The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IIEE) and Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers team of Quezon City (QC) Simba’s Tribe emerged as winner in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) season 5 All-Filipino Cup. The Simba’s team beat the Mindoro Tamaraws 16-5 and edged the Zamboanga Sultans 11.5-9.5.
In photo are: (seated from left) Atty. Rodolfo Enrique Rivera, NM Romeo Alcodia, Dennis Alain Lladoc, IIEE former National President Allan Anthony Alvarez, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., team owner Danilo Ponay and Samivin delos Santos. Standing at center is Rjhay E. Laurea II (Rjhay Gwapito), Quezon Councilor Doray Delarmente and other QC LGU members with IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad (with hat) and Freddie Talaboc (in QC team uniform).
All North Division teams won over their South Division counterparts except for a loss by Cagayan to Bacolod. San Juan Predator leads all teams with their clean slate of 9-0 going into the next round which will be played after the Holy week break on chess.com platform.
The Simba’s Trive team was led by NM Marc Christian Nazario and Norman Madriaga with their 4 victories on all games they played. All other players contributed to the double victory last April 5, 2025 namely lady board Manilyn Cabungcag, AIM Francis Talaboc, Kristian Paulo Cristobal, CM Joseph Navarro and team owner-senior board Danilo Ponay. Other members of the IIEE-PSME Simba’s tribe are Team captain and coach Michaela Concio, IIEE former National President Allan Anthony Alvarez, PSME former National President Roger Reyes, assistant managers Dennis Alain Lladoc and Samivin delos Santos.
Other players are IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, NM Jojo Aquino, NM Gerald Ferriol, NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., NM Robert Arellano,NM Romeo Alcodia, NM Nicomedes Alisangco, NM Alvin Alcala, CM Romy Fagon, Freddie Talaboc, Justine Corpin, Patrick Erle Florendo, CM Romy Fagon, Jellie Magro and Elizsa Gayle Cafirma.
The Simba’s Tribe is also currently pursuing GM Rogelio ‘Joey’ Antonio Jr. to be part of the team as senior and home grown player. GM Antonio together with IM Bagamasbad are currently in Australia to play for three tournaments while NM Bernardino will be representing QC in a Thailand tournament. -Marlon Bernardino-