Panabo Chess Prodigy Shines with Double Silver in Asian Schools Chess Championships

 

Panabo City’s pride, Fide Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca, added another feather to his cap by clinching two silver medals at the 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships, held from December 1-12, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Arca delivered an impressive performance in the standard Under 17 category, securing second place after nine intense rounds. In the final round, FM Arca held FM Bolat Inayat of Kazakhstan to a draw, concluding with 6.5 points. His score matched that of tournament winner Vladimir Yusukphodzhaev of FIDE but fell short due to tiebreak criteria. Throughout the competition, Arca showcased his skill with four victories and five draws, proving his mettle on the international stage.

Adding to his individual success, FM Arca contributed significantly to the Philippines' stellar team performance. Alongside National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph Cantela and Lemmuel Jay Adena, the boys’ team amassed 17 points to secure the silver medal in the overall team rankings. The Philippine squad finished just half a point behind China, the tournament champions with 17.5 points.

Arca’s achievements reflect not only his dedication and talent but also the growing prominence of Filipino chess players on the global stage. His victories continue to inspire young athletes in Panabo City.(Bob Braceros)

Igniting Passion for SAMBO: Sta. Ana National High School Hosts 5-Day Training Seminar

 

Davao City, Philippines – Sta. Ana National High School, in collaboration with the Philippine Sambo Federation, Inc. (PSFI), is set to host an exciting Introduction to SAMBO seminar and training program. This five-day intensive event will take place from December 11 to 15, 2024, at the school grounds.

The seminar aims to introduce young athletes and martial arts enthusiasts to the dynamic world of SAMBO, a Russian martial art that blends wrestling, judo, and boxing techniques. Participants will gain hands-on experience from some of the country’s top SAMBO professionals, including:

Godwin Langbayan – Jiujitsu World Champion

Robin Catalan – SEA Games Gold Medalist

Orlando Castillo Jr. – MMA Champion

Head Coach Ace Larida

Sydney Tancontian – FIAS Athletes Commission Chairperson and multi-medalist in SAMBO

The training sessions will cover essential techniques in combat and sport SAMBO, while also exploring the sport’s history, rules, and etiquette.

This initiative is spearheaded by PSFI President Paolo Tancontian, in partnership with Sta. Ana National High School’s Principal Welito Rosal and Roselyn Dayanan, with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Office of DepEd Secretary Eduardo Angara.

An estimated 200 participants are expected to join this transformative event, promising an enriching experience for aspiring athletes and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

About SAMBO

Originating from Russia, SAMBO—short for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya (self-defense without weapons)—is a martial art celebrated for its effectiveness in sport and self-defense. With its unique combination of wrestling, judo, and striking techniques, it continues to captivate combat sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Mark your calendars and be part of this extraordinary journey into the art of SAMBO!

Pro Life UK embarks on Takaful education roadshow, starts with Davao and Cagayan de Oro

  

Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Professorial Lecturer at the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines in Diliman, shared about Islamic finance and Shari’ah principles.

Pru Life UK, the first insurer in the Philippines to receive a Takaful or Islamic insurance license from the Insurance Commission, has embarked on a Takaful education roadshow. This aims to educate and engage key stakeholders—including select agents, the media, and local communities—on Shari’ah and Takaful. Pilot Takaful education sessions were conducted in both Davao City and Cagayan de Oro, enhancing understanding of Islamic insurance principles and fostering dialogues and collaboration with stakeholders.

The leading life insurer’s Takaful journey aligns with the company’s mission to enhance financial inclusion to more Filipino families by offering Takaful insurance, one that is compliant with Islamic rules and principles. Watch this video to know more. 

To date, the roadshow provided more than 200 agents, community leaders and members, and the media with knowledge of Islamic finance, Shari’ah rules, and the distinct features of Takaful.

“Pru Life UK is committed to creating meaningful financial solutions for all Filipinos. The introduction of Takaful will open doors for millions of Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos who previously had limited access to insurance products. The sessions in Davao and Cagayan de Oro form part of our mission to educate our stakeholders across sectors about Takaful.” shared Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer.

At the education session, Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Vice President for Government Relations & Sustainability discussed Takaful and Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Professorial Lecturer at the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines covered Islamic finance and Shari’ah rules and principles. Pru Life UK also conducted sideline meetings and dialogues with stakeholders from Muslim Filipino communities and the religious sector. 

Pru Life UK’s Takaful offering reinforces the company’s ongoing efforts to support the Philippine government's goal of expanding Islamic finance, especially in regions with large Muslim populations such as Mindanao. 

This operation is designed to address the gap in the Islamic financial system by introducing a life insurance product that adheres to Shari’ah-compliant principles of mutual cooperation, risk-sharing, and ethical considerations.

Among Muslims, Pru Life UK aims to serve close to seven (7) million Muslim Filipinos across the country, especially families in underserved communities such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Takaful is also set to broaden the insurance options of non-Muslims in the country.