Hey there!
The 2nd day of the NCR Leg of Shell's 16th National Youth Active Chess Championship was postponed yesterday because of typhoon Frank. Frank's rampage killed at least 103 people with an estimate of 800 missing in a ferry sinking and hundreds of thousands displaced due to floods and landslides.
In the city of Manila, the powerful typhoon caused floodings in areas near SM City- Manila where the games are held. The fact is, the heavy downpour and strong winds started early morning of Saturday but it was not enough to stop the organizers the the hundreds of players and parents to brave the streets of Manila.
As early as 9 in the morning, hopeful players were lining up the entrance of the mall but had to wait for the security to open the gates.
By 10 in the morning, the lower ground floor were filled by youngsters wearing that iconic shirt with "Are you the next Pinoy Grandmaster?" You'll get the feel that Shell has once again helped these players as young as five years old to fulfill their dream of becoming the next chess superstar of the Philippines.
The games began before 1 in the afternoon after the opening ceremonies. Familiar faces were there lke IA Gene Poliarco, Edna Suede, Daisy Rivera and Roy. These are the CAAP (Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines) people helping in the tournament officiating. Mr. Alex Dinoy, the leg coordinator was there too...busy as a bee!
Most schools sent in their UAAP and NCAA chess players confirming the buzz that NCR Leg of Shll is the strongest of it all. MERALCO Chess Club sent their players too and yes, you can see the support the parents of these players give.
Ateneo de Manila, I was told, sent in 40 players for both division while La Salle Greenhills sent 20 players. San Sebastian College, San Beda College, University of Perpetual Help, Xavier University, University of Manila and other schools were represented too.
SO far so good. The 5th to 7th rounds will be played on June 28, Saturday at the fifth level of SM Manila.
By the way, Sir Rolly, here is my email ad: philippinechess@gmail.com.
Also, the semi-finals for the Dresden Olympiad Team of the Philippines was set to begin yesterday at the Hiyas ng Lahi, Mandaluyong City. Not sure though if it was also cancelled.
The semis will feature the qualifiers from the nationwide regional tournaments held in the early part of the year.
Good luck to all!
Kiko,
ReplyDeleteThrough this column, the MERALCO Chess Club would like to once again thanks our co-employees (Teddy Santiago, Boy delos Reyes, Danny Soque, Darryl Mata, Manny Benitez, Joey Santos, Sammy Campos, Edson Gonzales, Aris Lumague, Wilson Manzano, & Benny Caluen) who pitched in their hard-earned money as show of support for the 13 entries we had. Well, their support, not only boosted the morale of our boys and girls but also their energy in terms of assorted drinks, KFC lunch, & even choco bars).
God bless.
Rolly
MERALCO Chess Club