by Marlon Bernardino
James Padua won the Barangka Rapid Chess Tournament held 7th September 2025 at the Barangka Elementary School in Marikina City, Philippines.
Padua, tied for first place with John Narito at 6.0 points apiece. With the higher tiebreak points, Padua took the title while Narito finished second. Time control was 15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment per move for each player.
The Rapid chess tournament was organized by the Barangka Chess Club headed by its president Restie Roxas in cooperation with Marikina Chess Association President and Sportsman Johnny “Joel” Gaudia.
Anthony Avellaneda finished the tournament with 5.5 points for solo third place.
Rounding up the top 10 were Magnus Bragais (4th), John Poquiz (5th), James Vito (6th), Anthony Libramonte (7th), Lohan Yauder (8th), Diosado Balanlay (9th) and Warren Pajo (10th).
Adjudged category winners were Simone Esperanza (Top Lady), Diosdado Balanlay (Top Barangka), Magnus Braguis (Top Kiddie), Light Maranan (Top 2 Kiddie), Prince Cuario, (Top 3 Kiddie), Jeremy Esperanza (Top Lady Kiddie) and John Basiya (Top Barangka Kiddie).
Earlier, Marikina Chess Association President and Sportsman Johnny “Joel” Baylon Gaudia and Barangay Barangka SK chairwoman Nyra Alyza Calalin Centeno made the ceremonial moves ushering in the one-day event. Also gracing the tournament was Pastor Ranier Bonoan Pascual. -Marlon Bernardino-