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by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Jasper Concepcion Faeldonia of Espana, Manila won the Hybrid National Youth & Schools Chess Championships Under 17 division on Tornelo held June 10 to 13, 2021.
The 16 years old Faeldonia, a Grade 11 student of Arellano University under the guidance of coach NM Rudy Ibanez, won with 9.5 points on account of nine wins, one draw and one loss in 1 hour + 30 seconds increment Standard time control Single Round Robin format.
Thus, Faeldonia who hails from Odiongan, Romblon became the country’s newest National Master (NM).
Espana Chess Club head Engr. Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia had something to say to his son Jasper:
“NM Jasper Faeldonia, Champion in the National Youth & Schools Chess Championships Under 17. Awarded with a National Master Title, will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Asian Schools and Youth Chess Championship 2021. Creating history as the 1st Chess National Master from Odiongan, Romblon, and currently one of the youngest National Masters in the Philippines at the age of 16.”
The young Faeldonia’s big wins were against Jeremiah Luis Cruz of Malolos City, Bulacan in the first round, Carl Daluz of Bulan, Sorsogon in the second round, Jeremy Marticio of Cabuyao City, Laguna in the third round, Cassey Miguel Tabamo of El Salvador, Misamis Oriental in the fourth round, Janmly Dilan Tisado of General Trias City, Cavite in the seventh round, Justine Diego Mordido of Dasmarinas City, Cavite in the eight tound, Joshua Michael Yongco of Apalit, Pampanga in the ninth round and Robick Vohn Villa of Zamboanga City in the eleventh and final round.
He lost to Al-Basher “Basty” Buto of Cainta, Rizal/ Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur in the fifth round, then split the point with Jave Mareck Peteros of Cebu in the sixth round and got a bye in the tenth round.
The young Faeldonia’s local and international campaign was made possible by the undying support of Romblon Chess Club president DILG Director James F. Fadrilan, seven-time Philippine executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor, Odiongan Mayor Trina Firmalo, Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, Manila councilor Anton Capistrano, Dr. Johnah Dondon CG Galicia, Atty. Jing Galicia, Engr. Chris Fainsan, Ms. Grayzel Grey Shell Mabilog, Ma’am Melrose Flores Angeles, Mr. & Mrs. Romar Fortu, Joel Fradejas, Mr. Jimmel Faina Fabra, Mr. Bobby Tambalque Flores and Bayanihan Chess Club board of director Dodoy Kriz Villareal.
It shall be recalled in 2018 the young Faeldonia won the Under 14 National Age Group Chess Championships in Roxas City and was Co-Champion in the Under 14 Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships in Singapore.
Aside from NM Ibanez, other woodpushers who helped Jasper in his journey since the start of his campaign for the chess title were National Master Ernesto Absin, Dr. Jenny Mayor, National Master Marlon Bernardino, National Master Carlos Edgardo Garma, Clement Valledor, Fide Master Robert Suelo, and Metropolitan Chess Club under former olympian Woman National Master Mila Emperado, and his coaches in Milo Checkmate United States chess master Jojo Aquino and Fide Master Deniel Causo.
Final Standings: (Under 17 Boys division)
9.5 points—Jasper Concepcion Faeldonia (Manila/Odiongan, Romblon)
9 points— Jave Mareck Peteros (Cebu)
8 points—Al Basher Buto (Cainta, Rizal/Marawi City, Lanao del Sur)
7.5 points—Robick Vohn Villa (Zamboanga City)
6.5 points—Jeremy Marticio (Cabuyao City, Laguna)
6 points—Janmly Dilan Tisado (General Trias City, Cavite)
5.5 points—Justine Idego Mordido (Dasmarinas City, Cavite)
5 points—Carl Daluz (Bulan, Sorsogon)
4 points—Jeremiah Luis Cruz (Malolos City, Bulacan)
4 points—Cassey Miguel Tabamo ( El Salvador, Misamis Oriental)