(1388) MUSIC AND ME (April 20, 2017) DYAN CASTILLLEJO AND MARK NELSON IN PALAU -- 2004

I MISSED THE CHANCE TO HAVE DYAN CASTILLEJO SIGNED THIS PAGE OF MY JINGLE SONGBOOK IN SEPT. 2004.

     Dyan Castillejo and Mark Nelson, the hosts of ABS-CBN Sports Unlimited, visited Palau to shoot some segments of their show in Sept. 2004.
     They have dinner at Image Restaurant, where I am the pianist-DJ there for 13 years.
     During their dinner, the staff of Image Restaurant had a good time having photos with the 2 Philippine celebrities. I had some photos also with them and my wife Flor. I played for them some Filipino and international songs. 
    In the later part of their dinner, I have given Dyan the 4 video cassettes of "Chess in Palau 2002-2004" in which she said she will review for possible feature in Sports Unlimited.
    I featured them in the 92nd issue of Chess Mate:

Dyan Castillejo and Mark Nelson (seated), hosts of weekly Philippine TV Show Sports Unlimited, pose with Tia Belau chess columnist Roberto Hernandez and his wife Flor during a dinner at the Image Restaurant in Meyuns after three days of shooting in Palau.
                                                             (Contributed photo by Roberto Hernandez)

FIRST TIMER Dennis Gonzales got his baptism of fire in his first ever tournament games. He lost his first 4 games against Ivan II Chess Computer (twice), against Mariano Agustin, Jr. and vs. Jerry Sermeno.

Gonzales celebrated his birthday with 9 friends last Wednesday at Image Restaurant singing karaoke while having dinner and Roberto Hernandez is operating the karaoke while practicing with Ivan II.

Before they left, Gonzales approached Hernandez and said he is interested in joining the chess tournament that is one month away from concluding.

He was offered to participate in Class B and have to play at least 3 games every week. He said the first 2 games with Ivan II drained him to the fullest as he had the initiative in the first game but lost it eventually.

He was not able to play three other Class B players waiting in line -- Morton Sawaichi, top seed Jose Omega and Den Canaria.

In the other Class B game, Agustin, Jr. defeated Sermeno to share the lead with Ivan II who is still undefeated w/6 straight wins.

Agustin, Jr. now has a 6-3 win-loss record while Sermeno is 4-4.

In Class A division, Cyril Montel, Jr. suffered his 5th straight defeat from Hernandez in 39 moves of a Modern Defence. It seems Hernandez found a winning defense for Black as he won all of his games with the black pieces by using the Modern Defence against Jimmy Valenzuela and Ivan II.

Montel, Jr. later scored half point by drawing against defending champion Jess Toldoya who was a pawn ahead in queen and pawns endgame.

After Montel, Jr. recovered the pawn, Toldoya offered a draw as he was ready for a perpetual check.

In the last game of the day of the 2004 Open Chess tourney sponsored by Nestor Canaria held this Sunday, September 19, Valenzuela scored his first ever win over Ivan II Chess Computer in their Giocco Piano game.

He has now a 1-2-1 win-loss-draw record against the formidable machine and finished the tourney with a 4-2-2 slate. He is now a top candidate for at least 2nd runner-up depending on the results of Hernandez vs. Eddie Grefiel match on the 7th round and against Toldoya in the final round.

Toldoya (2-1-2) and Hernandez (4-2-0) are the two players who can catch up with Grefiel (5-0-1).

With the addition of another player in the Class B division, Hernandez has decided to add another trophy for Class B courtesy of Nestor Canaria, who is also donating $60.00 as cash prize for Class A ($30.00 for the champion, $20.00 for the first runner-up and $10.00 for the 2nd runner-up).

The additional $15.00 from Class A players for cash prize was cancelled and will be discussed before the next tournament.



Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
            Tia Belau Newspaper
            Pages 9-10
            Volume 13
            Issue 39
            September 24 - October 01, 2004

It was a few years later that I discovered that Dyan has been featured in a commercial of Soft-Dri Skin deodorant in one of my Jingle Songhits. If I had known it, I should have been asked her to sign it.

She's gone a long way now and has been to main figure in the broadcasting of all Manny Pacquiao's boxing matches.




Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
              Tia Belau Newspaper
              December 29, 2002 --May 31, 2017

              Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
              The Beginning of Chess in Palau
              By Roberto Hernandez
              Soon to be published as a book

              Music and Me by Roberto Hernandez
              Tia Belau Newspaper
              March 15, 2012 -- April 18, 2013
              http://palau-chess.blogspot.com
              April 25, 2013--May 31, 2017

              The History of Chess in Palau 
              By Roberto Hernandez
              June 09, 2002--May 31, 2017

(946) MANUEL TOPS BLITZ CHESS TILT (TBN-Sept. 17-24, 2004)

2003 OPEN Chess champion Menandro Manuel captured the 4th speed (blitz) chess tourney of the year, with a 4-1 win-loss record. The one-day tourney was held Sunday, September 12 after the conclusion of all regular games of the 2004 Open Chess Tournament held at Filco Thrift Mart in Malakal and sponsored and hosted by Nestor Canaria, who is also donating cash prizes for the top 3 finishers in Class A.

Manuel lost his first game against Eddie Grefiel but swept his last 4 opponents to win the half of the registration fee of $5.00 from each player. The other half was spent for the drinks of the other 5 participants. 

In the last game of the exciting and fun tourney, Roberto Hernandez (3-1) and Bong Alipoon (1-3) were in a complicated middle game and everybody were watching as the result would determine the champion.

If Hernandez would win, he will tie Manuel for the title but he missed a bishop sacrifice that would have won him the game. After further analyses by some players, the result was another blitz champ in 4 different occasions. 

Grefiel, Hernandez and Jimmy Valenzuela finished with identical 3-2 slates while Alipoon had 2-3 and Joel Azana was scoreless in five games.

In the 5th round of regular games, Grefiel, with a 5-0-1 win-loss-draw record, defeated Valenzuela (3-2-2) to solidify his hold of the lead with 5.5 points. 

Defending champion Jess Toldoya (2-1-1) clobbered Azana (1-4-1); Hernandez (3-2-0) took the measure of Ivan II Chess Computer (3-2-0) in 36 moves of Modern Defence and Alipoon (1-3-1) survived a mate in two and was lucky to beat Azana when the latter blundered away his queen with a d7 check instead of an f7 check.

In the Class B division, Ivan II Chess Computer (4-0) defeated Mariano Agustin, Jr. (4-3) and remains the only undefeated player in the field.

Agustin, Jr. later whipped newcomer Den Canaria (3-4) while top seed Jose Omega and another newcomer Jerry Sermeno were absent for different reasons.

Dyan Castillejo and Mark Nelson, two popular hosts of the Philippine weekly TV show "Sports Unlimited," were here in Palau for 3 days to shoot some scenes for their show. 

On Friday night, they had dinner at Image Restaurant with their cameramen and crew. All service staff of the restaurant had a field day with autographs and taking pictures.

           Dyan's sister, Jackie, sitting right, with Image staff at the back (L-R) Gladys, Flor and Nilda.
                                                       (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Dyan Castillejo, sitting left, with Image Restaurant staff (L-R) Alicia Medalla, Ma. Florida Hernandez, Gladys and 2 ladies in uniform of a tour company.              (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Before they left, Hernandez gave Dyan two copies of Tia Belau and a video (VHS Cassette tape) entitled "Chess in Palau 2002-2004)".

Sports Unlimited covers all kinds of sports and Dyan was interested to know that Filipinos started chess tournaments in Palau.

Dyan's sister, Jackie, likes music and requested Hernandez a song by Elvis Presley and later sang "This Masquerade" with him. 

THE MEETING WITH DYAN AND COMPANY WAS ANOTHER WAY TO PROMOTE CHESS WITH MINIMUM EXPENSE.

     

 Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
                 Tia Belau Newspaper
                  Pages 9-10
                  Volume 13
                  September 17-24, 2004

(554) PHOTOS (Sports Unlimited Crew In Palau)

From right, Benilda Raquinio, Ma. Florida Hernandez, Gladys, Palauan lady and the sister of Dyan Castillejo.

At the back, from left, Roberto Hernandez, Ma. Florida Hernandez

From left, standing, Alicia Medalla, Ma. Florida Hernandez, Gladys, ?
                      Sitting, Dyan Castillejo, ?

From right, Alicia Medalla, Ma. Florida Hernandez, ? sister of Dyan Castillejo, Benilda Raquinio, ?  Gladys.

Sitting, left, Dyan Castillejo and co-host Mark Nelson of ABS-CBN Sports Unlimited with Ma. Florida Hernandez, back - right and 2 employees of a Tour Company that guides the duo in shooting the episode of the weekly TV show.

(73) MANUEL TOPS BLITZ CHESS TILT (TBN-Sept. 17-24, 2004)

2003 OPEN Chess champion Menandro Manuel captured the 4th speed (blitz) chess tourney of the year, with a 4-1 win-loss record. The one-day tourney was held Sunday, September 12 after the conclusion of all regular games of the 2004 Open Chess Tournament held at Filco Thrift Mart in Malakal and sponsored and hosted by Nestor Canaria, who is also donating cash prizes for the top 3 finishers in Class A.

Manuel lost his first game against Eddie Grefiel but swept his last 4 opponents to win the half of the registration fee of $5.00 from each player. The other half was spent for the drinks of other 5 participants. 

In the last game of the exciting and fun tourney, Roberto Hernandez (3-1) and Bong Alipoon (1-3) were in a complicated middle game and everybody were watching as the result would determine the champion.

If Hernandez would win, he will tie Manuel for the title but he missed a bishop sacrifice that would have won him the game. After further analyses by some players, the result was another another blitz champ in 4 different occasions. 

Grefiel, Hernandez and Jimmy Valenzuela finished with identical 3-2 slates while Alipoon had 2-3 and Joel Azana was scoreless in five games.

In the 5th round of regular games, Grefiel, with a 5-0-1 win-loss-draw record, defeated Valenzuela (3-2-2) to solidify his hold of the lead with 5.5 points. 

Defending champion Jess Toldoya (2-1-1) clobbered Azana (1-4--1); Hernandez (3-2-0) took the measure of Ivan II Chess Computer (3-2-0) in 36 moves of Modern Defence and Alipoon (1-3-1) survived a mate in two and was lucky to beat Azana when the latter blundered away his queen with a d7 check instead of an f7 check.

In the Class B division, Ivan II Chess Computer (4-0) defeated Mariano Agustin, Jr. (4-3) and remains the only undefeated player in the field.

Agustin, Jr. later whipped newcomer Den Canaria (3-4) while top seed Jose Omega and another newcomer Jerry Sermeno were absent for different reasons.

Dyan Castillejo and Mark Nelson, two popular hosts of the Philippine weekly TV show "Sports Unlimited," were here in Palau for 3 days to shoot some scenes for their show. 

On Friday night, they had dinner at Image Restaurant with their cameramen and crew. All service staff of the restaurant had a field day with autographs and taking pictures.

Before they left, Hernandez gave Dyan two copies of Tia Belau and a video (VHS Cassette tape) entitled "Chess in Palau 2002-2004)".

Sports Unlimited covers all kinds of sports and Dyan was interested to know that Filipinos started chess tournaments in Palau.

Dyan's sister, Jackie, likes music and requested Hernandez a song by Elvis Presley and later sang "This Masquerade" with him. 

THE MEETING WITH DYAN AND COMPANY WAS ANOTHER WAY TO PROMOTE CHESS WITH MINIMUM EXPENSE.

     

 Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
                 Tia Belau Newspaper
                  Pages 9-10
                  Volume 13
                  September 17-24, 2004

(71) CHESSMATE 45-A BAPTISM OF FIRE

Dyan Castillejo and Mark Nelson (seated), hosts of weekly Philippine TV Show Sports Unlimited, pose with Tia Belau chess columnist Roberto Hernandez and his wife Flor during a dinner at the Image Restaurant in Meyuns after three days of shooting in Palau.
(Contributed photo by Roberto Hernandez)

FIRST TIMER Dennis Gonzales got his baptism of fire in his first ever tournament games. He lost his first 4 games against Ivan II Chess Computer (twice), against Mariano Agustin, Jr. and vs. Jerry Sermeno.

Gonzales celebrated his birthday with 9 friends last Wednesday at Image Restaurant singing karaoke while having dinner and Roberto Hernandez is operating the karaoke while practicing with Ivan II.

Before they left, Gonzales approached Hernandez and said he is interested in joining the chess tournament that is one month away from concluding.

He was offered to participate in Class B and have to play at least 3 games every week. He said the first 2 games with Ivan II drained him to the fullest as he had the initiative in the first game but lost it eventually.

He was not able to play three other Class B players waiting in line -- Morton Sawaichi, top seed Jose Omega and Den Canaria.

In the other Class B game, Agustin, Jr. defeated Sermeno to share the lead with Ivan II who is still undefeated w/6 straight wins.

Agustin, Jr. now has a 6-3 win-loss record while Sermeno is 4-4.

In Class A division, Cyril Montel, Jr. suffered his 5th straight defeat from Hernandez in 39 moves of a Modern Defence. It seems Hernandez found a winning defence for Black as he won all of his games with the black pieces by using the Modern Defence against Jimmy Valenzuela and Ivan II.

Montel, Jr. later scored half point by drawing against defending champion Jess Toldoya who was a pawn ahead in queen and pawns endgame.

After Montel, Jr. recovered the pawn, Toldoya offered a draw as he was ready for a perpetual check.

In the last game of the day of the 2004 Open Chess tourney sponsored by Nestor Canaria held this Sunday, September 19, Valenzuela scored his first ever win over Ivan II Chess Computer in their Giocco Piano game.

He has now a 1-2-1 win-loss-draw record against the formidable machine and finished the tourney with a 4-2-2 slate. He is now a top candidate for at least 2nd runner-up depending on the results of Hernandez vs. Eddie Grefiel match on the 7th round and against Toldoya in the final round.

Toldoya (2-1-2) and Hernandez (4-2-0) are the two players who can catch up with Grefiel (5-0-1).

With the addition of another player in the Class B division, Hernandez has decided to add another trophy for Class B courtesy of Nestor Canaria, who is also donating $60.00 as cash prize for Class A ($30.00 for the champion, $20.00 for the first runner-up and $10.00 fir tge 2nd runner-up).

The additional $15.00 from Class A players for cash prize was cancelled and will be discussed before the next tournament.



Source:
Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
September 24 - October 01, 2004

(70) Chessmate 44 MONTEL, JR., ALIPOON STRUGGLE