Chess and academic excellence

Congratulations to Joshua Bersamina for passing the qualifying examination for law proper at the University of the Philippines! (His father, who is my friend, will surely break my neck since I post this blog without his knowing, oh my . . .)

My only intention, however, is to tell the whole world that chess can help the youth achieve academic excellence.

Remember Joshua? Well, he's just among the very few Filipinos who decorate their chess life with the distinctive honor of beating the country's Numero Uno, Pambansang Utak GM Wesley So.

Joshua, a Political Science graduate and a chess champ himself at the University of Philippines Manila, won over Wesley at the "GM Wesley So versus Barangay Wesley Simul Exhibition" which took place at Burgoo Restaurant, Mall of Asia, Pasay City last November 2, 2009.

Here's the game:
REQUIRES JAVA

Wesley and Joshua in action

Wesley presents to Joshua the "Best Player Award" certificate