by Marlon Bernardino
Final Standings: (Seven Round Swiss System)
6.0 points---Ritchie Evangelista, Dandel Fernandez
5.5 points---Chester Caminong, Narquingel Reyes, Cliburn Anthony Orbe
5.0 points---Yves Darcy Robles, Zomer Amir, Joel Hicap, Eduardo Figuerres
4.5 points---Dr. Jenny Mayor, Dr. Alfredo Paez, Erwin Calar, Nicolo Paguntalan

RITCHIE EVANGELISTA of Bolinao, Pangasinan shocked rivals as he emerged champion in the third leg Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) Alphaland National Executive Chess Circuit held at the Activity Area, Vista Mall, Santa Rosa, Tagaytay Road, Barangay San Jose in Santa Rosa City, Laguna on Saturday (April 7, 2018).

Evangelista, a chemist, bested fellow six pointer Maynilad Water Services top player Dandel Fernandez via superior tiebreaks to secure the coveted title.
The duo split the combined prize of P17,000 in the one-day National Chess Federation of the Philippines-sanctioned rapid tournament, backed up by Alphaland Corporation, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, CVJR Builders, Engineers Architecs Contractors, Vistamall Santa Rosa and Cabuyao City Chess Club and the City of Santa Rosa.
Evangelista, former member of the multi-titled Far Eastern University chess team, toppled engineer Joel Hicap after 65 moves of English Opening in the last round while Fernandez beat San Beda College Alabang head coach Chester Caminong after 83 moves of Queens Indian defense.
Despite the setback, Caminong remains at 5.5 points, the same output of Narquingel Reyes and lawyer Cliburn Anthony Orbe.
After the tie break points was applied, Caminong placed third, Reyes placed fourth and Orbe placed fifth.
Reyes defeated top seed 7-time Philippine Executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor while Orbe edged engineer Ravel Canlas of Pagcor.
"I had 0.5 after two rounds but then i started winning all my remaining games, including one against a National Master (Allan Sasot)." said Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe, who is also the treasurer of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and founding president of Philippine Executive Chess Association.
The 4th leg will take center stage at the currently controversial island paradise of Boracay in Malay, Aklan in the Visayas. It will be held on April 28, 2018 (Saturday) at Casa Pilar Bar & Restaurant to be organized by PECA Vice President for Visayas NM Wilfredo Neri (#09985346842) fully assisted by NM / NA Carlito Lavega of Iloilo (#09096755143).
After a month, the circuit will visit Mindanao on May 26 (Saturday) at the Punta Isla Lake Resort in the scenic Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. It will be an affair to remember never to be forgotten in your chess memoir according to organizer Lito Dormitorio, a self made businessman & entrepreneur.
It's a double- the- regular PECA prizes affair. The champion will get the lion share of P20,000, the runner-up gets P14,000, the third place will bring home P10,000, the fourth place will receive P6,000 and the fifth place will pocket P4,000. A developmental Kiddies event will also simultaneously take place. Mr. Lito Dormitorio's # is 09493741967. Register now thru the BDO Account of Treasurer NM Efren Bagamasbad.-Marlon Bernardino-
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Miciano settles draw at Thailand Asian Youth chess
by Marlon Bernardino
Fide Master (FM) John Marvin Miciano of Davao City had to setlle for his third consecutive draw against countryman Daniel Quizon of Damarinas City, Cavite in the penultimate 8th round at the Under-18 division of the Asian Youth Chess Tournament Standard event at the Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Saturday.
The Far Eastern University bet Miciano, who is aiming to gain an outright International Master (IM) title, accepted a draw offer by Quizon, one of the top players of Dasmariñas Chess Academy put up by Dasmariñas City, Cavite mayor Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga and congresswoman Jenny Barzaga, after 25 pushes of a Sicilian Closed skirmish.
Despite the draw, Miciano kept his hold on the lead with 6.5 points, a full point ahead of four other players --Quizon, Arya Omidi of Iran, FM Wong Yinn Long of Malaysia and Candidate Master Le Minh Hoang of Vietnam --with only one round left.
Miciano, playing white, needs only a draw in his ninth and final round scheduled match with CM Thilakarathne G M H of Sri-Lanka to secure the country' first gold medal in the tournament plus an outright International Master (IM) title.
On the other hand, Quizon, who is playing black against Le Minh in the final round, is in a must-win situation in order to make a medal finish.-Marlon Bernardino-
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Antonio vs Laylo in Philippine Chess Blitz Online Face Off Series
by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines – GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and GM Darwin Laylo will rekindle their rivalry as two of the country's top chess grandmasters collide in the Philippine Chess Blitz Online Face Off Series on April 15, 2018 at 10am to be aired and broadcasted live worldwide through the Youtube channel of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
Backed by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman and President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., the Face Off dubbed "The Fight for the Ages" promises to be another exciting match for Philippine chess afficionados to enjoy, according to tournament organizer and Philippine Executive Champion Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe.
"It’s nice to be playing again with Darwin," said GM 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-time Philippine chess champion Antonio is scheduled 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 players in the country and I promise to play my best," said GM Laylo, top player of the star-studded Philippine Army chess team and part of the coaching staff of Ateneo de Manila University.
GM Antonio and GM Laylo drew their game at 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, who is also the treasurer of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).-Marlon Bernardino-