THE exciting match up over 20 boards between Northern Mindanao and the rest of Mindanao will take center stage in the opening of the 1st Governor Henry Oaminal 8-in-1 Chess Festival on Friday, November 10, at the City Auditorium in Ozamiz City.

Distinct pride and honor, more than the cash rewards, are heavily at stake in this friendly match, showcasing the best young and old talents in Mindanao.

“It’s just a side event of our three-day Chess Festival, but it’s going to be a historic one especially for the booming chess region of Northern Mindanao,” said chief organizer Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo.

CURTAIN RAISER. AGM Rey Urbiztondo (seen here in a match with top lady LJ Getubig) will lead the executive side of the Normin squad against the rest of Mindanao. Photo by Lynde Salgados

After a motorcade on Friday morning, Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Rogelio Antonio Jr and Darwin Laylo will conduct a 2 pm chess lectures and simultaneous display at 25 boards each for youngsters in the company of International Masters Roderick Nava, Joel Pimentel, Kim Steven Yap and Ronald Bancod.

The opening program will follow at 4-5 pm to be graced by Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, Ozamiz City Mayor Atty. Indy Oaminal and Congressman Ando Oaminal with Hall of Famer GM Torre out to deliver a
motivational speech before the ceremonial moves.

The team showdown in various age categories will start at 7:30 pm possibly applying both the rapid and blitz formats.

WARMING UP. The Misamis Oriental woodpushers play some blitz games before leaving the Capitol building to Ozamiz on Thursday afternoon. Photo by Lynde Salgados

Northern Mindanao’s tentative lineup are the following: Executives ― Engr Rey Urbiztondo, Dr. Will Maghanoy, Benoni Wabe, Cleto Vasquez, Esmar Estrella; Open ― IM Richelieu Salcedo III, FM Ellan Asuela, FM Victor Lluch, AGM Julius Ablin, AFM Lyndon Lumancas, Lennon Hart Salgados, Johnnel Balquin, Johnny Carzano, Nazario Ubanan, Jeriel Manlimbana, Alfred Rapanot; Seniors ―
Mardonio Fuentes, Paciano Gulle; Ladies--WNM Lila Alyssa Seriña,
LJ Getubig, Lyn Getubig; Juniors ― NM Keith Adriane Ilar, Cassey Miguel Tabamo; Kiddies ― Nicole Paquinol, Maverick Vera Cruz.

The rest of Mindanao expects the participation of Davao, Zamboanga and Caraga regions’ top players such as FM Austin Jacob Literatus, NM Henry Lopez, NM Joey Florendo, NM Atty. Bob Jones Liwagon, NM Raymond Salcedo, Jayson Salubre, Tyrone Alaan and prominent chess-playing executives Prof. Rey Reyes, Engr Allan Diez and NM James Infiesto, among the others.