MICSA and X-Mas Team Tournament

BRGY OPON MACTAN-- Yesterday, the Mactan Island Chess Association decided to change its name to Mactan Island Chess and Scrabble Association. And yes, scrabble will be included! The association thought that this would be a good addition since it would also help struggling scrabble players as well. On the association's key event yesterday, MICA or now MICSA, held its very first election of officers, which included presidential, vice-presidential, a secretarial position, and 3 board directors. Hon. Galileo Roma won the presidential won via landslide and therefore became MICSA's first ever president (photo above)

                                     

The complete list of officers by the way is posted here. The main event of the occasion was its Christmas Team Tournament held at the Opon barangay hall. Top players included were Ariel Joseph Abellana, Allan Pason, Kraig Quinain, Aldwin Daculan, and current Lapu-Lapu Champion Ademar Toledo. NM-caliber Ramil Resuera withdrew his participation just only after one round of the event. He was told by her wife to go home and watch the kids. Meanwhile, the team tournament was officiated by International Arbiter Felix Poloyapoy (photo above). 

Winner of the the individual board 1 Gold medal was Allan Pason (photo above) while the Team Championship was won by Team "Quinain", captained by sometimes chess journalist Kraig Quinain. Team Pason was  second, captained by Palaro champ Allan Pason. While Team "Amay" was third, led by a local chess gambler nicknamed "Dodong Amay". Free lunch was also served during the event. 

  Team Quinain with MICSA Pres. Galileo Roma (2nd from left),
Vice pres.  Jodie Tamala (left) and Arbiter Felix Poloyapoy (right)

                 

GM Sevillano Simul in Cebu!

US-based GRANDMASTER Enrico Sevillano returns to his homeland and played a simultaneous exhibition at the Colonnade Mall, Cebu City. The GM was up against 25 determined players with only 2 players coming out with a win (Diego Claro and Kyle Sevillano, GM Enrico Sevillano's nephew) and 4 other chessers who managed to draw. "The players here are really excited to play Sevillano" quote Renato Avila, president of Colonnade Mall. University of Cebu varsity player, Diego Claro won his game against GM Sevillano when the latter blundered a piece. While Kyle won against the GM when the latter entered a dubious attack, sacrificing a piece for two pawns. Soon the GM's attack was withered and Kyle slowly crushed his GM uncle. Of all the draws in the simul, perhaps the most surprising one was Fabio Abucejo's game. The senior chesser sacrificed all his pieces and forced a perpetual check! Others who were able to draw the 2500+ GM were Ruel Hortelano, KC Morala, and Felix Shaun Balbona. The simultaneous display was sponsored by the Cebu Executives and Professional Chess Association or CEPCA.

Pepito wins Talisay SK Tournament

I would like to congratulate Vicmil Pepito, for winning the Class B Category of the "Sangguniang Kabataan Tournament" held last December 15. Pepito has a very young son, Jeremy who is a talented chesser as well and is one of the best Kiddies player in Cebu and perhaps in the whole Region 7. In second place is Lapu Lapu City's Allan Pason. 

Cebu's top juniors Alfer Fernandez and Diego Claro were also in contention of 2nd place but had inferior tiebreaks compared to Pason's. Therefore Fernandez and Claro had to settle for 3rd and 4th places, respectively. Still a commanding position though! 

Alfer Fernandez in a respectable 3rd place ...

Joyce Lagrosas and Talisay bet Juanito Sato took 5th and 6th places respectively. Take note that Lagrosas is the only female chesser to enter the top ten! :)

The following is a list of those who were able to catch up with  7th-10th places: Hector Villamora (I don't know him but I think he's very strong due to his standings in the tournament), William Retanal (pambato ng Minglanilla), Peterson Sia (Cebu's No.1 chess librarian), and Michael "Silver" Silverderio, a specialist in the Chigorin defence (1 d4 Nc6)

PS
As all of Cebu may have already know, The XMAS Open at the Deep Blue Chess Club is going on. Sadly, I will not be able to cover the event because of a LONG vacation awaiting for me this Christmas season. 

Anyways, I wish best of luck to all the participants and even our beloved organizers in organizing the event. Maayong Pasko Ninyong Tanan!

Hortelano ChessFest and more

Approximately 5 hours from now, the Hortelano Chess Open @ Colonnade Mall, Cebu City will kick off. On site registration begins on 10 am. Its registration fee is 200php for seniors and 100 for kiddies. The tournament also guarantees a 5k prize for the champion. 

The tournament is single-handedly sponsored by CPA Benjamin Hortelano. Hortelano is a noted lover of the game and is eager to promote it as well! For inquiries, you may contact the tournament director, Marvin Ruelan at 0926-7352951

PS
There is another tournament next week that will take place at Talisay City, known as the "Sangguniang Kabataan Tournament". See details here. Thanks to businessman Jojo Powao for the info.

Ramil Resuera: Coming Soon

A former board 1 player from the University of Cebu who sparred along with Cebu's most brilliant chess players, and narrowly missed the National Master title by half a point. Even the young Richard Bitoon once called him "a master of counterplay". This tragic story of a once promising woodpusher who rose to fame and ultimately fell will leave you in awe. Get ready for the "Lion".

written by Kraig Quinain

Mactan Tournament this December?

MICA is a chess association in Mactan, administered by Antonio Ycong

It is rumored that the Mactan Island Chess Association (MICA) and Lapu-Lapu Chess Club will have a reunificaton tournament this December. The tournament is intended for the camaraderie of both clubs to be in "oneness", for the continual development of chess in Lapu Lapu City and the rest of the island. The said tournament will boast Lapu Lapu's brightest players with the likes of Allan Pason, Kraig Quinain, Ramil Resuera, Ariel Joseph Abellana, Bryll John Arellano, Peterson Sia, and many more. The tournament is on December so perhaps a lot fun is expected, depending on the funds. MICA by the way is a chess association and a "rival" club with Lapu-Lapu Chess Club. Spearheading the club is chess enthusiast, Hon. Antonio Ycong. While the Lapu Lapu Chess Club is primarily headed by the noteworthy Jun Olis.

Jun Olis, chess promoter and head of Lapu-Lapu Chess Club

PS 
Congratulations to Allan Pason who placed 2nd in the first ever Colonnade Mall Youth Open Tournament. Championing the said tournament is Yves Fiel, a top varsity player of the University of San Carlos. 

Lapu-Lapu Championships: Toledo wins, Pepito and Sia Collapse

Ademar Toledo took the crown of the 2012 Lapu Lapu Championships, last Saturday at the City Auditorium in Lapu Lapu, Cebu. In his most critical game in the last round, Toledo needed to win his game against the tournament leader, Romeo Resuera to win the tournament on tiebreaks. Toledo opted for a natural Ruy Lopez when on the late opening, Resuera allowed isolated doubled pawns, with no clear compensation! However, Resuera was somehow able to complicate the game and forced Toledo think too much and get low on time. But just when Toledo was running short on time with only less than 3 minutes left on the clock, Resuera blundered a piece away and Toledo then beat him easily.

Toledo

Meanwhile, Cebu City players, Peterson Sia and Vicmil Pepito failed to take runner-up prizes after not having enough points. Many Lapu Lapu players even thought that Sia might win the tourney. Instead, Sia was not in his usual strong form and drew 2 of his games which would be fatal in 7-round tournaments.

Sia

Resuera had to be contented in 2nd place after losing to the tournament champion, while Jerome Maugab beat Aldwin Daculan to take the third place.

Resuera

In the Kiddies category, Rhenzi Khylle Sevillano won, while Allan Pason and Jeremy Pepito took 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Ariel Joseph Abellana missed any of the tournament  prizes when he lost to Allan Pason. The said tournament was arbitrated by IA Felix Poloyapoy.

Sevillano

written by Kraig Quinain

2012 Lapu-Lapu Championships: A Quick Diagnosis

ALLAN PASON, 16, chess prodigy

10 hours from now, the annual chess championship in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu will commence. The said tournament celebrates the city's annual fiesta, every November. Expected to participate in the chess event are Lapu Lapu chess club's biggest and brightest chess players. Non-Lapu Lapu players, master calibers , Bryll John Arellano and Allan Salientes, are expected to join as well. Among Lapu Lapu chess club's most notable players are Ariel Abellana, Allan Pason, Ramil Resuera, Peterson Sia, Kraig Quinain, Henry Infante, and Aldwin Daculan. In addition, very dangerous club players such as Nilo Bonganciso and James Abrantes  are expected come to the party, too.

Allan Salientes is perhaps easily the favorite in the championship. But he will have to face tough opposition  in the shape of Ramil Resuera (NM killer and a pupil of ex- National Junior Champion, Ben Dimaano), Allan Pason (ex Palarong Pambansa Champ), and Peterson Sia (Cebu City-Class A-Rated player), plus the very solid players, Aldwin Daculan and Kraig Quinain, not to mention 3-time Lapu Lapu Monthlies Champ, Ariel Abellana. 

Statistics wise though, Salientes is the choice. He won the Consolacion Open, ahead of FM Antonio Makinano and Reynaldo Flores, and was ex-Blitz king of Cebu. I guess the "only" disadvantage players outside Lapu Lapu might have, would be finding it difficult to adjust to the "new" environment they will set upon, after all, Cebu City and Lapu Lapu City are two very different islands! Not to mention, the awkward psychological atmosphere behind the tournament that these "visiting" players might experience. In other words, "homecourt advantage" for the Lapu Lapu players. Although I think it would take more than just petty psychology to beat the Cebu City players. After all, they're veterans!, and some of them are actually masters!

Anyways, if you would ask me whom I would predict to become the City Champion, I can give no straight answer, and only educated guesses.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL.

© Kraig Quinain

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Lapu Lapu Chess Fiesta in Cebu

The Mactan Island Chess Association or (MICA) is proud to announce its annual chess tournament for the city of Lapu Lapu, this Saturday, 9am @ the city sports auditorium. The one-day event is sponsored by the Lapu Lapu City Government thru the initiative of chess deacons Antonio Ycong, and Councilor Galileo "Django" Roma. The registration fee is 50 php. And the rounds will consist of seven. There will be guaranteed prizes of 3k, 2k and 1k for 1st to 3rd placers. Interested entrants may contact Aldwin Daculan @ 09266711236.

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Pasil Open Kicks Off this Weekend

Pasil, Cebu City

First of all, I would like to belatedly congratulate Reynaldo Flores for winning the Colonnade Open. Flores faced tough competition there, with the likes of Eden Diano, NM Cabuenos, Carlos Moreno III, and FM Makinano. Anyways, the PASIL OPEN is on! The venue will be nearby the BRGY hall and starts @ 1pm, Saturday. Here are some of the details...

-REGISTRATION: 200php for regular and 100php for students.
-GUARANTEED PRIZE: 5K for the winner of the tournament, and 300php for 5th-10th places.
-DAYS: 2 DAYS

by Kraig Quinain

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!"

Game Annotations on The Site?!

Our club's chief website, LapuLapuChess, plans to post annotations of chess games, straight from the club. The chess games posted may either be Grandmaster games and or, simply some intriguing games played from our club that might interest our readers. The criteria for the games to be posted are as follows:

1. Instructional value
2. Practical relevance
3. Artistry   

The third criterion (Artistry) isn't completely necessary but somehow, helpful in order to stimulate our readers' imagination and cognitive skills. The second criterion which is the "know how" side of the game, means the practical application of theoretical knowledge. For example: Player A has a space advantage but doesn't know how to convert his advantage to crush Player B. The second criterion solves this problem by demonstrating the "know how" to convert Player A's advantage. The first criterion is self explanatory.

The annotated games will be posted in two weeks. We will do our best to make the annotations as fun as possible while not diminishing the instructive value of the games.

For any suggestions, email us. Our very own Kraig Quinain reads all the messages. I'm not kidding.

Finally, God bless and T.Y.

Lapu Lapu September Tournament

Bryll John Arellano (Champion)

Among Bacolod's rising stars,  Bryll John Arellano(photo) who now lives in  Lapu Lapu City, has just won the September Chess Tournament last Saturday, Sept. 23, near the Barangay Gun-Ob Elementary School, Lapu Lapu City, Philippines. After an amazing streak of 4 wins, Arellano finally drew his game against Michael Henry Infante, to take the crown of the 5-round Swiss event. Perhaps Arellano's most notable feat in the tournament was his win against two-time Lapu Lapu Monthlies Champion, Ariel Joseph Abellana who had to be contented in 6th place, after the tournament. The tournament only required 1st to 6th places. In second place is Lemuel Montero, one of Lapu Lapu's most solid players ever produced, and in third place is Michael Henry Infante, another notable chess player in the city. The 4th and 5th places were taken by Neil Amores and J. Abrantes respectively. 

The September edition of the Lapu Lapu tournament was sponsored by the Lapu Lapu Chess Club and the Barangay Gun-Ob local government. Once again, the author of this blog would like to thank Jun Olis and to the "silent" heroes who have made this event possible

Finding NM Joel Fernan

Starting this month, I plan to interview chess National Master Joel Fernan, on the net. The interview may come via Skype, email, Facebook, or simply just by text. If I succeed in getting the interview, it would be very interesting and rich in ideas, especially within regards on the tips and advice the master could share to us, whether about tournament preparation, or foundational learning.

NM Joel Fernan

For those of you who don't know Mr Fernan, he is an NM hailing from Cebu. He is of International Master caliber. It is even well remembered that Grandmaster Richard Bitoon (who was still an IM back then),  only won a single game out of the 4 encounters he had with the NM. There was not a single peaceful draw during their encounters; every game concluded in blood. Moreover, he almost beat GM Eugene Torre once, if not only for his silly blunder during their game in the Fil-Way Tournament, some years ago. But blunders will always be blunders, right? 

Many regard Fernan as an attacking player, specializing in sharp positions, wherein attack and defence were the call of the day. But masters know, especially Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr, that Fernan is actually an original strategical player, who has a feel for the position and initiative. 

Some say that his calculations are long, but this is not entirely true. Like other strong masters in the Philippines, he has a fine judgement of the position, which cuts the bulk of long analysis to a minimum. 

Fernan excels in defensive positions too, exploiting his knowledge on prophylaxis, and is constantly alert, in taking advantage of the shifting of pieces that may alter the overall position. When in a cramped situation, he always tries to make it as difficult as possible for the opponent to penetrate. A tenacious player indeed. 

At times, he applies psychology on his opponents by deliberately playing an "unsound" opening. So long he feels the opening is playable, and offers some counter-chances, he is satisfied in playing such openings. 

Fernan once joked, "When I retire in chess, I want to write a book in chess. The title would be: 'How to Beat Joel Fernan' ". He usually refered this joke to his wage customers, who unsurprisingly, found him hard to beat. Maybe one day he could actually write the book he was joking, or maybe not. But one thing's for sure, its contents would be very helpful and most of all, instructional towards the readers, especially for learning players like me. 

Another thing we can learn from Fernan are his openings. He plays the Botvinnik System as White, and the Fianchetto defences as Black(KID, QID, Hippo, Hedgehog and etc.). Apparently, he loves flank openings. But may I remind you, that unlike the sharp Grunfeld Defence, Fernan prefers to begin a flank opening with a solid setup, and only after that, does he points his pieces towards the enemy King in a strategic manner. 

Bottom line, if you want a reliable repertoire which also offers energetic chances, I recommend studying his opening.

Videos of Fernan playing blitz chess are very interesting and can be seen on Youtube. Although a little outdated, his videos on the site are fun to watch again and again from time to time.

Mactan Chess Reborn

It's hometown favorite Allan Pason versus Peterson Sia

According to a friend of mine, there is another Mactan chess tournament 
coming, on the 2nd week of September. And I am very impressed, by what our Mactan comrades have done, to create monthly chess tournaments in our city. Such meteoric rise of back-to-back tournaments have never been heard of, since the dawn of Mactan chess. To tell you frankly, I've never expected such a thing coming from Mactan. The players here, are practically busy finding food, and paying their bills. They simply do not have time and money to organize chess tournaments. But thanks to the affectionate support of our zealous comrades, the tournaments will go on. Long live! :)

Sometimes I feel that there are some other Mactan chessers out there who think, that they haven't contributed anything, to support the existence of chess tournaments, in our city. But I tell them this: that 20 pesos you paid to register in the tourney, no matter how small, actually shows, that you are supporting Mactan chess.

And finally, I hope that the tournaments in Mactan have not only attracted regular patrons of our chess club, but also newcomers. Aron hybrid na pud. I have seen new faces though, from shared photos at Facebook.

Recent tournament in August 2012

Peterson wins 3rd Lapu Lapu Monthly Tourney

Peterson Sia, one of the respectable chess veterans of Cebu City, recently won the 3rd Lapu Lapu Monthly Chess Tournament after garnering 6.5 points out of 7 rounds in the 15-minute Rapid chess event. Behind him in second place was Lapu Lapu chess prodigy Allan Pason with an incredible 6/7 points. Last month's winner, Ariel Joseph Abellana, only managed to take 3rd place although still a commanding position.

The biggest disappointment in the event was NM caliber Romeo "Ramil" Resuera who only managed to collect 5/7 points and landed 4th place. Ramil is considered as an institution in Lapu Lapu Chess, particularly in the playing arena. Anyways, other participants who were able to catch the 5th-10 places were:
5th Aldwin Daculan-5.0 pts, 6th Norman Olayvar-4.5 pts, 7th Jovanie Borongan-4.5 pts, 8th Amado Olea-4.0 pts, 9th Ezekiel Limpot-4.0 pts, 10th Julius Tumulak-4.0 pts. Sadly missed in the tournament were Kraig Quinain, Alvin Regodon, and Nilo Bonganciso. Hoping to play chess with you guys later :) Guest sponsor for this month was the Church of God in Mactan.

And as always, I would like to personally thank Jun Olis and Norman Olayvar for their ever-loving support on Lapu Lapu Chess. 

Mabuhay ang Lapu Lapu! 

An Essay: Chess Players and Poverty

     Poverty is a condition usually not far from a chess player’s life. Chess, unlike some popular sports out there, has little sponsors and therefore has little players that regularly play the game. Worse, once one starts to play the game at a regular basis and at some point strives to be a “professional chess player”, he will only find it disappointing that such status isn't usually enough to earn a living.

     It’s not that hard to realize why chess has so many wonderful ideas and teachings yet offers only little sponsors to go to compared to other sports. Chess is not a spectator sport where the audience’s visual and emotional senses suddenly come to life. Rather, such anticipated spectacles (e.g. sacrifices; combinations) come only after once a positional advantage is gained or, if the opponent had made a very terrible move.

     If life as a professional chess player looks so bleak, then why are there still some people who look forward in making chess a part of their lives? In my honest opinion, there are two factors that are a reason for this. The first one is enthusiasm, which in layman's term means liking someone or something so much that you'll do almost everything just to hold on to it, and the other one is passion which means loving someone or something so much that you're also willing to go to extremes just to cling to it. Such attitudes are enough to boost the human will to go to what is beyond. 

     Without enthusiasm and passion, a chess player will not even have the energy to lift pieces from the board. He will not even sacrifice a financially stable life for an obscure one. He will not even dare to compromise his social relationships outside the chess community, in favor of tournament points, pot money, or pride. Boundaries like these have been crossed and are continually being crossed up to this day in the chess world, simply because of enthusiasm and passion.

     I guess, chess players have already just learned to live with the poverty as long as they are still able to support their passion. Some are less passionate, some fairly passionate, and some are just too passionate that they don't finish their academic studies or strive for financial independence just for the sake of a few thousand pesos. 

     But who are we to judge the limits of one's passion and desire? I know that impoverishment is something chess players around the world are quite familiar with. But it doesn't mean that we should just "go with it" and hope things will eventually turn out to be fine for us. It only takes common sense to know, that we chess players have responsibilities outside chess. These responsibilities may range from  paying the bills, punctuality at workplaces, buying milk for the new baby and so on. 

     Bottom line, if one wants to stabilize his financial responsibilities alongside with his chess, he must be a responsible chess player. And that means being responsible in the real world first then "having" chess afterwards.

Abellana Tops Air Force Chess Tournament

Play in session. Jodi Tamala(left) is pitted against one of his long time chess comrades.

Ariel Joseph Abellana of USC has just won the recent 'Air Force One' Chess Tournament last yesterday in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu. Abellana, an imaginative and talented junior player, scored 5 and a half points out of 7 rounds to take 1st place, leading merely half a point against his closest rivals. 

Meanwhile, Abellana's elder brother, Aniel Abellana beat the old guards, Ramil Resuera and Aldwin Daculan with surprising effect and took 2nd place. Aniel also beat Kraig Quinain, another strong player, when the latter blundered a rook after acquiring a strategically won game. 

In third place was the 2009 Lapu Lapu champion, Amado Olea while another club talent, Alvin Regodon came out fourth. The chess club's "Gambit Master" and Center Counter expert, Nilo Bonganciso took 5th place over veteran chess master Romeo Resuera when the former had the better on tiebreaks. 

Those who were able to catch the sixth to tenth places respectively were: Romeo Resuera, Weynard Labastida, Norman Olayvar, Jun Olis, and Jojo Muralla who is also now the CEPCA president.

The event became only possible when Air Force Sgt. Amado Olea, of the Benito Ebuen Air Base  alongside with his air force comrades, and chess philanthropist Jun Olis began the organisational work for the tournament just 2 days before schedule. 

An Appeal: For the Good of Us All

First of all, I believe that the Lapu Lapu chess club can be a very good starting point for aspiring local talents to hone their skills of the royal game.  But what I do not believe is, that when the particular player reaches a certain level in which he has to play like a “master”, he should continue playing regularly in Lapu Lapu, in the same fashion when he started playing chess in the club. 

Naturally, he must go his own way and cross the Mactan strait and battle it out with class A Cebu players. These players are strong and of National Master level. To play them and get ideas from them would significantly improve their game as well as in repairing their “holes”.

The main goal of the Lapu Lapu chess club should not necessarily aimed at creating "super" players who will “deliver” the club. But most importantly, the chess club should be a role model who will inspire our players to keep playing with enthusiasm and passion. And, to be like a father who will look out for the long term needs and essentials, for the players to keep going. 

What are these long term needs? To be concrete, allow me to give some examples. These are, (1)registration fees for deserving players who will play in Cebu tournaments, (2)availability of closed tournaments held at least every quarter, (3)one open tournament every December, (4)and monthly lecture for our players, in order for them to learn something new and interesting.

Perhaps these requests, to some, may sound “too much”. But if we look at these requests closely and with an open mind, these requests actually look after the improvement of the players’ potentials and inner skills. Good players make a good club. Not the other way around.

And finally, my only intention is for the good of our club. Fulfillment of these requests would not only make me happy, but every passionate player in our beloved club happy as well.

God bless and more power to our club!

1st Norman B. Olayvar Homecoming Chess Tournament

The Lapu Lapu Chess Club had just celebrated the HOMECOMING PARTY of fellow chess comrade and player, Norman Olayvar last June 9, Saturday. Mr. Olayvar was very generous in his homecoming that he had earlier decided to put up a tournament for that day. Not to mention, the commendable support of CEPCA honoraries, Jun Olis in providing the venue and pakals and Manny Mazanares for the abundant chess sets and chess clocks.

Aniel Abellana (left) retires from the camera as Cesar fernandez (right) smiles at the cam.

The tournament saw Lapu Lapu acers Aldwin Daculan, Allan Pason, Kraig Quinain, Jerome Maugab, and Giovanni Borongan, boast their chess skills in the grueling 1 day/7 rounds Swiss tournament. Other club experts who joined in were Ezekiel Labastida, Alvin Rigodon, and Aniel Abellana. It was unfortunate that Romeo "Ramil" Resuera, a player of master caliber and the pride of Lapu Lapu (second only to the legendary NM Joel Fernan), was not able to partake in the event due to family reasons. Nevertheless, the tournament was still a hell of a ride! The surprise tournament victor was Ariel Joseph Abellana, the younger brother of Aniel Abellana who garnered 6 out 7 points and produced a shocking upset against the wild styled Aldwin Daculan. In second place was Lapu Lapu's youngest star and newly coveted Guinness chess champion Allan Pason, the veteran Aldwin Daculan came third, Labastida fourth, and the solid Kraig Quinain came fifth.

Norman Olayvar (in yellow shirt)