Governor Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival Gears Up in Ozamiz City

 

Chess enthusiasts and players gathered for a memorable dinner meeting in Ozamiz City, hosted by Cong. Atty. Neri Colmenares, National Director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). The event brought together passionate chess aficionados, players, and executives from Misamis Occidental to celebrate their shared love for the game.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gov. Henry S. Oaminal and his family for their unwavering support of the chess community. Alagang Oaminal!" exclaimed organizers on behalf of the attendees.

Looking forward to an exciting event on July 9 and 10, the 2nd Governor Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival promises P 355,000 in cash prizes. The festival is set to attract top players and enthusiasts from across the region, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship in intense competition.

Moreover, plans are underway to introduce a tournament specifically tailored for young talents — the National Age Group Championship — aiming to nurture and develop the next generation of chess prodigies.

With just two weeks remaining until the festival kicks off, anticipation is high among participants and supporters alike. Ozamiz City is poised to host a thrilling display of strategic prowess and camaraderie, making this chess festival a cornerstone event in the local sporting calendar.

Stay tuned as the Governor Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival approaches, promising excitement, skill, and community spirit in the heart of Ozamiz City.

Philippine Chess Stars Set to Compete at Ozamiz Charter Anniversary Open

 

The prestigious Ozamiz Charter Anniversary Open Chess Tournament is set to attract a stellar lineup of chess talent on July 9 and 10, 2024. The event, celebrating the city's charter anniversary, has already drawn early registrations from some of the most notable names in Philippine chess.

Among the confirmed participants are:

GM Darwin Laylo – One of the Philippines' top grandmasters, renowned for his strategic prowess.

IM Daniel Cuizon – A rising star in the international chess scene.

IM Michael Concio Jr. – Known for his exceptional tactical acumen.

IM Eric Labog – A veteran with numerous international accolades.

IM Rolando Nolte – Consistent performer in local and international tournaments.

IM Ronald Bancod – Respected for his deep understanding of the game.

FM Abelgas – A formidable force in Filipino chess.

US Master Marlon Bernardino – Bringing international experience to the competition.

NM Mar Carredo – Known for his strategic depth and resilience.

NM Joey Florendo – A strong national master with impressive credentials.

Additionally, a formidable group from Cebu has registered, including:

IM Joel Pimentel

IM Kim Yap

IM Rico Mascarinas

NM Rommel Guanzon

Players from across Mindanao are also set to compete, promising a diverse and competitive field.

A highlight of the event will be the participation of the legendary GM Eugene Torre, who will engage in a simultaneous exhibition (simul) and deliver a special message during the program. Torre, the first Asian Grandmaster, remains a revered figure in the chess world and his presence will undoubtedly inspire the participants and spectators alike.

The tournament, held at the AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental, is expected to showcase top-tier chess and foster camaraderie among players from different regions. The event is not only a competition but a celebration of chess culture in the Philippines, bringing together established masters and emerging talents.

With such a distinguished roster, the Ozamiz Charter Anniversary Open promises to be a landmark event in the Philippine chess calendar, highlighting the nation's rich chess heritage and its bright future.

Chess Legend Eugene Torre will Lead Tournament in Misamis Occidental

 

Eugene Torre, Asia's first Grandmaster and Hall of Famer, will make the ceremonial moves to kick off the 2nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Tournament on July 9-10 at AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

Joining Torre in the ceremony will be Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, Mayor Henry Oaminal Jr., and Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal. Top Filipino chess players, including International Masters Rolando Nolte and Ronald Bancod, FIDE Master Vince Alaan, and US Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., are expected to compete. Participants from Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga, and neighboring cities will also join.

A total of P355,000 in cash prizes will be awarded in the FIDE rapid-rated competition, organized by the Asenso Misamis Occidental Fiderated Chess Association (AMOFCA) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, the 2nd Congressional District Office, and the Local Government Unit of Ozamis.

The open champion will receive P50,000, with additional prizes for winners in the Under-17, Top Elementary (Under-13), and Top Misamis Occidental categories. Special awards will also be given to the Top Senior (60+), Top Junior (20 and below), Top Lady (U17), Top Lady (U13), and Top Lady (Open) players.

The tournament is part of the celebration of the 76th Ozamiz City Charter Anniversary and the feast of Nuestra Sra. dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpangi.

2nd Oaminal chess tournament offers P355,000 cash prizes

 

Clarin, Misamis Occidental - On July 9–10, chess enthusiasts will gather at the AYA Hotel and Residences for the 2nd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Tournament, offering a substantial cash prize pool of at least P355,000.

Organized by the Asenso Misamis Occidental Fiderated Chess Association (AMOFCA) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, the 2nd Congressional District Office, and local government units of Ozamis, this FIDE-rated rapid chess competition coincides with the 76th Anniversary of the City Charter and Nuestra Sra's Feast Dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpangi.

The open champion stands to win P50,000, with P30,000, P20,000, P10,000, P5,000, and P3,000 awarded to second through sixth place. Seventh through tenth place finishers will receive P2,000 each, and P1,000 will go to each of the top 20 finishers.

Special awards will recognize the best elementary (under-13), best high school (under-17), and best player from Misamis Occidental. Categories for top junior (under 20), senior (60+), under-17 female, under-13 female, and open female players will also feature special prizes.

The ceremonial moves will involve Governor Henry Oaminal, Mayor Henry Oaminal, Jr., and Representative Sancho Fernando Oaminal, alongside Asia's first grandmaster and Hall of Famer Eugene Torre. For further details, contact NM/AGM Rey Urbiztondo at (0999-999-0374) or reycurbz@gmail.com.

2nd Oaminal chess tournament gets going on July 9-10

 

 

Clarin, Misamis Occidental - On July 9–10, here at the AYA Hotel and Residences, the nation's best chess players will put their skills to the test in the 2nd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Tournament.

 The winners of the FIDE-rated rapid chess competition, which is being held by the Asenso Misamis Occidental Fiderated Chess Association (AMOFCA) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, the 2nd Congressional District Office, and local government units of Ozamis, will receive a minimum of P355,000 in cash prize.

Conducted in conjunction with the 76th Anniversary of the City Charter and Nuestra Sra's Feast Dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpangi.

The open champion of the competition will receive P50,000, P30,000, P20,000, P10,000, P5,000, and P3,000 will be awarded to the second through sixth place finishers, and P2,000 will be given to the seventh through tenth place finishers. P1,000 will be awarded to each of the top 20 finishers.

Additionally, awards will be given to the best elementary (under-13), best high school (under-17), and best player from Misamis Occidental. Additionally, the top junior (20 below), top senior (60+), top under-17 female, top under-13 female, and top open female will get special category rewards.

 Governor Henry Oaminal, Mayor Henry Oaminal, Jr., and Representative Sancho Fernando Oaminal have all been invited to participate in the ceremonial moves, which will include Asia's first grandmaster and Hall of Famer Eugene Torre. Please get in touch with NM/AGM Rey Urbiztondo at (0999-999-0374) or by email at reycurbz@gmail.com for more information.

Veteran chesser Rey Cris Urbiztondo gets plaque of recognition in Masonic Ozamiz City Installation

 

DAVAO CITY---Veteran chesser and Surigao Checkmates owner Arena Grand Master (AGM) Rey Urbiztondo was recently given a plaque of appreciation during the 19th Installation Ceremonies of the officers for 2023-2024 for Timoteo S. Uy Sr. Masonic Lodge No. 349 in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental last February 25.

The Masonic officers and members of Ozamiz recognized the valuable efforts, Urbiztondo had made for the organization for years.

Senator Sherwin Gachalian was the primary guest of honor and speaker during the event.

Urbiztondo was also allowed to share his wisdom during the momentous event.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) bestowed an honorary National Master title to Urbiztondo for promoting chess actively in Mindanao.

This award is in recognition of an individual whose advocacy is to promote chess in their respective regions by actively supporting several chess programs and activities through sponsorship and donation, which helps the aspiration of Filipino players, especially the youth. Likewise, in general, the whole Philippine Chess Community," NCFP said on its official Facebook page.

Urbiztondo is happy and proud to be given the honorary NM ranking.

As the owner of Checkmates, Urbiztondo is giving a form of livelihood to some chess players in Mindanao in the PCAP tournaments.

Aside from Urbiztondo, the team is managed by Engr. Dodjie Morales and sponsored by Congressman Robert Ace Barbers.

PCAP is the first professional chess league in the Philippines. The players are provided salary and incentives from their team, just like in other professional sports like the PBA.

Urbiztondo is also busy organizing chess tournaments to allow Mindanao players to participate and earn if they win. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates gets 5th spot in PCAP quarterfinals round

DAVAO CITY---The dream of Mindanaoan team Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates to win the coveted 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) tournament crown lives on.

The Checkmates beat Iriga City Oragons, 11.5-9.5, virtually held at Chess.com Platform on Wednesday night, March 23, 2022, to advance to the playoff round of the first professional chess league in the Philippines.

The win allowed the Checkmates to get the fifth spot in the quarterfinals in the PCAP Southern Division.

Checkmates playing owner Arena Grand Master Rey Urbiztondo is very happy with their quarterfinals slot since their hard work had paid off this year.

"Our Top 5 spot in the South is an achievement against stronger teams. We calculated our last 3 games versus our rivals Camarines and Toledo then. We were able to hit the prediction that we will beat them. Because in the last round 3 rounds, both of them will have to meet Davao, while no longer for us. Thus, they all lost to Davao and we made perfect in the last 3 games," Urbiztondo said.

Urbiztondo congratulated all his players for playing well in their last game in the elimination round.

"The win in the last round of the eliminations to get the projected perfect last 3 rounds were attributed to the dominance of Mariel Romero in Board 3, the wins of Alfred Rapanot versus NM Kevin Mirano in Board 2; FM Vince Alaan’s win in rapid versus NM Onofre Espiritu and NM Cyril Ortega’s at Seniors category," Urbiztondo added.

Earlier, the Checkmates was given the Team Sportsmanship Award by the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) for its tournament last year.

The team got the award for being cool and fair in all its matches last year.

Urbiztondo told NewsFort that his team this year is composed of the core group of UAAP grand slam champions of FEU Tamaraws.

Aside from the Tamaraw players who mostly hail from Cagayan de Oro City, the team will also have former Lady Board one player of Adamson University alongside former Adamson University standouts FM Vince and Tyrone Alaan.

The FEU standout players are Lennon Hart Salgados, Alfred Rapanot and Antonio Chavez, John Marel Morazo of Tarlac City is also part of the team, Marnel Batulan-Romero, former Adamson’s top board, Aubrey De Guzman-Gallardo, former top board of UP Diliman team, Fr. Vic Arellano, former Liceo de Cagayan champion, Engr. Joselito Serna, of Surigao City,Fide Master Vince Alaan, 1986 Asian Under 16 Champion, Antonio Chavez, Tyrone Alaan, Cyrus Donasco, Tandag and Rogelio Canoy of Surigao City.

As the owner of the Checkmates, Urbiztondo is giving a form of livelihood to some chess players in Mindanao in the PCAP tournaments.

Aside from Urbiztondo, the team is managed by Engr. Dodjie Morales and sponsored by Congressman Robert Ace Barbers.

PCAP is the first professional chess league in the Philippines wherein the players are provided with salary and incentives from the team they are playing just like in other professional sports like the PBA.

Urbiztondo is also busy organizing chess tournaments to allow Mindanao players to participate and earn if they win. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)