by Marlon Bernardino
Widely-acclaimed structural engineer Antonio "Tony" Carreon Balinas of Antipolo City and Auckland, New Zealand based Ceferino "Jun" Isaac Jr. take time out from their busy schedule as they head a talent-laden cast of woodpushers aces playing in the 2019 Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Chess Cup dubbed as Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club National Executive Grand Prix Rapid Chess Championships gets underway on Saturday (September 28) at the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club, Molave and Narra function room in Morong, Bataan.
Deadline of entries on Thursday (September 26) according to Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) president Dr. Jenny Mayor.
Fondly called Tony in chess circuit, the elder brother & trainer of GM Rosendo C. Balinas, Jr., will try to break the Guinness Book of World Record for the oldest participant in an Executive tournament at 80 years old. In the Philippines it is already safely tucked under his belt according to PECA president Dr. Mayor.
Tony who hails from Bacolod City placed 6th overall during the 1963 National Chess Championship which topped by Renato Naranja. A Chess and Academic Scholar at the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos and schoolmates of another chess lover former Senator Rene Saguisag. He is also won the Western Visayas Chess Championships-PRISAA chess meet.
Jun, the elder brother of ex PBA player Leo Isaac, on the other hand at the age of 76 is still in good condition & will participate and he wants to encourage and set an example to all the Senior chess players out there to 'keep moving' physically, mentally and spiritually.
The event is supported by Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club through it's Recreation and Activity Manager Raymond M. Sandoval, Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club president Atty. Paul Elauria and Activity coordinator Sarah Forte Levita in close cooperation with City Sports and Youth Development Office, Olongapo City , OIC, David B.Bayarong and CSWDO Jhun Pascua.
Morong, Bataan mayor Cynthia G. Linao-Estanislao and Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club president Atty. Paul Elauria, both invited to do the traditional ceremonial moves.
It is a six to seven round Swiss system format, applying rapid time control of 20 minutes plus 5 seconds delay mode per player to finish the game.
The champion will earn P10,000 plus a trophy. The second placer will get P7,000 plus a trophy, the third placer will pocket P5,000 plus a trophy, the fourth placer will bring home P3,000 plus a trophy and the fifth placer will receive P2,000 plus a trophy.
Special prizes for the Top Senior, Top 1900 and below, Top 1800 and below, Top Unrated, Top New Comer and Top Bataan/Zambales will also likewise to receive P1,000 each plus medals.
Tournament registration fee is P1,350 with free lunch buffet while annual PECA membership fee is P1,000. No on-site registration.
Call or text the following persons for complete details, NM/engr. Jose Efren Bagamasbad (09157209145), Dr. Jenny Mayor (09351004755), Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe (09188974410), Dr. Fred Paez (09212728172), Mr. Martin "Binky" Gaticales (09998851432) and Mr. Joselito Cada (09499981949).-Marlon Bernardino-