THE province of Misamis Oriental, put in shambles by endless political turmoil, has something to cheer on.
Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Mary Janelle A. Tan from the municipality of Jasaan added another feather in her young chess career.
The diminutive Tan, who secured the elementary girls’ chess gold in the individual blitz event for Northern Mindanao in the 2025 Ilocos Norte Palaro, reinforced the Philippine team’s credible performance in the 23rd Asean+ Age Group Chess Championships held at the Berjaya Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, from July 1 to 11.
The still untitled Tan, alongside Woman National Master Millery Gen Subia of Cabanatuan City and Thea Grace Clar of Iloilo City, faced tough rivalries in the international age-group chess tournament for the elementary girls’ 12-under category.
However, the Filipina troika’s resilience in the chess team competition was rewarded with a pair of silver medal finishes in both the Blitz (five minutes, no increment) and Rapid (25 minutes, no increment) events.
They also clinched the bronze in the Standard event (90 minutes plus 30-second increment), demonstrating their adaptability, strategic depth, and resilience against a truly international field, according to coaching staff member National Master Marlon Bernardino.
This year’s prestigious tournament, added Bernardino, featured not only the 10 Asean member countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam — but also welcomed strong contingents from Australia, China, Russia, Japan, New Zealand, the USA, and Chinese Taipei, all under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
“The team’s success would not have been made possible without the unwavering support of their sponsors, families, and friends, as well as the guidance of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, led by its Chairman/President Prospero Pichay and NCFP CEO GM Jayson Gonzales, and the leadership of the Philippine Sports Commission through the office of Commissioner Ed Hayco.”
Bernardino added: “Their achievements not only bring pride to their hometowns but also underscore the Philippines’ growing reputation in youth chess, inspiring the next generation of Filipino chess talents.”
