The first Dan Jorda & IIEE-Bayanihan Chess Club FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament reels off 25 February at the Arton Strip Rockwell, Blue Ridge A, 226 Katipunan, Quezon City (Beside Conti’s), Philippines.
Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre (seated) and Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez
Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre will give the inspirational remarks, along with Carson, California based Danilo Jorda, Bayanihan Chess Club legal counsel lawyer Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera and Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez during the short opening ceremony starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 25.
Bayanihan Chess Club founding president National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. will make the welcome remarks while National Arbiter Ranier Pascual will introduce the guest speakers.
Leading the participants are reigning back-to-back Asian Senior (65 over category) champion IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, IM Barlo Nadera, IM Hamed Nouri, IM Angelo Young, FM Alekhine Nouri, FM Adrian Ros Pacis, FM Noel Dela Cruz and WFM Allaney Jia Doroy.
Others competing in the event, sponsored by New York based Engr. Gerry Gamaro, Sentro Artista Director Marjorie Ruiz, Engr. Art Maurera of Eurolux and Engr. Ervin Fernandez of Genikos are NM Jose Aquino Jr., NM Romeo Alcodia, NM Edmundo Gatus, NM Michael Gotel, NM Lorenzo Aaron Cantela and NM Oscar Joseph Cantela.
Other woodpushers participating are CM Genghis Imperial, Noel Jay Estacio, Vic Alfaro, Ronald Donasco, Julian Paul Querubin, Dionisio Urbina Jr., Evaristo Tizon, Seth Heherson Flores, Christine Alayon, John Michael Urbina, Juan Samson Cantela, Lee Santos, Anthony Bustonera, Arnel Espiritu Sr., Matthew Gunnar Gotel and Trustee Icao.
The event, hosted by IIEE and Bayanihan Chess Club, offers a total prize of P11,000 with the champion getting the lion’s share of P1,500 plus artwork painting worth P15,000 .