CDO Lass Wins Silver Medal in Girls Under 18 at the 22nd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships

 

Sara Dalagan, a talented young chess player from Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro City Misamis Oriental, has brought pride to the Philippines by winning the silver medal in the Girls Under 18 Individual category at the 22nd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships. The competition, which took place in Laos from August 21 to 31, 2024, featured some of the best young chess talents from across the ASEAN region and beyond.

Dalagan’s impressive performance at the tournament reflects her dedication and skill in chess. Competing against top players from various countries, she demonstrated strategic prowess and composure, securing her place as a silver medalist. Her achievement adds to the Philippines' growing reputation in the international chess scene.

Aside from her success on the international stage, Dalagan is also a valued member of the National University chess team, where she continues to hone her skills and contribute to her team’s success in national competitions. Her dual role as an international competitor and university athlete exemplifies her commitment to excelling in the sport.

Dalagan’s silver medal at the ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships is a significant milestone in her budding chess career. It not only highlights her personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration to other young athletes in the Philippines. As she continues to compete and represent the country, her journey will undoubtedly inspire many young Filipinos to pursue excellence in chess and other sports.

The Philippine chess community celebrates Dalagan’s success, and many look forward to her future accomplishments as she continues to rise in the ranks of international chess.(Bob Braceros)

TROPA Mindanao Strengthens Ties with 10th Infantry Agila Division Through Camp Visitations

 

TROPA Mindanao solidified its collaboration with the military through a month-long series of visits to various camps under the 10th Infantry Agila Division's jurisdiction earlier this year. This initiative, aimed at bolstering trust and cooperation between the media organization and the military, underscores their shared commitment to sustaining peace and development across the region.

The camp visitations, which spanned Region 11 and Bukidnon, were the brainchild of former 10th ID spokesperson Major Mark Anthony Tito. His vision was to foster closer ties between the media and the military, particularly with TROPA Mindanao, while providing the media with firsthand knowledge of the military’s latest programs and activities. Understanding the importance of this initiative, TROPA eagerly embraced the idea, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bond and camaraderie between the media and the military.

To maximize the number of camps visited, TROPA members made the sacrifice of waking up early every Saturday, as many of these camps are located in remote, mountainous areas. This commitment paid off, with the group successfully visiting numerous camps throughout Mindanao.

Among the camps visited was the 66th Infantry Kabalikat Battalion in Barangay Dawan, Mati City, under the command of LTC Michael G. Yuson. Yuson shared with TROPA that his soldiers are dedicated to maintaining peace and order in Davao Oriental and parts of Davao de Oro.

Another significant visit was to the 60th Mediator Battalion in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, where TROPA witnessed a two-day Bagani Summit for the Ata-Manobo tribal warriors from Laak, Davao de Oro, on May 10-11. The summit, attended by 142 tribal leaders, focused on the importance of peace, development, and territorial defense to prevent terrorist communist rebels from reentering the region, which is now declared insurgency-free. The provincial government of Davao de Oro also supported this vital initiative.

TROPA’s journey continued with visits to the 73rd Infantry Neutralizer Battalion, under LTC Jaicris Jan Mendoza, and the 39th Infantry Battalion, led by LTC Anthony Fer Solamo. The group also visited the 48th Infantry Battalion in Maramag, Bukidnon, on May 4. From Maramag, TROPA-Mindanao officers proceeded to the 72nd Infantry Battalion’s camp in Arakan, North Cotabato, traversing the challenging roads connecting Davao City and Cotabato via Buda.

These camp visitations are a milestone for TROPA, marking a significant achievement in 2024 that the group cherishes. The endeavor not only deepened the relationship between the media and military but also provided invaluable insights into the efforts being made to maintain peace and security in Mindanao.(Bob Braceros)

Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca Continues Winning Streak in International Chess

 

Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca, a young chess sensation from Panabo City, Davao del Norte, has once again proven his mettle on the international stage. Arca secured first place in the Under 16 category of the Hong Kong Summer International Open Blitz 2024, held on August 25. The tournament drew 127 participants from various countries across Asia, showcasing a high level of competition.

In addition to his category win, Arca achieved an impressive overall 8th place finish in the tournament, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young chess players in the region. His consistent success in international competitions continues to highlight his exceptional talent and strategic prowess.

Arca’s accomplishments not only bring pride to his hometown but also signal his growing influence in the global chess community. As he maintains his winning streak, the chess world eagerly anticipates his future achievements, marking him as a rising star to watch.

FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca Claims Gold in the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship 2024

 

Fifteen-year-old FIDE Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca, a Grade 10 student of Panabo City National High School, achieved another remarkable victory by winning a gold medal in the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship 2024 held in Hong Kong from August 21–25, 2024.

Under the guidance of Coach AGM Ramil Langamon and with the full support of Mr. Manuel M. Esperanza, School Principal, and Mr. Giovanni Gulanes, Department Head of the Davao del Norte Provincial Sports and Youth Development Office, Arca demonstrated his exceptional skills on the global stage.

Representing the Red Pseudodragons Team from Hong Kong, Arca, a resident of Panabo City, Davao del Norte, dominated Board 5 by securing 7 wins and 2 draws out of 9 rounds in the 11-round competition.

His stellar performance not only earned him first place individually but also contributed significantly to his team’s fifth-place finish in the team competition.

Arca's latest triumph adds to his growing list of accolades. He made headlines in November 2023 when he became the World Youth Chess Championship 2023 Open Blitz Champion in Italy.

His winning streak continued throughout 2024, where he clinched the championship in the Grandmaster Norm Tournament in Vietnam last May and secured gold medals in both the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2024 in Kazakhstan (June 9–21) and the Eastern Asian Youth Chess Championship 2024 in Malaysia (July 12–21), particularly in the Blitz Chess Competition.

Looking ahead, FM Arca is set to compete in the Asian Juniors Chess Championship 2024, scheduled to take place in Tagaytay from October 11–20, 2024.

With his current momentum and impressive track record, Arca is poised to continue making his mark on the international chess scene.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)

2 Panaboans Rule Hamungaya Chess Festival in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

 

On August 17, 2024, the Hamungaya Chess Festival held in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, witnessed a remarkable performance by two chess prodigies from Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca and Jayson Salubre emerged as the top winners in the tournament, showcasing their exceptional skills on the chessboard.

Christian Gian Karlo Arca, a 15-year-old chess master, dominated the event, finishing with an impressive 6.5 points to secure first place.

Arca’s victory was rewarded with a trophy and a cash prize of PHP 15,000. His remarkable performance highlights his growing prominence in the chess world. Jayson Salubre, also from Panabo City, earned the second-place position, further affirming the city’s strength in chess talent.

Looking ahead, Arca is set to represent the Philippines in the "Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship 2024" in Hong Kong from August 21–25, 2024. 

His participation in this prestigious tournament is highly anticipated, as he aims to continue his winning streak on an international stage. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)