THE local chess community in Northern Mindanao is happy to announce that veteran player Ringo Tevez has survived a heart attack after the culmination of the 2nd Governor Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Tournament held July 9-10 at the AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

The 50-something Tevez ― who used to live in Iligan City before returning to his hometown in Pamplona, Negros Oriental ― has already regained his senses and is now able to connect with his chess friends around the Philippines.

“It was my second heart attack, the first was in Luzon where my friend Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr became my outright caretaker during our short stint in a hospital. I’m very thankful to the Lord for giving me another chance. Atong mission ani brod magsabwag ta’g mga maayong pagtulon-an labi na sa chess,” Tevez told this writer via Facebook messenger.

ANOTHER LIFE. Veteran chess player Ringo Tevez, in yellow shirt, and his family with Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo shortly after his release from the Mhars hospital in Ozamiz City. Contributed Photo

It was tournament organizer Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo who first broke the good news on the nightmarish escape of Tevez, a passionate socmed guardian of the legacy of the late GM Rosendo Balinas Jr, billed as the unsung hero of Philippine chess, known for his unforgettable conquest of the Odesa (Ukraine) International Tournament in 1976, despite the presence of living legend GM David Bronstein and the Absolute Champion GM Vladimir Savon.

Then shared Urbiztondo: “We are pleased to inform you that Ringo Teves, is now well and ready to be discharged.”

GUARDIAN ANGEL. Ringo Tevez, at right, then seen here in a casual conversation with his buddy GM Rogelio Antonio Jr during the inaugural show of the Ozamiz chess tourney. Contributed Photo

Ringo, a veteran chess player, had a heart attack after the awarding ceremony and after participating in the Ozamiz Charter Anniversary tournament on July 9 & 10, 2024. He was rushed and admitted to MHARS Medical Center ICU in critical condition. Intubation was done due to his very low oxygen level of 33%! We extend our sincerest gratitude to all who helped especially to Governor Henry S. Oaminal, who covered all hospitalization expenses plus financial assistance.”

In his latest FB post, Tevez expressed his gratefulness.

“My Family would like to extend a sincere thank you to (the) Governor Henry S. Oaminal for his support for helping me after my six-day battle in Mhars Hospital in Ozamiz City. The governor shared his clear humanitarian aid about saving human lives, and to the beautiful people of Ozamiz City. To my amigo AGM Rey Cris Urbiztondo and his lovely wife Dra. Urbiztondo, to sir Jessie V, my buddy GM Joey Antonio thank you so much,” were Tevez’s words.