MAMA'S 80TH BIRTHDAY

December 26, 2010 marked the 80th Bday of Mama. All were present except for
Jocel's family.

Ate Leah and Ate Magmag alternately did the house chores like cooking together with Amor. Myan also did her share, We ate and sing all day. We brought our karaoke in anticipation to the party.

In the afternoon, Melvin Melgar made Mama and the kids happy and proud with his antics ala clown during the games.

It was fun fun fun

10.10.10 Victoria Chess Tournament

Yours truly emerged as the champion in the 2010 Victoria Open. Many strong players coming from Calapan, Pinamalayan and Gloria participated in the tournament. I defeated almost all players paired against me except Xander Elauria which I offered a draw early in the game which proved to be a good decision on my part. I finished 6.5/7 which will result to a high elo rating in next issue.

Special thanks to Rommel Macalintal for inviting us.

Champion - Emmanuel B. Asi
2nd Placer - Ronald Berdera
3rd Placer - Mel Acedera
4rth Placer - John Sabucdalao
5th Placer - Xander Elauria

2010 Mayor Doy Leachon Chess Championship

December 19, 2010 marked the new era of Calapan or should I say Oriental Mindoro Chess. For the first time the old reliables were defeated by the young turks Zenjie and Nesil Merilles. Zenjie beat me this time closing our personal encounter to 2 -1 in my favor. The tournament was a resounding success. Although only 34 players showed up, it was a congregation of champions from both previous tournaments and champions from schools who will participate in next year MIMAROPA. I tought it will be a smooth sailing for me as my rating is way above my opponents based on my magnificent performance in Victoria last October 10, 2010(6.5/7). I could only score 3.5 wins. Except for game 1 the remaining six games were hell (The same is true with all players I think). My mind was drained in game 2 win against Victoria's Rommel Macalintal and lost to Zenjie in a complicated game. I was fortunate to draw with Nezil in game 4 encounter before losing winning and eventually losing to Jiggy Vicente. I humbled 2008 Victoria Champion Layson Lozano on the 6th game before losing a drawish game against compatriot John Sabucdalao.

Even Jiggy Vicente, a Lyceum of Batangas Varsity Player who was brought by Provincial Champion Ronald Berdera did not fare that well as he was ambush by veterans Mel Acedera and Basilio Cedenio for 4.5/7.

In the end the following chess stalwarts emerged victorious:

Champion - Zenjie Merilles (tie break)
2nd Placer - Nesil Merilles (tie break)
3rd Placer - Ronal Berdera
4rth Placer - John Sabucdalao (tie break)
5th Placer - Mel Acedera (tie break)

I end up 15th place to the disbelief of my children Abram and Aemiell. I told them, things like those happened. I will surely recover from this nightmare!

Special thanks to the following:

1. Mayor Doy Leachon for sponsoring the event
2. Sir Deo Mauro for endorsing our project
3. Madam Myan Gupit and Steve Alcantara for the Arbitration
4. Parents
5. ABC President and Mam Paz for the venue
6. Palaboy's Son and Steve for alternately ensuring that the venue is available.
7. Mr. Emmanuel Usi of GSM for the 3 boxes of Magnolia water
8. To all plavers without which the event will not be possible.

See you in the coming Provincial Open.