by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines –Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and Darwin Laylo will rekindle their rivalry as the two country's top chess grandmasters collide in Philippine Chess Blitz Online Face Off Series on April 15, 2018 to be aired and broadcast live worldwide through the Youtube channel of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., the Face Off five minutes, five seconds delay time control format is set to give Philippine chess another milestone according to tournament organizer and Philippine Executive Champion Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe.

"It’s nice to be playing again with Darwin," said Antonio, the Vice Champion of the 27th World Senior Chess Championship 2017 (50+ and 65+ Open-men and women) held in Acqui Terme, Italy last November.

The 13-times Philippine Open champion Antonio is schedule to play a rare chess simultaneous exhibition game on April 8, 2018 at San Isidro, Makati hosted by Dr. Simeon P. Romua and organized by National Arbiter Menard Pulido.

"I feel honored to be invited to play against one of the best chess player in the country and I promise to play my best," said Laylo, top player of the star-studded Philippine Army chess team and part of coaching staff of Ateneo de Manila University.

Antonio and Laylo ended their game into a fighting draw during their last time encounter in the The Search for the next Wesley So invitational active chess tournament held at the Alphaland Makati Place last March 25.

"It’s a very interesting match" said Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe, is also the treasurer of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).-Marlon Bernardino-