YOUTH SCHOLASTIC CHESS TOURNAMENT IN MAKATI

BY: Cloyd Nava

Favorites 3rd Seed Mikee Suede of Makati (in photo) and Unheralded Prince Kenneth Reyes (in dark blue shirt below) of Manila came out as winners of the just concluded Youth Scholastic Chess Tournament held last February 20 at the Knights of Columbus Council 8573, St. Andrew Parish Center in Bel-Air, Makati City.

Makati Chess Club (MCC) president Atty. Vic Aceveda led the opening program with other MCC officials and Monsignor Dennis Odiver of St. Andrew Parish Church. Monsignor Odiver in his appearance shared his tournament blessing and inspirational talk, “lauded the tournament organizers for their effort to deviate the attention of some of the youth into a game of Chess, thereby minimizing their idle time doing nothing and sometimes even lead to some criminal activities”. “In this Sport, they learn to use their mind sharply and for a good cause” said by Monsignor Odiver. He also lauded the parents of the young tournament participants for their commendable parental guidance of their children toward better life and toward the world chess championship. He urged them to pray harder and intently for their success.

During the chess action, Suede downed Paulo Cristobal of Queens Pawn Opening in just 36 moves that garnered her a total 5.5 points out of Six Rounds Swiss System and got the Junior Category Championship Cash plus Trophy. The Other winners in the Junior Category are; 2nd Narquinden Reyes, Manila, 3rd to 5th Marco Mabasa, Paulo Cristobal at Bernadette Galas, Makati, 6th Mauro Ciriaco, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, 7th Aris Monera, Taguig, Ruth Aubrey De Guzman, Ian Jasper Forcado at Jasper Marce ng Laguna. In the Kiddies Category, the title went to Prince Kenneth Perez with a total perfect score of 6 points. With him in the top ten; 2nd Jose Castro, Quezon City, 3rd Israelito Rilloraza, 4th Michelle Yaon, Calamba, Laguna, 5th Philip Uy, Las Piñas City, 6th John Michael Magpily, Makati, 7th Jerome Caragay ng Barangay Rizal, 8th Cyrey Geraldino, Laguna, 9th Francelois Changco, Tondo, Manila and 10th Janell Basbas of Laguna.

The sponsors of the event are FRUIT HAVEN “The juiciest fruit drinks” of Olive Yulo, Knights of Columbus Council 8573 and St. Andrew Youth Ministry. The event is organized by Makati Chess Club(MCC) headed by Atty. Vic Aceveda as Club President with Officers Ferdinand Yulo, Jeremy Tan, Albert Dacallos, Boyet Tardecilla, Francis Magpily and Victor Borinaga. The arbiters are Ferdie Reyes, Tony Yu, Edna Suede and Guillermo Pedrosa. MCC which was founded since 1986 distributed a certificate of appreciation to Bangkal Elementary School, Bloomfield Academy, Emmanuel Christian School, Gemille School, Perpetual University System Dalta, St. Simon Montessori School, Sta. Rosa DepEd, Sta. Rosa Lions Chess Federation, The Original Dark Knights Chess Club of Cavite City, Inc., Tibagan High School and Manuel A. Roxas High School.

The Youth Kiddies (Elementary), Youth Junior (High School) and Non-Master Categories tentatively schedule |on April 9, 2011. For details you may contact Atty. Vic Aceveda at (02) 897-3630, 0906-4386119, Ferdie Yulo 0915-4448194 or to Albert Dacallos 0921-7211460 and NA Boyet Tardecilla 0933-4175951.