By Marlon Bernardino
John Lee Antonio emerged as champion of the Moonroast Cafe Rapid Chess Tournament held 28 September 2025 at the Tropang Chess Club headquarters in Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines.
Antonio (left) finished the 7-round Swiss system competition with an undefeated score of 6.0 points on account of 5 wins and 2 draws to clinch the title and the P1,200 cash prize in this 1-day event, organized by Pete Dadula and hosted by Fred Fernandez in cooperation with Francis Burt Magpili.
National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (left) and Ely Estabillo occupied the second to third spots with identical 5.5 points to receive P1,000 and P500, respectively.
Completing the top 14 were Denzel John Amar, Christian Roche Thompson, Rowenson Fabregas, NM Romeo Alcodia, Bernard Tenorio, Warren Luchavez III, Erick Spencer Valdez, Eldiberto Manalo, Edgar Panganiban, Arnold Renz Ramos and Neil Cribe.
Meanwhile, the most outstanding performers in their respective categories were Warren Luchavez (Best Poblacion Player), April Jylian Magpily (Best Female Player), Rod Sulit (Best Senior Player), Realy Esquivel and Zeus Caleb Buenavides (Best Kiddie Players). -Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings:
6.0 points John Lee
5.5 points NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Ely Estavillo
5.0 points Denzel John Amar, Christian Roche Thompson, Rowenson Fabregas
4.5 points NM Romeo Alcodia, Bernard Tenorio
4.0 points Warren Luchavez III, Erick Spencer Valdez, Eldiberto Manalo, Edgar Panganiban, Arnold Renz Ramos, Neil Cribe