WITHOUT Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz, Lila Alyssa Seriña, and some of the brilliant kids to compete with, Jasaan’s Paulo Efren Castino grabbed the precious chance to be in the local chess spotlight.

The 12-year-old Castino, who was among those who represented Misamis Oriental in the last Batang Pinoy National Chess Championship in Vigan City, scored six wins and a draw to rule this month’s edition of the year-round Golden Chess Friends (GCF) tourney in elementary level.

ELEMENTARY CHAMPION. Jasaan’s Paulo Efren Castino (at left) yields just a draw in seven rounds to join the elite champions of the GCF tourney. Photo by Lynde Salgados

Bukidnon pride Zildjian Ypon from the municipality of Maramag, Cagayan de Oro’s Jaden Cedric Abesamis, and Balingoan pride, Arena Fide Master Janin Dhrey Querequere all finished with six points in seven rounds to share from second to fourth places.

“Except kay Vera Cruz nga sa atong high school division nidula, silang Seriña uban ang mga outstanding kids like Sebastian Marbas and Nicole Paquinol nag compete pud sa Asean Youth didto sa Thailand. So, timing gyod naka-produce na sab kita'g new elementary champion in Paulo Efren Castino,” the GCF’s founding head Benoni Wabe told Gold Star Daily.

Both Seriña and Vera Cruz recorded a special accomplishment in the May episode of the GCF’s monthly tourney sponsored then by National Master Roly Tan of the Goldcrest Marketing Incorporation.

While Seriña returned to become twice champion in elementary rivalry, her fellow elementary ruler Vera Cruz decided to try his luck in the high school category where he succeeded to win the championship.

WELL-ATTENDED. More than 200 chess players around Northern Mindanao partake in the June edition of the GCF Monthly Chess tourney. Photo by Lynde Salgados

“As what I said earlier based on my personal observation, genius nga bata kining taga Balingoan,” said pairing in-charge Arian Belly Calido, referring to Vera Cruz.

Completing the top-18 finishers among over 100 kiddie participants are Churchille Davey Gallana, Jan Calvin Abesamis, Jasper Nash Jayme and Alberth Balase at 5.5 points each; Yvenze Ihong, Miykael Jerahmiel Lapad, Rena Deloso Dalagan, Sherleen Cobey, Kyle Leander Narval, Nil Jeschel Nahbi Gamba, Chenelle Asis, Cyrus Dave Gallana, Teddy John Daigon, and Ludwig Jazz Ypon at five points apiece.

The organizing GCF men were thankful to Engr. and Mrs. Marbas for providing sponsorship of the youth-centered June event dubbed as “GCF VII Students FIDE-Rated Chess Championships” held at the Play Park 5th Floor of the SM Downtown Premier, Cagayan de Oro City.