Salientes, Colonnade Open and Lapu Fiesta

First of all, I would like to congratulate Allan Salientes for winning the town of Consolacion's first ever open tournament, last October 21. Trailing behind him were a lot of 6-pointers with the likes of FM Antonio Makinano, Reynaldo Flores(arguably among the strongest attacking players in Cebu)., Michael "The Silver" Silvederio, and Sicilian specialist Yves Fiel. Rounding up the 6th to 10th places were Carlos Moreno III, Roumel Asoque, Aller Somosot (Hustler Master), and noted varsity players, Diego Claro and Michael Pagaran.

You may already know this, especially if you're a Cebuano chesser, that the Colonnade Open is near in sight, next Saturday. So umm,  Pahuway o Praktis? Hmmm...

Right along the oldest street in the Philippines, in Colon, a very important  chess event will take place.

GOOD NEWS! The MICA fiesta tournament is CONFIRMED and will commence in Lapu Lapu this November 17. Moreover, it is said that the tournament will use new and digital chess clocks. The tournament will use the "usual" 7-round Swiss System format, with time controls around 30 minutes. Interested outsiders will have to be in contact with MICA before they join. Email: lapulapuchess@gmail.com

Abellana Wins Lapu Lapu October Tournament

Ariel Joseph Abellana (Left)

The pride of Saint Alphonsus Catholic School, Ariel Joseph Abellana, once again wins another Lapu Lapu Chess Monthly Tournament, for this month of October. 

Abellana proved that the tournament was for him to take when he beat top seeded, Romeo "Ramil" Resuera in the 2nd round. As if he was contented with his victory over Resuera, Abellana beat yet another strong player in Lapu Lapu, Aldwin Daculan in the 4th round to garner 4 points, before drawing his game against Rolando Torres. Abellana and was crowned champion with a total score of 4.5 out of 5 rounds.

Awards were also given to the 2nd to 5th place finishers. Those who made it to the top five were Romeo Resuera, Aldwin Daculan, Rolando Torres, and Giovanni Borongan respectively.

It is well remembered by the city's woodpushers, that Abellana had previously won two editions in our monthly tournaments. Undeniably, Abellana is now a strong force to reckon with, in Lapu Lapu Chess. It is said that Abellana's favorite defence is the French, a solid Black opening that offers counterplay as well, particularly in the Queenside. His style is "very resourceful".

November Chess Tournaments

This coming November, two exciting chess tournaments will be held in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu. One tournament will be organized by the Lapu Lapu Chess Club (LLCC), and the other by the Mactan Island Chess Association (MICA).

The tournaments are created in celebration of the Fiesta in Lapu Lapu this November. It is said that the LLCC tournament will be played in a Swiss System format, while the MICA event will be a team tournament.

Many Lapu Lapu resident chessers are excited on these upcoming chess events, especially since there weren’t any chess tournaments in last year’s fiesta.  This was perhaps due to financial constraints last 2011.

Anyways, the two chess events just prove that Lapu Lapu City can be a venue for chess players to “practice” their talent which to me is good for chess!

Further info and details on our November chess events will be disclosed this weekend.

"Mabuhay ang Chess sa Lapu Lapu!"