NBTC Cagayan de Oro OPENS ON SUNDAY

7 Oct, 2022, No comments

CAGAYAN de Oro City-- Youth basketball is formally back in this City of Golden Friendship as the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) elimination fires off on Sunday at Barangay Macasandig gymnasium.

The organizer Arvin Martinez said NBTC has welcomed club teams this time after two years of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cagayan de Oro NBTC organizer Arvin Martinez
He added that the tournament will be for boys born 2004 and above. A total of 16 school and club teams from all over the city have singed up to join the tournament.
They will compete for a lone slot for the regional elimination set in December before the Christmas holidays.

Teams joining are Jazz Julo (MOGCHS), MLT Gamba (XU College), Bien Sports Tailoring (Liceo de Cagayan), Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School, EJ's Tailoring (Pilgrim Christian College), Mun of Talakag, Basoy Petroleum, PJT Sealcor Knights (Corpus Christi School), Rhilap'z Ballgame, Merry Child School, Cezar Ballers, Southern Philippines College, Dominique Chicken Trading (Indahag National High School), Bagong Lipunan / Star Ads, Prime Land Realty, and Kong Hua School.

Martinez said they have allowed club-teams this year because many school-teams have yet to form their teams.

One school which signified not to join this year is 2019 CdO champion Assumption Montessori School (AMS) of Balulang.

AMS owner Jorey Alfaro confirmed they could not join the tournament this year as they want to abide by the order of the Department of Education not to allow sports activities for the schools.

"We are just right now following DepEd's guidelines of NO Outdoor competition. That is why there is no scheduled Palarong Pambansa for this year. Mahirap na ma sanction sa DepEd. It’s a big risk," Alfaro said.

AMS has retained their long-time coach James Racines, one of the young outstanding coaches in the city.

Racines has led AMS to four regional championships and one Division 2 National Championship.

He worked as assistant coach for San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) for a while and brought to the Stags Rommel Calahat who is now a stalwart for SSC-R in the ongoing NCAA.
Former AMS Jaguars forward Rommel Calahat is a product of NBTC Cagayan de Oro.
The absence of AMS in this year's CdO NBTC elimination tournament has opened wide the competition among local teams.

Despite of their absence, Alfaro maintained that they have kept their sports program.
"Our sports program has been there always even during the pandemic. Meaning we have enrolled varsities right now," he said.

A total of 16 teams will compete here in the NBTC Regional qualifying tournament in December.

The teams will come from Bislig City,, Surigao City, Butuan City, Bayugan City, Cagayan de Oro City, El Salvador City, Malaybalay City, Province of Bukidnon, Marawi City, Misamis Occidental, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga City and Iligan City.

Top team will qualify to the National Finals which will be held at the MOA arena next year.

They will compete against International NBTC Teams and against champions from UAAP, NCAA, MMBL and other NCR Big Leagues High School Champions. (Jack Biantan)
Coaches and organizers meet at the office of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy.

Zamboanga City To Host U19 Vis-Min Championship

10 Aug, 2022, No comments

By Jack Biantan

CAGAYAN de Oro City — Zamboanga Sulu Tawi-tawi Regional FA (ZAMBASULTAFA) is hosting the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) U19 Boys National Championship 2nd Division Vis-Min National Group Stage 2022 on Aug. 22-27.

The PFF Competitions committee has confirmed that the ZAMBASULTAFA has been granted the privilege to host the weeklong competition.

Three match days are set on Aug. 23, 25, and 27 among teams which advanced from in their own group stages in Visayas and Mindanao.

Competing teams are host ZAMBASULTAFA, Camiguin-Misamis Oriental Regional FA, Central Visayas RFA, and Golden Davao RFA.

The tournament will be held at the newly refurbished Juan Enrquez Memorial Sports Complex (JEMSC).

The Zamboanga City LGU has just recently laid out an artificial turf to the football pitch to replace the natural grass.

There used to be a baseball diamond in the middle of the track oval in the old JEMSC and a separate football pitch at the left side facing the main grandstand.

However, the baseball diamond was replaced by a football pitch and a building was built on the old football pitch.

No less than Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipa has inspected the pitch with ZAMBASULTA president Dr. Justin Paber and General Secretary Atty. Wendel Sotto.

Mayor John Dalipa is leading the organizational set up of the hosting. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) led by U19 tournament manager Warren Concepcion are traveling to Zamboanga this week to finalize the preparation.

Contributed Photo

Iligan-Lanao RFA accepts challenge to host Reg’l U19 eliminations on Jun 18-22

4 Jun, 2022, No comments

By Jack Biantan

The Iligan-Lanao Regional Football Association (ILRFA) has accepted the challenge to host Group F of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Boys U19 2022 Regional competition on June 18-22 at the Mindanao Civic Center in Baroy, Lanao del Norte.

According to ILRFA president Percy Olandesca, they have to thank Lanao del Norte governor Angging Gibranza Dimaporo for allowing them to use the sprawling MCC after Ozamis RFA and Pagadian begged off.

“The PFF wanted Ozamis to host the elimination but the local FA begged off. Then they asked Pagadian of the Zamboanga del Sur-Sibugay RFA. They also begged off because their pitch is not ready,” he said.

He added that he accepted the challenge for the ILRFA to host the tournament and did not waste time to ask permission from the Lanao del Norte LGU for the use of the Mindanao Civic Center. Another challenge came as MCC was used as a quarantine facility for COVID patients during the pandemic last year.

The problem was solved when the Lanao LGU through the efforts of governor Dimaporo and tournament commissioner Peter Laurence Legaspi disinfected the place and prepared the venue for the hosting.

MCC is now ready and the ILRFA cannot wait to host a national competition after many years. MCC was the venue of the Palarong Pambansa in 1996 when Lanao del Norte hosted the annual sports extravaganza.

Team coach Amor Tapion, an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Class B coach, is also positive that his players can do well against teams from Zamboanga Basilan Sulu Tawi-tawi Regional FA, Pagadian Zamboanga del Sur Sibugay Regional FA, and Misamis Occidental Ozamis Regional FA.

“The players were selected from various schools and clubs from the different provinces. The boys are hungry for success. They want to win and they play hard,’’ coach Amor said.

He also thanked the ILRFA president Percy Olandesca for the opportunity given to him to coach the team.

“The ILRFA has supported us 100 per cent. From Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur to Iligan they have supported us. Thanks to them specially our president,’’ he added.

Coach Amor also named the players. They are 1. Abasolo, Jaybe J., 2.Ali, Jhinno C., 3. Bargamento, Rome Vaulghin Y., 4. Bargamento, Shayne Milhaud Y., 5. Catalan, Rafael Onelle S. , 6. Chavez, Jett Ivan M., 7. Cuares, Aleksey Gabriel T., 8. Filosopo, Alexis Lawrence G., 9. Glodove, Carlos Leonard P., 10. Isola. Art Rey F., 11. Lara, Jose Lorenzo, 12. Nayawan Ihraghel G., 13. Lonoy, Dean Nicholie C., 14. Macabato, Jeffats, 15. Montecino, Angelio F, 16. Musa, Ashraf S., 17. Hinoo Micheal, 18. Quidlat, Adrienne Joshua V., 19. Rubio, Naethan Lenard O., 20. Sibla, James Andrew B., 21. Gaspar Allan , 22. Tam, Sean Maurice G. 23. Vicente, July S. , 24. Vicera, Cesar John G., Head coach - Amor Jun Tapi-on

Assistant coach - Monico dela Cruz Jr, Sub asst- Peter Legazpi, Medical Staff: Jimson Malolot and Carlo Navales, Admin: Ace Masilang. ILRFA Pres. Percy Olandesca, Team Technical Consultant Consor Manreza. ([email protected])

Iligan Lanao Regional Football Association (ILRFA) Boys U19 team prepare for the Group F elimination tournament which is set on June 18-22. Supplied Photo

CMORFA to host Nat’l Boys U19 regional tourney on June 24-28

31 May, 2022, No comments

By Jack Biantan

CAGAYAN de Oro City - The Camiguin-Misamis Oriental Regional Football Association (CMORFA) is set to host the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Boys U19 Championship 2022 regional tournament on June 24-28, at the Misamis Oriental Integrated Sports Center (MOISC), formerly the Pelaez Sports Complex.

The tournament will be CMORFA’s biggest project so far since age group football competition has gone back after more than two years of absence due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

CMORFA president Mike Batiles took the challenge of hosting three other teams from Group G Agusan del Sur-Surigao del Sur RFA (AGSURRFA); Butuan-Agusan del Norte FA (BANFA); and Surigao de Norte and Dinagat Island RFA (SNADIRFA).

Originally, the AGSURRFA was supposed to host this elimination tournament but because of the travel distance, the PFF decided to move the tournament here in Cagayan de Oro.

The competition will be a single round-robin with the top team advancing to the National Group Stage which will be hosted by the PFF probably at the PFF training center in Carmona, Cavite.

The Group G winner will play against the top teams from the 2nd Division teams.

Other 2nd Division teams are Group A-Central Luzon FA, United City FC, Palawan FA, and Pangasinan, Group B-MIMAROPA RFA, RFA of Camarines Norte, Central Bicol RFA, Albay-Catanduanez RFA, Group C-Cavite FA, FA of Rizal, Quezon-Batangas FA, Stallion FC, Kaya FC, Group D-Central Visayas RFA, Eastern Visayas RFA, Negros Oriental-Siquijor RFA, Group E-Maguindanao RFA, Sultan Kudarat RFA, North Davao RFA, Golden Davao RFA, Bukidnon FA, Group F-Iligan-Lanao RFA, Zamboanga-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi FA, Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur Sibugay RFA, and Misamis Occidental-Ozamis FA, Group H-Bukidnon FA, Maguindanao RFA, Sultan Kudarat RFA, Golden Davao RFA, and North Davao RFA.

The 1st Division teams are Group A (Luzon), National Capital Region FA, Negros Occidental FA, Laguna Cavite FA, Laguna Cavite FA, South East Luzon Masbate RFA, Cordillera FA, Group B (Mindanao) Davao South RFA, Mount Apo RFA, Iloulo FA, Zamboanga de Norter-Dipolog FA, and SOCSARGEN RFA.

The qualifiers in both divisions will play a single round-robin tournament in the National Stage Group. The top two teams in both divisions will then advance to the battle for 3rd Place and championship match, which is a single match knockout to be played in the same venue.

This tournament is designed to strengthen age group teams of the PFF which would later be developed to play for the national senior team.

Top players will be selected to form the national U19 team. After this, other national age group competitions are lined-up like the National Boys U16 and the National Girls U18. ([email protected])

CMORFA president Mike Batiles

2nd RB Potot Memorial Team chessfest tomorrow at Ketkai

22 Apr, 2022, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

Another big chess over-the-board (OBT) tournament will get underway tomorrow, April 23 at the Atrium of the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City.

Dubbed as the 2nd RB Potot Memorial Team Tatluhan and Individual Chess Tournament, it guarantees a strong cast with P30,000 and P6,000 top purses up for grabs with trophies.

The two-day chessfest will be played in a seven-round Swiss System format with 15 minutes and 5-second increment time control for the tatluhan team rivalry.

Last March, the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates made up of Lennon Hart Salgados, Christian Arroyo and Abner Cantonjos went on to pocket the P50,000 first prize of the Cagayan de Oro-LGU Tatluhan held at same venue.

"Pero bisan dili available ilang (Surigao) team karon, the Dr Ariel Potot-backed Memorial tourney is going to be a sure-fire hit kay daghan na mga kusog nga sayo nagpalista," said Team Oro Higalas regular mainstay Jaime Joshua Frias II.

Among the early birds in the individual masters challenge are National Master Zulfikar Sali of Zamboanga City, Fide Master Victor Bruce Lluch of Iligan City, Allan Cantonjos of Gingoog City, Engr Rocky Rocamora of Tanjay, Negros Oriental and Johnnel Balquin of Cagayan de Oro.

MEMORIAL CHESS TOURNEY. Honorary National Master, Dr Ariel Potot will do the ceremonial moves tomorrow along with Judge Rene Arroyo. (Photo by Lynde Salgados)

It could be Sultan's luck to fight Butler as sub after Casimero's disqualification

22 Apr, 2022, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

In a bizarre development, John Riel Casimero will be replaced by fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan

in fighting British Paul Butler for the Interim World Boxing Organization bantamweight title on April 23 in Liverpool, England.

This, after the WBO bantamweight champion Casimero was denied permission to fight by the British Boxing Board of Control after he allegedly violated their medical procedures for using a sauna to cut weight.

While the WBO Championship Committee granted sanctioning approval of Interim bantamweight title bout between Inter-Continental titlist Sultan and mandatory challenger Butler, Casimero has been directed to "Show Cause" within the next 48 hours as to why the WBO World Bantamweight Championship Crown shall not be declared (Vacant) for the second time around.

"What had been happening to him being denied twice is very unusual. And they can't blame us (loyal fans) for suspecting that they're just desperately trying to avoid our hometown hero," said a disappointed Jonas Juntilla, Casimero's neighbor in Ormoc City.

But Cagayan de Oro's on-call boxing trainer Jay Buot believes that Casimero's flamboyant antics had something to do with his recent troubles.

"He's a loose cannon and he probably deserves it," Buot chimes in.

Casimero and Butler had been originally booked to fight last December in Dubai.

However, Casimero withdrew from the fight prior to the weigh-in, citing viral gastritis.

Already, Sultan's local outfit back home--the Zamboanga Valientes--bashed in welcoming the unexpected development, posting on its Faceball Page "Let's Go for Gold MLV boxer Jonas Sultan! Up Viva Promotions! Up Zamboanga! Long Live The Brave!"

The 31-year-old Sultan (18-5, 11 knockouts) from Zamboanga del Norte,

who is handled by MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons, is ranked no. 4 by the WBO.

His last bout was by way of upstaging the previously unbeaten Carlos Caraballo in October.

Sultan's resume also includes a decision win over Casimero in 2017, and a defeat in his only world title chance in 2018, via a unanimous decision shortfall at the hands of another Filipino Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF junior bantamweight belt.

Having the opportunity to face Butler could be a pure luck for Sultan.

Boxing journalist Ryan Songalia noted that "he was at the right place at the right time" when misfortune apparently hit Casimero anew.

Sultan had been in the United Kingdom for a week, hoping to fight in the undercard of the aborted Casimero-Butler tussle at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

SULTAN vs BUTLER. (Photo courtesy of Zamboanga Valientes MLV)

Alex Eala wins second pro title

21 Apr, 2022, No comments

Filipina tennis sensation and Globe ambassador Alex Eala captured her second pro title after winning the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Chiang Rai with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Thai netter Luksika Kumkhum on Sunday at the Chiang Rai Sports Center in Thailand.

This title is Eala's second pro crown and comes a little over a year after she captured her first one at the W15 Manacor in Spain.

Kumkhum put Eala on her heels early, breaking the Filipina's serve in the match's very first game. However, Eala was not fazed and broke her opponent's serve in the next game to tie it at 1-1.

Later in the set, Kumkhum had the inside track on breaking Eala's serve as she led 40-15 with the game tied at 4-4. But Eala was relentless, staving off the double break point to eventually take the game and the lead, 5-4. Eala pounced on Kumkhum in the next game to take the set, 6-4.

The second set was all Eala's as she zoomed off to a 4-1 lead and never let up to defeat Kumkhum, who was once ranked no. 66 in the world.

'Balingoan boy' Vera Cruz makes noise in Iligan chess

12 Apr, 2022, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

The recently-held Araw ng Kagitingan 2022 chessfest in Iligan City won by Manila-based Fide Master David Elorta was also another triumphant journey for Misamis Oriental lad Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz.

Only 10-year-old, the Balingoan town native Vera Cruz pulled out some upset wins in the nine-round Swiss System event to finish above 50 percent performance with his 5.5-point total that earned for him the citation as best 14-under performer.

The gifted child started his campaign against older opponents by scoring a monumental upset against National Master Jerry Areque, who played board one for Manila Indios Bravos in the 2022 All-Filipino Conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines.

"Beating Areque is not an easy task even by seasoned chess masters in the land kay gahi nga player sa Manila," exclaimed arbiter Lorenzo 'Jun' Cuizon.

And to prove that his feat was no fluke, Vera Cruz followed it up by besting the top Iligan non-master Bobby Balabagan in the second round.

"I was there in Iligan. And though late na ko nakaadto i heard it all about the kid's dramatic conquest," said Cagayan de Oro's elite chess trainer Jaime Joshua Frias II.

Early last month, Vera Cruz also made noise when he played alongside Paciano Gulle to rule the 70th Araw Ng Balingoan Open 'Dalawahan' Chess Team Tournament in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.

Local chess officials have seen the talent of Vera Cruz, considered as the future heir apparent of the Inobulan, Salay pride Richelieu 'Jongjong' Salcedo III, who showed potential as a child and quickly blossomed into becoming a full-fledged International Master, and now enlisted personnel of the Philippine Air Force.

WONDER BOY. 10-year-old Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz of Balingoan town is seen as the next chess master of Misamis Oriental province. (Photo courtesy of Mindanao Chess Files)

Surigao off to rousing start in Sara Duterte online chess

11 Apr, 2022, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

The Surigao Diamond Knights Chess Club was off to a rousing start in the Philippine Chess League (PCL) Season 3 Mayor Sara Duterte Online Chess Tournament virtually held at lichess.com platform, over the weekend.

Newcomer in former UAAP stalwart Kevin Mirano topscored with 12 points, while the troika of lawyers Cliburn Anthony Orbe, Melzar Galicia and Jason Bandal came up with a combined 22 to spark Surigao's 131-point finish ahead of MindMovers.Ph Chess Club (100 points), Dipolog City Chess Association (97 points), Malolos City Chess Club (94 points) and Malaybalay City Chess Club (93 points) in Bracket D.

"I have good background of these lawyers nga pang master caliber ilang strength maong gi-aghat ko gyod nga makatampo sa among team," said AGM Rey Urbiztondo, a newly-minted Honorary National Master, who added 8 points for the team's civic group output.

Adrian Perez, another new recruit, scored 11 points along with Rodney Opada's

10 and Alexis Maribao's 8 for Surigao's impressive start.

During the opening's ceremonial rites, Urbiztondo, who is the league's vice president, acknowledged the tremendous activity of chess worldwide despite the prevailing pandemic.

"When the other sports are frozen, chess can still be played online where players can compete right at their respective homes observing health protocols," said Urbiztondo, who also owns the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates being supported by Rep. Robert Ace Barbers-- through Engr Dodjie Morales as team manager --in the elite Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP).

The PCL online team tourney has a time control of 10 minutes with 2 seconds increment where the players can play in as many games within one and a half hour period.

The top 2 teams in each group after a total of eight preliminary episodes will advance to the quarterfinals.

AGM Rey Urbiztondo, at right opposite Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, finally receives his honorary master chess certificate from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines. (Photos courtesy of Mindanao Chess Files)

Mindanao pride Marcial survives 3 knockdowns

11 Apr, 2022, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

FILIPINO Eumir Marcial on Sunday, April 10 (Philippine time) pulled out an epic comeback in his first professional boxing fight under the glare of Las Vegas, but his three knockdowns was a cause of concern for his massive fans here and abroad.

The Olympics bronze medalist Marcial, after hitting the canvas in the opener and twice in the second round, managed to regain his composure and scored a controversial stoppage over the towering American Isiah Hart in fourth of the six-rounder middleweight tussle.

With the Zamboanga native Marcial pummeling his unheralded foe, the referee ruled a standing knockout 47 seconds into the fourth round that drew a protest in vain from the corner of the wobbled but yet unyielding Hart.

"There might be something bad to happen if the referee did not stop it as the American appeared to be groggy. But the three knockdowns especially the first one when Eumir was hit with a crackling right to the jaw was a bit alarming," said former Olympian Roberto Jalnaiz, who is now based in Long Beach, California.

"Eumir has to religiously work hard back in the gym to be strong as suffering from some knockdowns early of one boxer's professional career may not be a good sign. It's a great warning for him that there's still a lot of work and sacrifices to be done," said Jalnaiz.

It was only Marcial's second-straight professional fight win since completely dominating Andrew Whitfield in four rounds in December, 2020 in Los Angeles.

Marcial's Kagay-anon father-in-law Reynaldo Galarpe, who is also a boxing trainer and promoter back home, acknowledged that the Tokyo Olympics fighter has to seriously develop his defensive arsenal.

"There's no room for complacency in pro-boxing. You cannot afford to lower your guards down and give the opponent an opening to attack," said Galarpe, who was in Marcial's corner.

"There's a great lesson in those knockdowns that Eumir can take to his advantage in his next fights. A sort of baptism of fire that he won't ever forget."

The 26-year-old Marcial was stiff and sloppy right from the get-go, thus allowing Hart to deck him with a right straight that he barely survived.

Marcial lost his timing in attacking Hart in the second frame that saw him stumbling twice again on the floor after absorbing a right and left counter swings.

The voice of Marcial's wife Princess hollered from the crowd, prodding him to be always 'alert' and just play his natural game entering the third round.

Amusingly, that was all Marcial needed as he found his rhytmn with aggression en route to orchestrating a spirited comeback and withstanding the scare of a lifetime that dropped Hart to 6-3-1 win-loss-draw record, including 4 knockouts.

Netizens from around the globe quickly took to the boxer's Facebook Page in congratulating Marcial along with some piece of advice.

One Alan Palma wrote: "Eumir Marcial you have a big heart of a Pinoy warrior . Hope to see you improving and taking the big fight in your division. Well done Eumir."

Another one Carlo Tungol cautioned: "Improve on (your) footwork to be not a steady target, laterals and head movement plus speed..all in all you have a good heart and tremendous courage..keep on improving...salute!"

FILIPINO Eumir Marcial survives 3 knockdowns to stop American Isiah Hart in fourth of a six-rounder middleweight duke-out. (Photo courtesy of Eumir Marcial's Facebook Page)

Mindanao bets to vie in 'Asenso Pinoy' chess tilt

7 Apr, 2022, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

Around P20,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs in another online chess tourney that welcomes the participation of the leading chess masters in the country.

Dubbed as "Asenso Pinoy Open Blitz Chess Championship," it will be slated on April 16-17 via chess.com platform.

"The chess community would always welcome events like this nga makatabang sa mga chess players nga maka-income pina-agi sa mga pa-premyo kay lisod ang panahon karon," said Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo.

"Pabor gyod ang online chess malikay kita sa peligro nga virus kay ang intetesado maka-participate man bisan anaa ra sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka panimalay."

With no registration, the elimination games will be held on the first day to select the top-20 performers that will play in the championship round on the second day along with the seeded titled players.

Among those who signified participation from the master ranks are Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus and National Masters Christian Gian Karlo Arca, Jonathan Tan and Alexander Lupian from Davao City.

FM Vince Alaan and Cyrus Donasco from Surigao are also in the list alongside NM Levi Mercado and 13-year-old Woman National Master Ruelle Canino from Cagayan de Oro City and NM Zulfikar Sali from Zamboanga City.

"Asenso Pinoy acknowledges more support for sports development and it chooses chess as one of the best and old sports disciplines. With the proliferation of online chess games, it is but fitting to have an online individual chess championship while everyone is still observing the pandemic protocols imposed by the government. The players can play and are encouraged to participate while in their homes," said tournament director NM Henry Roger Lopez, who will be assisted by National Arbiter Ely Acas in running the show.

The champion will go home P8,000-richer with the second and third placers out to receive P4,000 and P2,000 each. The fourth and fifth finishers will get P1,000 and P500 apiece. Sixth to 10th placers will pocket P300 each, while the 11th up to 20th placers will bring home P200 each.

The rest of the top-30 finishers will settle for P100 apiece.

LOCAL GIRL. Cagayan de Oro's 13-year-old Woman National Master Ruelle 'Tawing' Canino will try her luck in the blitz event barring unforeseen glitches. (Photo courtesy of NCFP)

Mayor Sara Duterte Online Chess Challenge attracts 22 teams around the country

6 Apr, 2022, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

At least five teams from Mindanao will duel it out in the Philippine Chess League (PCL) Season 3 dubbed as "Mayor Sara Duterte Online Challenge" which will unfurl on Friday, April 8 at 8 pm via lichess.com.

Surigao, Davao, Zamboanga, Malaybalay and Dipolog will be among the 22 teams contesting in the amateur league, featuring top talents around the country including those who regularly compete in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines.

"The PCL, as an amateur league, and PCAP as the country's first professional league, will benefit from each other with the same goal of harnessing the talents of Filipino woodpushers down to the grassroots level," said Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, who owns PCAP's Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates and PCL's Surigao Diamond Knights.

Still, the Chessmis TV Chess Team will be the title favorite again in Season 3's online challenge which gets the full support of Mayor Sara Duterte that encourages the participation of newcomer Davao Durianburg as a solid team entry.

"I think these three teams (Chessmis TV, Surigao, Davao) will vie strongly for the top honors as they're all star-studded," said US Master and sportswriter Marlon Bernardino.

With the guidance of Engineers Billy Joe Ereno and Jeson Bolando, the Chessmis TV had further solidified its roster with the addition of

Sherwin Tiu joining forces with Anatoly Pascua, AGM Julius Ablin, Jayson Salubre, Jimmy Dano, Apollo Agapay, coach Nazario Ubanan, team captain Junmark Baldesimo and team manager John Percival Chua, among others.

Anchored by PCAP teammates Lennon Hart Salgados, Alfred Rapanot and last season's PCL MVP Mariel Batulan Romero, Surigao team will be reinforced by former UAAP stars

Kevin Mirano, Adrian Perez and Alexis Mirabao alongside the three strong-playing lawyers Cliburn Anthony Orbe, Melzar Galicia and Jason Bandal as well as Dr Wil Maghanoy from Iligan City.

The Davao Durianburg, skippered by Atty. Jong Guevarra, will also be parading top non masters in the region such as Ariel Aton and Anthony Mosqueda who are mainstays of the Davao Chess Eagles that made it to the division finals of the ongoing PCAP 2022 All-Filipino Conference.

NEWCOMER Davao Durianburg will be skippered by lawyer Jong Guevarra Jr in their quest for honors in PCL Season 3 chessfest. (Photo courtesy of Mindanao Chess Files)

CMORFA STARTS BUILD-UP FOR NATIONAL U19 CHAMPIONSHIPS

28 Mar, 2022, No comments

By Jack Biantan

THE Camiguin-Misamis Oriental Football Association (CMORFA) is slowly but surely assembling a powerhouse U19 football squad.

The team is being formed to hopefully compete in the National U19 Boys National Championship some time in May at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

A total of 21 of the best young footballers in the region, born 2003, showed up in the first day of trials held last Saturday, March 26 at the Pelaez Sports Complex at the center of Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) B licensed coach Ivan Caiña conducted the trials in the absence of newly-appointed coach Jerome dela Peña who was in Cebu for business.

Among those who showed up was the former National U16 Philippine team player Josh Go. He played for Rosevale School during his elementary days and Corpus Christi High School during his junior high school.

Go is now a graduating Grade-12 Senior High student at Lumbia National High School.

He was a member of the Northern Mindanao team that played in the elementary boys in the Palarong Pambansa in Albay in 2016. He is an all around player who could play up front, in the midfield or at the back.

Another footballer who showed up was goalkeeper Andre Ebuna of Corpus Christi High School. Ebuna trained for a month in Germany through the Allianz football program.

Josh Go’s four teammates in Albay, Lyle Dy, JL Cascara, John Gementiza and Raffy Rubio also showed up for the trials. Dy, a Grade-12 student at Rosevale School, is a scoring machine and plays attacking midfielder.

Cascara, also a Grade-12 student at Rosevale, is a shifty winger. He played for La Salle in Manila when he was in Grade 10 but moved back to Rosevale School when the Covid-19 pandemic started.

John Gementiza used to study at Rosevale but has transferred to University of Science and Technology of the Philippines (USTP) for his Senior High School.

Raffy Rubio was part of the Philippine National U16 training pool. He is now enrolled at Corpus Christi School.

Caiña thinks that the team once finalized has the potential to be competitive enough to advance to the National Stage Group.

“However, we have to work hard on our fitness and how we can be efficient with it because we only have 2-3 weeks of preparation for the Regional Group Stage,” he said.

CMORFA will compete in Group F of the 2nd Division with Butuan-Agusan del Norte RFA, Agusan del Sur-Surigao del Sur RFA, and Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island RFA. The regional competition is set tentatively on April 18 in Butuan City.

Completing the CMORFA who showed up for trials were midfielder Paulo Ladaga, defender Luigi Awayan, goalkeeper Rafael Reyes, midfielder Anthon Mendoza, goalkeeper Rommel Solis, winger Car Mabuhay, defender Ernesto Serioso, defender Gabriel Garrido, midfielder Lester Palarca, winger Kent Quieto, forward Nick Longganoy, defender Sheen Valdeo, winger Joh Salipnol, defender Christian Abad, and Kurt Tamabo.

Assisting Caiña during the tryouts were goalkeeping coach Lance Turrecha and young coach Dan Aquino. Another set of tryouts will be held on Friday evening at the same venue.

Head coach Jerome del Peña is expected to lead the trials. ([email protected])

Former National U16 team player Josh Go will lead the team. (Photo by Jack Biantan)

MisOr Lavs team captures MBGL title in Tagum City

22 Mar, 2022, No comments

By Jack Biantan

MisOr Lavs team leaned on their tight full court press to sweep Harvest House Life Giver-College of Southern Philippines of Davao and win the first ever Mindanao Basketball Grassroots League title in the Big 8 Corporate gym in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) of Cagayan de Oro manned team won the title when they dumped the Davao City based cagers in the best-of-three title series, 58-46, 86-56, to bring home the 18 and Under title.

“We applied full court and trapping defence all throughout and generated a lot of points from their turnovers to escape game one.” coach Jason Cagmat said.

He added that in the second match, Davao’s confidence collapsed as they failed to find a solution to their full court press making them to pull away and swept the series.

Cagmat then shared the victory to his assistant coach and trainer Patrick La Victoria who sacrificed a lot to prepare the players into shape.

“No body has broken our full court press as the players were in good shape. Thanks to our trainer Patrick for that.” he said.

Their three tiny guards Christian Cagas, Mark Herro Amper and Carlos John Barol were the thorns that brought down the school from Davao as their pesky defense contributed a total of 20 steals.

These steals caused turnovers and then en-route to mostly unmolested points that broke the backbone of the Davaoenos.

College of Southern Philippines tried to regain their composure with their high flying and high scoring guard Neil Poliquit.

But his efforts came to naught as he could not get support from his teammates.

Poliquit was no longer used in the second game as he suffered cramps allowing the MisOr boys to pull away with 30 points.

Chris John Dy, the 15-year old combo guard and big man Howell Dingal were also outstanding in the finals.

The MisOr kids pressure defense proved to be their killer move as they had an easy ride in the semis beating Palen Surveying from Davao del Norte 85-65 with shooting small forward Carlo Datangel shooting three 3-pointers, grabbing five rebounds and finishing with 15 points.

Their defense were also dominant in the elims, after they beat Tagum City 96-56 in the first game, then Basay Petroleum from Balingasag, MisOr., 108-62 and Harvest House Life Giver 91-71 in the third game to advance to the semis.

“We owe our success also to Mis Or. governor Bambi Emano for allowing us to use the MOGCHS facility to train and develop our players.’’ he said.

Coach Jason wishes to thank his players who have sacrificed just to join the tournament.

“We did not have sponsors. The players paid for themselves for our transportation from Cagayan de Oro to Davao and back. We also have to solicit from our friends for our food. But we are happy that our sacrifices have bear fruits.’’ he said.

Coach Jayson B. Cagmat, now a math teacher at MOGCHS and the school basketball coach since 2017, was a basketball Varsity player in high school for the Cagayan de Oro National High School where they were champions in different leagues in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.

He led MOGCHS to a silver finish in the Northern Mindanao Regional Meet 2019. They were the NBTC champions in Misamis Oriental 2020 and CDO basketball Championships 2020.

Here is the official line-up of the team which competed in Tagum. 1. John Carlos Barol, 2. Christian Cagas, 3. Mark Herro Amper, 4. Chris John Dy, 5. Mark Howell Dingal, 6. Christian Kerr Vasquez, 7. Wenjie John Butra, 8. Nazar James Novo, 9. Karl Anthony Barcelona, 10. Mikmik Sanoria, 11. Cyrus Andrei Ubay Ubay, 12. Jun Carlo Datangel, 13. Khemer Alagon, 14. Klein Zedrick Garcia, Head Coach : Jayson Cagmat, Asst Coach/Trainer: Patrick Lavictoria.

The Mindanao Basketball Grassroots League (MBGL) is a project of former Ginebra San Miguel player Rey Perez to give the young players of Mindanao a chance to develop their basketball talents and give them a platform to showcase their talents.([email protected])

STANDING (L-R) Coach Jayson Cagmat, Klein Zedrick Garcia, Cyrus Andrei Ubay-Ubay, Christian Kerr Vasquez, Nazar James Novo, Mikmik Sanoria, Jun Carlo Datangel, Karl Anthony Barcelona, and Wenjie Butra Lower KNEELING (L-R) Mark Herro Amper, John Carlos Barol, Christian Cagas, Chris John Dy, Ian Howell Dingal. (Supplied Photo)

DEPEd-7 to hold Lapu-Lapu Cup footie tilt

20 Mar, 2022, 1 comment

By Jack Biantan

THE Department of Education (DEPEd) Region 7, in cooperation with the Central Visayas Regional Football Association (CVRFA) and the Cebu City Government will hold a Palaro football bubble tournament dubbed as Lapulapu Cup next month at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Cebu City DepEd Sports Officer Francis Ramirez said that the different organizers have recently finalized the preparation for the tournament which is set on April 25-27 at the CCSC football field.

Two Cebu City teams, Don Bosco Technology Center, Abellana National School, Sacred Heart Boys School-Ateneo de Cebu from Mandaue City and Don Bosco Boys Home-Liloan National High School from Cebu Province will join the three-day bootfest.

According to Ramirez, the tournament is a pilot test for the onsite Palaro tournament for athletes born on 2003 and below.

The tournament was finalized during the meeting of the organizers in Cebu City and the inspection of the venue and the accommodations.

Among those who attended the meeting were Ramirez, DepEd Under Secretary Revee Escobido, DepEd Region 7 Director Sal Gimenez, and DepEd Region 7 Assistant Director Cristito Eco.

Palarong Pambansa Secretariat member Joel S. Erestain, Max Abalos, Edward Masukat, DepEd Palaro Football Manager Rufino Arellano, DepEd Palaro Referee In-Charge Dennis Estaniel, Central Visayas Regional Football Association (CVRFA) president Engr. Rodney Orale.and member of the organizing committee Archie Reyes were also present.

The tournament according to Ramirez will follow the COVID-19 protocols issued by the CEBU CITY Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) for COVID led by Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera. ([email protected])

ORGANIZERS: Lapu-Lapu Cup football tournament organizers recently finalized the tournament in Cebu City. (Supplied Photo)

Oro chess master powers Olongapo to hurdle PCAP's qualifying tourney

4 Oct, 2021, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

Cagayan de Oro pride, National Master Levi Mercado powered Olongapo Rainbow Team to the next stage of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) season-ending 3rd Conference.

This, after the Olongapo chessers--with NM Mercado manning the top-board--crushed Cavite, 15.5-5.5 in their last game assignnent on Saturday night to barely qualify, notching the last eight slot in the Northern division's own elimination round.

Olongapo and its penultimate round conqueror Cagayan province were actually tied at 2-7 win-loss slate behind San Juan (8-1), Laguna (8-1), Pasig (7-2), Manila (7-2), Isabela (4-5), Caloocan (3-6) and Rizal (3-6), but the former got lucky in the tiebreaker to also advance for the first time.

"We're actually discouraged after losing to Cagayan earlier (10-11) maskin kulang wala ilang senior player sa board 4. But we chose to give it another try and focus in our last round fight," said Mercado, who was undefeated against Cagayan in both the blitz and rapid duels and yielded just a draw opposite Cavite's team skipper NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.

The now 50-something Mercado from barangay Patag gained chess prominence when he won the board one gold at the expense of GM and IM rivals during the 1999 national inter-cities tourney in Cagayan de Oro City.

It was also in that same event held at the Xavier Estate gym that Mercado obtained the master title from the then governing Philippine Chess Federation (PCF) under the late Art Borjal.

With Mercado facing a stiff challenge in the next level, featuring foreign teams from China, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, are his beleaguered teammates Joshua Bautista, Angel Orijuela, Andriano Valenzuela, Gefer Imbuido, NM Kim Kenneth Santos and Glenn Garcia.

The top-8 qualifiers in Southern division are Iloilo (10-0), Negros (8-2), Lapu Lapu (7-3), Surigao (7-3), Palawan (6-4), Toledo (5-5), Camarines (5-5) and Mindoro (3-7).

National Master Levi Mercado is seen here reviewing some of the latest chess variations on his laptop computer. ( Photo by Lynde Salgados)

Oro's Canino falls short to settle for team silver with Pinay chessers

29 Sep, 2021, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

Filipina chessers, led by newly-minted Woman National Master (WNM) Ruelle “Tawing” Canino of Cagayan de Oro, came up short and settled for a silver in the 14-under girls' team event competition of the three-day Eastern Asia Youth 2021 that was concluded on Sunday, September 26 with the powerhouse Vietnam winning all the marbles.

The 13-year-old Canino, who already contributed at least 15 golds to the country's cause from the international chess level, did not win the individual gold this time around.

But to her consolation, Canino - who dropped to sixth-place overall behind all Vietnam rivals that occupied first to fifth spots - did not lose to any of them who swept the team and individual golds with Ngoc Tuong Minh Thai (8 pts), Binh Vy Nguyen (7) and Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Le Cam Hien Nguyen (7) leading the charge for a total of 22 team points.

Canino (6.5) and her compatriots Kate Nicole Ordizo (6) and Angel Nheazy Nicole Po (4.5) amassed 17 points for the silver.

Mongolia's WCM Batsaikhan Enkhsaran (6), Khuslenzaya Baldanjantsan (5.5) and Erdenejargal Undarmaa (5) logged in an aggregate 16.5 points to get the bronze in the 30-country rivalry hosted by fourth-running Thailand (14.5 pts) via online format.

The multi-titled Canino, an incoming junior freshman at Manila's Far Eastern University (FEU) through its scholarship sports program, scored 4 wins, 2 losses and one draw in missing the individual medal circle.

"She survived against all Vietnamese rivals but lost to a Thailander and to her own Filipina teammate. But the good thing is Tawing could still compete in the 14-under bracket next year. She's only 13 years old," her trainer Jaime Joshua Frias II said.

"Top 6 is not bad. But it means more serious training to prepare our little Tawing for the next battle ahead," said her father Ruel.

Canino's mother Maria Gina said Tawing's older brother Ronald, who qualified in the 18-under boys category to also earn a national master title, will try to win honors for the country in the resumption of the Eastern Asia Youth 2021 event on October 1-3 along with two other Filipino wood pushers.

Newly-minted Woman National Master Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro scores 6.5 points to help the Philippine team's silver finish in the just-held Eastern Asia Youth 2021 chessfest. (Photo courtesy of the Canino family)

Aging boxing champions: Can Manny Pacquiao help them with a pension bill?

28 Sep, 2021, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

CAGAYAN de Oro's Rene Barrientos, among the three surviving oldest Filipino world boxing champions, issued a serious challenge to presidential bet Manny Pacquiao: better look after first on the sad plight of fellow boxing legends in the Philippines.

Barrientos came about with this matter following the announcement of the world's only eight-division champion to run as president, some weeks after the wife of former WBA flyweight titlist Bernabe Villacampo sent Barrientos a private message to seek help for his husband's depressing health condition.

"From their hometown in Toledo, Cebu, Bernabe's wife Edna had chatted with me on Facebook if i could give him the telephone number of Manny Pacquiao for possible help to his husband who is now bed-ridden after suffering from a stroke," Barrientos said.

Both Barrientos and Villacampo will turn 80 years old next year.

They're the only existing world champions left from the time of the legendary Gabriel 'Flash' Elorde alongside the now 76-year-old Erbito Salavarria, the WBA/WBC and Lineal flyweight king from Manila.

"Even I have no friendly contact with Manny that i could not give Bernabe's wife any assurance to relay about their present condition in Cebu," said Barrientos, who took the WBC super featherweight crown in 1969 after a unanimous decision win against American Ruben Navarro before the home crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

Barrientos, however, said that he and the rest of Philippine boxing's elite class are more concerned of the long-derailed "pension bill" for the forgotten Filipino boxing heroes whose number had dwindled to less than 20 based on the attendance of the last Banquet of Champions' tribute party initiated by the Elordes' family in Manila.

Barrientos said that the Pension Bill had already been discussed since the time of Pancho Villa, the first Asian and Filipino to win a world championship in 1923, up to Flash Elorde and the Manny Pacquiao eras--but to no avail.

Barrientos said the last time he checked, senator Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel had told him the Pension Bill had already been approved in the Congress but did not progress for finality during the time of the late Noynoy Aquino and, unfortunately, until now.

For a fighter like him who started with a paltry P10- fight prize as an amateur in Marvel, Cotabato and a "very degrading" P5,000 purse in winning the world title, Barrientos said he could always look up to Pacquiao as very lucky considering today's astronomical pay fight in boxing not to mention the sky's-the- limit pay per view sales.

"Actually, this is not for us who only have little time left in this world but boxing's future generation to not inherit our very sad condition. And Manny Pacquiao being the mega icon is the great influencer that can deliver the knockout punch for the long-desired pension bill to materialize, perhaps with the help of Koko Pimentel and other boxing-loving legislators," he said.

For licensed Northern Mindanao professional boxing promoter Carlo Antonio Almirante, who is a lawyer, it's hard to justify the said bill in the plenary as it will raise many questions like from other sports disciplines that may also demand for their athletes to be covered too.

"While both amateurs and professionals represent our country, amateurs play for the game not for the pay. Mostly, the professionals are forced to fight for the money. Ask senator Pacquiao why he is still fighting even at his age, the billion peso pay is always worth it," was Almirante's contention.

However, Barrientos insists that Filipino boxing heroes deserve to be compensated like what other countries do such as in Panama where retired champions are provided with house and lot, allowance and scholarship for their children in school "because we gave Filipino fightfans unending joy with our ring exploits".

With or without the presidency, Barrientos said the now 42-year-old Pacquiao--who lost his last title fight to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in a Vegas ring in August--can leave a true legacy by pushing through with the bill.

In the annually-held Banquet of Champions cum Flash Elorde Boxing Awards Night, Barrientos said one could witness the harrowing state of his boxing peers who would attend the ceremonies in zombie-like manner-- they could barely walk, owing to physical punishment they incurred atop the ring.

"As one of the wealthiest politicians, Pacquiao has what it takes to make our dreams come true. That would be the most perfect legacy for him as a human being," Barrientos said.

Cebuano's retired fighter Gerry Peñalosa, a two-weight division world champion, said the pension bill is a welcome development.

"It's not easy but possible, hope it will succeed as its a big help for us," said Peñalosa, a self-professed big fan of Barrientos, who used to beat his also boxer-father Carl in their heyday.

Peñalosa said he was aware of the Senate Bill orchestrated by Pacquiao, creating a Philippine Boxing and other Combat Sports Commission (PBC), but had only learned of the Pension Bill in Congress filed much earlier, which is more specific and beneficial to elite boxers like him.

Later asked for comments, Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Congressman Rufus Rodriguez said he's proud to have authored the bill. "I have always admired Barrientos since high school when he bacame champion.

I will do my best for the pension bill to become a law," Rodriguez said.

Manny Pacquiao Facebook

Mindanao chessers ring 'alarm bells'

27 Sep, 2021, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

It's time now to push the panic button.

The Mindanao chessers, bringing the name of the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, feel the need to do better in their next outings to avoid early elimination in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 2nd Conference hostilities.

This, after the Checkmaters slid to fifth from third place overall in Southern division after another 1-1 win-loss showing on Saturday against the Palawan Queen's Gambits and the Negros Kingsmen.

They will face the tough Toledo Trojans on Wednesday, September 29 after taking a bye in the 7 pm opener of the two-round per team online challenge via lichess.org.

"Only the top-8 teams from each of the Southern and Northern divisions will advance in the next level along with four foreign teams from China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. So, hindi pwede mag-relax," said Surigao team owner Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo in reminding the Checkmaters who made it to the quarterfinals in the imports-flavored 2nd Conference.

After a 7-14 setback to Negros and a 13-8 triumph over Palawan, the Checkmaters composed of National Master Jonathan Tan, Lennon Hart Salgados, Aubrey Gallardo, Fr. Vic Arellano, Fide Master Vince Alaan, Tyrone Alaan, AGM Urbiztondo and alternates NM Joey Florendo, Jessa Mae Lisondra, Joselito Serna and Rogelio Canoy will face the Toledo Trojans on Saturday around 8 p.m. with a "go or bust" approach.

Bannered by Rommel Ganzon, Richard Natividad and International Master Rico Mascariñas, the Trojans had similar 4-3 record with Surigao but occupies fourth due to superior tiebreaker results.

The Iloilo Kisela Knights, the 2nd Conference champion, and the Negros Kingsmen are tied at first place with a perfect 6 points each, followed by Lapu Lapu at 5-2.

The Northern division saw San Juan as solo pacesetter with also an immaculate 6-0 ledger.

Surigao team skipper, National Master Jonathan Tan (in the middle) delivers a perfect 3 of 3 performance against the Palawan Queen's Gambits. ( Mindanao Chess Files)

Oro's 'Tawing' Canino targets Asia Youth chess' top honor

24 Sep, 2021, No comments

By LYNDE SALGADOS

Cagayan de Oro's Ruelle 'Tawing' Canino, seen as one of the futures of Philippine chess, opens her campaign today at 2 p.m. in the Eastern Asia Youth 2021 hosted by Thailand via online format from September 24-26.

The 13-year-old Canino, Mindanao's youngest Woman National Master (WNM) who already brought home at least 15 gold medals from the international chess arena, spearheads the Philippines' bid in the Asia Youth virtual chess competition after ruling the country's selection event early this month.

In that qualifying stage, Canino was made to compete against male rivals in the 14-under boys category after noticing that she's the only female participant in her bracket.

And survive she did, edging fellow 6-pointer Juncin Estrella in the Bucholz tiebreaker, 28.5-25.5, for the crowning glory.

Canino's older brother Ronald also qualified after his third-place finish in the 18-under boys division.

All top-3 finishers in each bracket will advance to the Eastern Asia Youth chessfest, according to the organizing National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

For their feats, the Caninos were also conferred with the national master titles by NCFP chairman Prospero Pichay Jr., thus making little Tawing as Mindanao's youngest titled chess player.

"I think the titles have been long overdue especially for the younger Canino (Tawing) who already brought so much pride and honor to the country in the recent past," said the Canino siblings' chess trainer, Jaime Joshua Frias II.

Frias said the young female chess whiz already racked up a total of 10 golds in the ASEAN age-groups in Malaysia and Thailand plus 5 more gilts during the 2019 Asia Youth competition.

"A bright future awaits Tawing Canino. I hope she can sustain the momentum in the international level with the help of the NCFP," added Frias, a Dubai Open and Australian champion himself in the challenger division.

The Caninos' mother Maria Gina said her youngest daughter had just accepted a scholarship offer from Manila's Far Eastern University (FEU) for its junior chess varsity team.

"There's still so much to improve in all facets of her game, including the opening, middlegame and endgame. We would surely miss her but this is what's best for her future," the mother said.

She expects Filipina compatriot April Claros and a Mongolian qualifier to be her daughter's toughest tests in the Eastern Asia Youth rivalry.

The 13-year-old Canino left a legacy at the Kauswagan Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro where she graduated. While a student there, she won triple golds during the Mindanao elimination of the 2019 Batang Pinoy meet in Davao, and then she capped it with the national championship victory in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, that same year.

Cagayan de Oro's Ruelle “Tawing” Canino (at left) of Cagayan de Oro during her 2019 age-group chess conquest in Pattaya, Thailand. (Photo courtesy of the Canino family)