CHESS players around the country are buzzing with excitement after the local government of Misamis Occidental’s announcement of another chess event as a quick follow-up to the highly successful Asenso MisOcc Individual Open chess tournament.

Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, tapped by Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal for his organizational genius and creative collaboration, said the 1st Governor Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival dubbed as “Four-In-One Chess Challenge” is much bigger and more attractive than the previous one being held at the eight-story AYA Tower and Residences in Clarin town.

RALLYING BEHIND CHESS DEVELOPMENT. Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal participates during the simultaneous chess display of Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre in Clarin, Misamis Occidental. Photo by Lynde Salgados

With around P500,000 in total cash prizes, Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily that the 4-in-1 Ozamiz Chess Festival in time of the city’s 94th Anniversary is guaranteed to be a sure-fire hit.

It will be a two-day chess skirmish in four categories for team and individual rapid and blitz plays at the Ozamiz City Auditorium from November 10 to 12.

Likewise, the cash-rich Ozamiz chessfest will feature another simultaneous display of World Chess Hall of Famer Grandmaster Eugene Torre, a team match-up between Mindanao and Visayas Selection, and a workshop for kids.

PRODUCTIVE FRIENDSHIP. Rey Urbiztondo’s closeness with Eugene Torre fuels chess revolution in Misamis Occidental which now regularly holds big chess events that resonates across the country. Photo by Lynde Salgados

The workshop, lecture, and simul games to be presided over by Torre and Fide Master Roderick Nava will emphasize the welfare of the 12-under kids as well as the individual tourney.

“Our vision looks after the future generation of Filipino chess players. So, sa atong 4-in-1 chess events adunay kita’y separate cash prizes, trophies, and medals for the youngsters or the 12-under participants,” added Urbiztondo.