WITH the Ayala-Centrio Mall helping to give much exposure to local chess development, expect the government officials of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental as well as private sponsors and individual stakeholders to follow suit.

“This is just the start of a complete beginning. I already brought this matter to the attention of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy nga matabangan gyod ang chess ilabi na ayuda sa mga promising ones sa eskwelahan, mga coaches ug trainers. Next week mobalik ko sa iyang opisina to further discuss chess development in the locality,” said the US-based Erwin Culanag, founding head of the Alliance of Certified Enforcers (ACE), in gracing the grandiose opening of another Fide-rated chess event in Cagayan de Oro this morning at the Activity Center of the Ayala Mall.

OATH OF SPORTSMANSHIP. CUBE ace player Sebastian Marbas leads some 128 participants in elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Photo by Lynde Salgados

The sports-loving Culanag, who sponsored the GCF Students Fide-Rated Rapid Chess Championships II, which gives special emphasis to elementary, secondary, and tertiary chess players, is accompanied by Ma. Ruth R. Pascual, who came all the way from Manila to show her support, being ACE National Chair for Social Events.

“Sa chess ang Pilipino ay laging panalo. It is a kind of sport that we fit in na dapat pagtuonan nang pansin ng ating gobyerno,” Pascual told Gold Star Daily.

Close to P40,000 in total cash prizes are at stake in the day-long tourney which also has a blitz event on four boards, welcoming the participation of adult players.

GROUND RULES BRIEFING. With Fide Arbiter Margie C. Narcilla from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Photo by Lynde Salgados

The local chess community basks in ecstasy after witnessing a chess event here sanctioned by the world’s governing chess body ― Fédération Internationale des Échecs (Fide) ― and held at the very core of a decent mall, thereby enjoying much publicity from the viewing public.

“I believe that event like this will entice more sponsorships that can help so many poor students but potential chess players. I’m happy for my older brother (Ben) for rallying behind chess development in Cagayan de Oro,” said Pastor Naphtali Wabe of the organizing Golden Chess Friends.

Tournament director Jaime Joshua Frias II is quite amazed that the entries both in elementary and mixed high school and college divisions had surprisingly ended with a significant number of the square boards.

“I guess it’s a lucky start for Cagayan de Oro chess in 2023. Wala tuyo-a pero pulos 64-64 ang number of entries sa atong duha ka kategorya,” noted out Frias.