Pinamalayan Open Champion

After Tarlac, life must go on...
In short notice, we (Mel, Jojo, Arnel, Judge and I) joined the Pinamalayan Chess Open last April 19, 2009.
The team agreed to share the winnings equally among ourselves if there is any.
Mel, Jojo & I fought galantly while Judge and Arnel suffered temporary setbacks. On the 3rd round however, I became careless and lost to Glenn of Socorro. I annihilated my succeeding opponents to end up 4 points out of 5 games. Enough for joint first place with Mel, Jojo, Glenn and to our suprise my victim in the first round (who was not in the top boards despite wins).
The pairing was not well done resulting to questionable results.
When tie was broken, I emerged champion. Mel was third while Jojo was 5th place . Thanks to the score of my opponents which was considered in the tie break.
Special thanks to Nelson of Pinamalayan Chess Club. I am looking forward on depending my throne next year. (lol)

2009 National Intercities & Municipalities Chess Team Championship

As President of United Chess Players of Calapan, Inc. I sought the help of Marvin Panahon of City Youth and Sports Development Department together with our Secretary Steve Alcantara to have team representation in the event.
We were able to get support from the City Government and with pride and honor, the team represented the city last April 11 to 16, 2009.
We learned a lot from the experience! All were coming to right places. We were able to register our organization with National Chess Federation of the Philippines, we met with the City's lone Grandmaster Joey Antonio, battled out against titled players ... to name a few.
However, on the 14th of April, our team mate Nicasio Jun Rizo suffered asthma. We brought him to the nearest hospital but all our efforts were futile. His life was mated and instantly at that.
Sad day for Calapan Chess....
The team opted not to continue with the tournament. I have to let go my chance to be a board medalist at board 5. What was important at that time is we brought his body in our city.
Jun, may you rest in peace.

Why CHESS?

When I was younger, I was an avid basketball player. We would play basketball with my twin brother Joselito and relatives Jaime and Ogie. We would battle it out against other kids in the block.
During summer, there will be basketball tournaments. One time, there was an ongoing selection. Joselito and Jaime were already assured to have a team while Ogie was in Batangas for a visit to relatives. I taught there would be no problem in joining the last team. After all, the remaining slot is being fought by me and Gilbert who's other hand is amputated ('Putol Na)
But shock of my life Gilbert was the one chosen. What an unfair world it is!! Enough for basketball. Nobody should play it. We don't stand a chance with other countries!?!/ Blah blah blah!

WHERE IS THE HAT?

Once there was a man who lost his hat and thought he can have another one by stealing a hat from the church entrance. Once inside, he heard the sermon of the priest about the ten commandments. When the mass was over he approach the priest. "Father I would like to thank you. I went here with a sin in my heart but when I heard your sermon I have changed my mind". "Fine" said the priest. "But what did I say that change your mind?". "Remember Father when you said -Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife- then I remember where I left my heart.

WARNING!

When I was a little boy I fell in love with theater. And since there were no movies in those days I watch peep shows as many as I could find. My father warned me though. "Son one thing you should never do is watch peep shows featuring naked woman" Of course I ask why? He said: "You will see things should never see". That settled it. The next time I had plenty of money I went straight to a peep show. Truly my father was right I saw something I should never have seen...my Dad!

KAILAN DARATING ANG UMAGA?

Bakit sa tuwina'y kaydilim ng umaga?
Mga kulog at kidlat nagbabadya baga
Luksang ulap humahadlang talaga
Sinasansala ang mithing ligaya.

Kawangis ng batong di natitinag
Ang tanging saksi sa mga naganap
Mga nakita'y di maibulalas
Pangkat walang layang makapagpahayag.

Kawangis ng mangmang na'y pinutol pa and dila
Dahil sa nakita ang krimeng nagawa
Mga nakita'y pinagwalang bahala
'Pagkat sa pagwika'y wala siyang laya.

Kawangis ng lahing minsa'y walang kibo
Laging yumuyukod, laging tumatango
Sa pagkasubasob di makatayo
Pagkat pinipigil ang mga maling turo.

Ah! Kailan nga ba sisikat ang araw?
Upang magsiwalat ng katotohanan
Upang ipabatid mga kamalian
Bunga ng ulap ng kasinungalinan.

Ang paraan kaya'y magsawalang kibo
At huwag indahin sugat na tinamo
O hanapin ang mga nagkanulo at
Kuhanin ang apdo't durugin an puso?

Happy Birthday Rik!

January 1st is the birthday of my good friend Rick of SMC. Chessplayers from Batangas gathered in his magnificent house and me as perrenial guest. Rik is the strongest chessplayer in Batangas and if not for the nature of his work, he could easily be a National Master at the very least. Every year, he sponsored mini-tournaments normally blitz with prizes for 1st to 3rd place. This year's edition was divided into two tournaments- the 10 min blitz and 5 min blitz. Rik did not play in the 1st tournament (10 min) to my dismay as I am looking forward in upsetting him. The were 19 participants and we decided to effect the 5 Round SWISS System which I volunteered to officiate. Now I realized the importance of playing and officiating as my beloved Queen was taken by my opponent without compensation in a winning position in the third round, luckily I drew the game using "gulang". I end up 3.5 points after five round which is good for 5th place. I happened to beat Bong in the last round which served as a consolation.
I was looking forward in the 5 min tournament as Rik will surely participate and the format is Round Robin. I was very excited as I will be playing white against him based on the schedule. During the game, I teased him to play Ruy Lopez which he obliged but at the back of my mind I was hoping that he will be playing Guicco Piano when I played 3. Bc4 as I observed him to reply in some of his games against other opponents in the past. In the end I was badly beaten. I placed 3rd with 9.5 points in 9 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw.
I am looking forward in beating him next year. I will emerge victorious in our battle and infict the defeat in the most important day of his life. I hope...