Sinulog Open

NM Enriquez

National Master Rogelio Enriquez has just won the Sinulog Open, last Sunday at Colonnade Mall, Cebu City. The titled player from Pasil garnered 6.5 in 7 rounds to take home the champion's prize of 7,000php.
Enriquez beat eventual second-placer Yves Fiel in the last yet decisive round to overtake Fiel's 6/6 lead. And for the record, Enriquez won with the black pieces! I guess he used his favorite Benko Gambit to win that round.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the results for the remaining tournament placers due to some "call of duty". But here's a picture of NM Merben Roque, who recently won the Chess Infinitum competition last Saturday:

NM Roque

Meanwhile, Lapu Lapu's Allan Pason was deprived of any placing in the tourney when FM Voltaire Sevillano halted the dreams of the young yet very talented chess kid. the FM showed his class by sacrificing two pawns for superior development and soon Pason's mobility was paralysed and eventually was defeated.

Here is the pic of Allan Pason's conqueror:

FM Sevillano in deep thought.

As I was roaming around the small yet lively tourney area, I saw the "Korchnoi of Cebu" he is no other than the very solid Mike Banibane:

"Ikaw jud!"

The old master is now in his 70's and still continues to create upsets against titled players. Although perhaps he was at his peak in his 60's! 

Finally, thanks to CEPCA AND CEPCA Pres. Jojo Muralla, for the said tournament wouldn't have been made possible without them. Thanks CEPCA! Hehehe. The tourney by the way, was arbitrated by Marvin Ruelan.