by Marlon Bernardino.
THE Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up Series dubbed as “Chess for a Cause” gets underway on May 29, 2021. FIDE Master Robert Suelo Jr. goes up against Dale Bernardo.
The Singapore based Suelo (in photo) gained attention after winning the 1996 Philippine Junior Championships and spearheading Rizal Technological University Mandalyong City to the over-all championships of the National Inter-Collegiate in the mid 90’s.
Bernardo, on the other hand was one of the mainstays of the UAAP Champion Far Eastern University chess team.
Race to 12 wins, Draws not counted in the battle between two of the country’s hottest woodpushers according to Bayanihan Chess Club president Arena Grandmaster Almario Bernardino.
“We are looking for sponsors for this match.” said AGM Bernardino, whose main aim is to raise funds for needy chess players.
Among the past beneficiaries of Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up Series are polio victim/ senior citizen and PWD Rondina Magtangol of Pateros, senior citizen and street vendor Mang Joe of Cubao, Quezon City, PWD and senior citizen Kuya Rolly of Cubao, Quezon City and another street vendor Richard Catindoy of Cubao, Quezon City.
Beneficiaries also include National Master Romeo Alcodia of Baras, Rizal, who suffered a mild stroke before the global pandemic, Alvin Gayeta Roma and Jollibee Oliva Sidaya and Langlang and Hope Icao of Rodriguez, Rizal, Stephen Manzanero and Eduardo Nival Campos of Caloocan, Andrew Elpedes of Makati and Gilbert Macutay of Pagadian City.
The Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up Series Chess For a Cause is being held in cooperation with Bethesda, Maryland, US based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas, Engr. Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas, Jubail, Saudi based Mr. Jimmy Reyes, Arena Master Mark Anthony Dulatre, Hardegen Family from Andrew, Kathryn, Zoe and Eva and Cruz Family from Jonas, Rosalyn and Jennifer, Auckland, New Zealand based Retired Capt. Jun Isaac, New York, USA based US master Rainier Labay, Ms. Carmina Joy Mariano, Mr. Zaldy Rigals Aliwaros, Mr. Juancho Caunte and coach Marguel Laborte Soria