their respective Round 4 opponent in the ongoing 10th AAGCC.

Mejia and Docena now lead their respective category for possible gold medal haul. Notably, Docena (1999) is parading a 2727 performance rating through Round 4, beating the No.1 seed WFM Hoang Thi Nhu Y (2123) of Vietnam in Round 1.

Another young Pinay campaigner is doing great so far. Mira Mirano (Girls 12) is in solo second spot with 3.5 points, just half a point behind category leader WCM Wadra Aulia Medina of Indonesia.

Go young Pinays!! Wave the Philippine flag and bring home the gold.

Pinoy bets' performance through Round 4

"Battle of Youth 2009"

Mrs. Lenny So sent me some pictures of the goodwill match dubbed as the “Battle of Youth 2009” between the 8-year old Fil-Am promising player Chad Moody and GM Wesley So in Parañaque City last June 6.

Chad’s mother is a Pinay from Bohol who’s married to Scott Moody, an American. This boy is reported to be making some waves in the US, being the current state champion of North Carolina K-3 category.

The National Chess Association of Philippine Arbiters, Inc. (NAPCA) and the Brgy, Don Bosco Chess Club Parañaque City (BDBCC) staged the event.

10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships Round 3

Two Filipino campaigners continued their winning streak after three rounds of play in the 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships.

Cherry Ann Mejia (Girls 14) and Jedara Docena (Girls 20) have erected a 3/3 performance to lead the Philippine campaign in a tough battlefield participated in by 10 countries.

Among the leaders, too, in the RP contingent are five Pinoy players with 2.5 points namely, Dennis Gutierrez, Jr.(Open 8), Paulo Bersamina (Open 12), Lennon Hart Salgados (Open 16), Sheider Nebato (Open 20), and Mira Mirano (Girls 12).

Young Pinoy tops Susan Polgar Boys Under-8

Six-year old rising star Stephen Rome Pangilinan brought honor to the Philippines by ruling the Susan Polgar Boys Under-8 tournament in the recently concluded Las Vegas International Chess Festival.

Remarkably, Pangilinan finished the tournament with a perfect score of 5/5, lording over a 37-player battlefield. See HERE how he stood the tallest of them all.

The inspiring feat of this young Pinoy chess gem got a spotlight in GM Susan Polgar’s blog HERE.

He represented the Philippines in this prestigious chess event with two other Filipino players namely, 14-year old Carmela Galve and 12-year old Gino Divino Cabual.

Cabual also made the country proud by finishing tied from 3rd to 4th place in the Open Unrated Section. Peek at Cabual’s achievement HERE.

Congratulations!!!

The playing venue. Stephen is in green jacket with a hood.

10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships Round 1

The Philippine contingent produced a relatively good performance in Round 1 of the 10th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships in Hue City, Vietnam.

Of the lean 25-member Philippine team (kiddies and juniors), 11 players won their games, 5 had draws, and 9 suffered setbacks (+11 -9 =5).

Remarkably, the youngest tandem of Filipino age-groupers – Julius Gonzales and Dennis Gutierrez, Jr. in the Open 8 category – won both their games.

Seeing the youngest members of the RP team winning is a good sign. It only means that they are comfortable playing in an unfamiliar venue far away from home.

Let’s meet the Round 1 winners (standard chess):

Gonzales Julius (Open 8)
Gutierrez Jr. Dennis (Open 8)
Daniel John Lemi (Open 10)
Paulo Bersamina (Open 12)
Medina Vince Angelo (Open 14)
Salgados Lennon Hart (Open 16)
Nebato Sheider (Open 20)
Ma Ysabelle Joyce Semillano (Girls 12)
Cherry Ann Mejia (Girls 14)
Akiko Charmaine Suede (Girls 16)
Docena Jedara (Girls 20)

Here are the half-pointers:

Ibaoc Tristan Frech (Open 10)
Sevillano Rhenzi Kyle (Open 10)
Cristobal Kristian Paulo (Open 14)
Revita Samantha Glo (Girls 10)
Mirano Mira (Girls 12)

Let’s also egg on more our kids who had some difficulties in the initial round:

Literatus Austin Jacob (Open 12)
NM Datu Alcon John (Open 16)
Florendo Patrick Erle (Open 20)
Docena Jesca (Girls 8)
San Diego Marie Antoinette (Girls 10)
Membrere Merlene (Girls 12)
Galas Bernadette (Girls 14)
Suede Mikee Charlene (Girls 16)
Balbona Jessa Marie (Girls 20)

Let’s all be one in praying for the health, safety, welfare, and triumph of our young Pinoy heroes! Go, go, go!

Another Filipino pride

Mr. Roseller Navarro, our reader from Northern California, sent me an alert on the newest GM of the Philippines in the name of IM Rogelio Barcenilla.

The news was already announced in a number of Filipino blogs and chess sites, which makes this post real late. But that's just fine - better late than never.

Just can't ignore an email from a reader. Your effort is truly appreciated, Mr. Navarro. Thank you very much.

For a blogger like me, to hear a word from you -- dear readers -- is more than enough reward.

Let's raise a toast for our new GM.

Almanza Open Team Tournament 2050 & below

One of our readers sent me this text message:

Join! The First Almanza Chess Club Non-Master , Open Team Tournament 2050 & below average team rating.

June 12, 2009 @ SM Southmall, Las Piñas.

Big prizes at stake:

Champion 20K, up to 5th place. Plus best topn board & best team awards.

Registration is 3K.

For details contact

09174345167

09167944547

Young chess heroes

In the 2008 edition of ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships, the Philippines sent an 80-member RP Team to compete in Danang, Vietnam.

That group produced a medal haul of 5 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze. Of that gold medals, two were produced by Edmundo Legaspi for the Veteran 50 category.

This year, the size of the RP contingent was cut down to 25. It’s interesting to find out the number of medal haul this time.

Let’s look at the top performers last year (kiddies and juniors only):

Gold:
Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa (Open 8 Rapid)
John Ray B. Batucan (Open 12 Standard)
Camacho Chardine Cheradee (Girls 14 Rapid)

Silver:
Garcia Jan Emmanuel (Open 14 Standard)
Prince Mark Aquino (Open 14 Rapid)

Bronze:
Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa (Open 8 Standard)
Alcon John Datu (Open 16 Standard)
Salcedo Richilieu (Open 18 Standard)
Fronda Jan Jodilyn (Girls 14 Standard)
Garcia Jan Emmanuel (Open 14 Rapid)
Revita Samantha Glo (Girls 10 Rapid)
Cherry Ann Mejia (Girls 14 Rapid)
Akiko Charmaine Suede (Girls 16 Rapid)

Notably, no gold medalist in the 2008 edition of Filipino age-groupers made it in this year’s list. Kyle Ochoa is out (he didn't participate in RP’s age-group selection in Aklan) as well as Batucan and Camacho.

Also, last year’s silver medalists are out of the line-up, too. Aquino and Garcia are out this year. The two did not participate, too, in the selection in Aklan.

One of the good things is that other young talents are given the opportunities to show their worth in an international competition.

Several names in the list are fresh, I think. Let’s know our young heroes:

RP's line-up for the 2009 ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championship

God bless and good luck to all of them. Go young Pinoys!! Make the Philippines proud!!

Palawan Open

Roughly two weeks after the two international chess tournaments were held in Subic, the battle among the country's top players will resume again when the 8th Gov. Joel T. Reyes Palawan National Open Chess Tournament 2009 goes full swing from June 11 to 15 in Puerto Princesa.

For NCFP-organized events, the months of June and July will be spent mostly on Regional Eliminations for the Asian Indoors.

The hectic schedules of eliminations from northern part of the Philippines (Cordillera Administrative Region) down to the southern part (Region 12) is broken only by the Palawan Open which promises again to be a tough battlefield for our local players.

Here are top finishers last year:

GM Bong Villamayor
NM Rustum Tolentino
IM Richard Bitoon
NM Mirabeau Maga
NM Allan Arinos
FM Roderick Nava
Jason Salubre
IM Ronald Bancod
Anthony Lungcay
Roger Seratubias
Bocs Sumalapa
Mario Labagnis
IM Barlo Nadera
Rey Reyes
Verth Alora
Julius Alatan
Mark Victor Quilinguen
Danny Cervantes
Robert Quiray

Some info about this event:

8th Gov. Joel T. Reyes Cup, Palawan National Open Chess Tournament
Date & Time: June 11-15, 8:00am-5:00pm
Contact Person: Mr. Sunshine Cabiguen (Provincial Sports Office)
Contact No.: 723-0121
Event Venue: VJR Hall

How to reach Puerto Princesa?

AIRLINES
From/To ManilaAir travel from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes less than an hour available daily via Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.

Air Philippines, Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa City. Telephone: 6348.4338045 Website: http://www.airphils.com/

Cebu Pacific, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City. Telephone: 6348.4347038 Website: http://www.cebupacificair.com/

Philippine Airlines, Airport Complex, Rizal Avenue Telephone 6348.4334565 Website: http://www.philippineairlines.com/

From/To Busuanga/El NidoSouth East Asian Airlines flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila two to three times a week, oftentimes via Busuanga, Cuyo, and El Nido SEAIR, c/o Floral Travel & Tours, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City. Website: http://www.flyseair.com/

From/To CebuCebu Pacific operates flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa four times a week. Cebu Pacific, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City. Telephone: 6348.4347038 Website: http://www.cebupacificair.com/

SHIPPING LINES
From/To ManilaIt takes 18 to 22 hours from Manila on board the Superferry and Negros Navigation. Superferry calls on Puerto Princesa once a week. Negros Navigation, Port Area, Puerto Princesa City. Tel. 6348.4337165 Website: http://www.negrosnavigation.ph/ SuperFerry, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City. Telephone 6348.4332888 Website: http://www.superferry.com.ph/

From/To CoronIt takes approximately 10 hours from Coron to Puerto Princesa on board Superferry. SuperFerry, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City. Telephone 6348.4332888 Website: http://www.superferry.com.ph/

From/To Cuyo/Iloilo/CebuTravel on board via Montenegro Shipping once a weekMontenegro Shipping, Port Area, Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa City. Website: http://www.montenegrolines.com.ph/

For more information about Puerto Princesa, please click HERE.