(1446) TOP 100 PALAU CHESS POSTS PAGE VIEWS (Minimum 300 Views) As of Aug. 30, 2017 3:30 pm (386,639 Views)

THE POST "MARCOS AND HERNANDEZ FAMILY AFTER 3RD PIICC" IS ONLY 3RD SPOT IN THIS LIST, MORE THAN TRIPLE OF ALL-TIME BEST POST "CITIZENSHIP IN PALAU BY DMITRI VILLANUEVA".

                TOP 100 PALAU CHESS POSTS PAGE VIEWS (Minimum 300 Views)

                                  As of Aug. 30, 2017 3:30pm     286,639 Views

        Post No.                                        Title                                                                         Page Views

 1.  331     CITIZENSHIP IN PALAU by Dmitri Kyle Villanueva                                           3,572

 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/10/citizenship-in-palau-by-dmitri-kyle.html

 2.    42     PALAU CHESS FEDERATION Players/Names/Pictures     06/09/02-Present       1,455

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/02/palau-chess-federation-players-names.html

 3.  229     MARCOS AND HERNANDEZ FAMILY AFTER 3^rd PIICC                                1,178

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/07/marcos-hernandez-family-after-3rd-piicc.html

 4.  752     Palau Chess Fed. Members/Photos (Inc. Honorary) 06/09/02-Present                    1,029

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/04/palau-chess-federation-members.html

 5.  183     Bulgar (Expose) Newspaper Features 1^st PICC                                                       1,008

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/05/bulgar-expose-newspaper-features-1st.html

6.  151      2009 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship (Photos)                                                   896 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/05/2009-oceania-zonal-chess-championship.html

7.  574      PHOTOS (Opening Day –2013 Palau National Chess Championship                       887 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/photos-opening-day-2013-palau-national.html

8.  356      DID KASPAROV CHEAT J. POLGAR IN ’94?                                                        829 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/11/did-kasparov-cheat-polgar-in-94-tbn-apr.html

 9.  853                 WHAT DID WE DO TO WESLEY SO?                                                        772 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/10/what-did-we-do-to-wesley-so.html

10.      7    MARCOS, MANUEL – CO-CHAMPIONS OF 3^RD PIICC                                     686 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2011/12/marcos-manuel-co-champions-of-3rd-piicc.html

11.  772   PHOTOS (Roberto’s Family, Friends in Palau – 20 years ago)                                   657             http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/05/photos-robertos-family-friends-in-palau.html

12.  287   OPENING CEREMONY – ISTANBUL OLYMPIAD                                                655 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/opening-ceremony-istanbul-olympiad.html

13.  792   Palau Chess Team Itinerary (July 31-Aug. 15-Manila-London-Oslo-Tromso-

                                                                    Bodo-Oslo-Doha)                                                     646 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/06/palau-chess-team-itinerary-july-31.html

14.  444   1990 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP                                     638 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/03/1990-philippine-national-chess.html

15.  966   THE EVOLUTION OF ROBERTO HERNANDEZ BUSINESS CARD                   610 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-evolution-of-roberto-hernandez.html

16.    52   PALAU CHESS FEDERATION HAS 208 MEMBERS NOW                                  605 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/02/palau-chess-federation-has-208-members.html

17.  199   HOW DID PALAU BECOME FIDE MEMBER                                                       599 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-did-palau-become-fide-member.html

18.  723   GEOFFREY BORG, CASTO ABUNDO VISIT PALAU                                          560   http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/01/geoffrey-borg-casto-abundo-visit-palau.html

19.  256   4 PALAU CHESS TEAM MEMBERS GRANTED TURKISH VISA                      555 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/07/4-palau-chess-team-members-granted.html

20.   81   FIL-OZ LADY IS A CHAMP                                                                                      552

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/03/fil-oz-lady-is-champ-july-27-aug-02.html

21.  957   CHARTERED FLIGHTS REDUCED APRIL 15                                                       541 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/03/charter-flights-reduced-april-15-tbn.html

22.  308   Music & Me (9/27/12) My Music Experience with Former President

                                                          Tommy Remengesau, Jr.                                                    512 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/09/music-and-me-sept-27-my-music.html

23.  514   DRUMS LESSONS FOR MIKA TSUJI                                                                      511 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/05/music-and-me-may-23-2013-drums-lessons.html

24.  649   Jan. 2004 List of Top 50 Chess Players in Philippines                                                 510 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/january-2004-list-of-top-50-chess.html

25.  806   End of Era in Phil. Chess as Top GM Wesley So Says Goodbye                                 505 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/07/end-of-era-in-philippine-chess-as-top.html

26.  836   Music & Me (7/3/14) Recording 20 Palauan Songs with Alfonso Diaz                      505 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/10/music-and-me-july-03-2014-recording-20.html

27.  924   Music & Me (1/8/15) Dragon Tei Offers a Lot to Tourists and Local                         503 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/02/music-and-me-jan-08-2015-dragon-tei.html

28.  376   TORRE – ASIA’S FIRST GRANDMASTER                                                            480 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/12/torre-asias-first-grandmaster-tbn-june.html

29.  426   NEW PHILIPPINE CONSUL TO PALAU IS ALSO PRES. OF PCF                       476 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-phil-consul-to-palau-is-also.html

30.  312   ARMENIA, RUSSIA WIN GOLD MEDALS IN 4OTH CHESS OLYMPIAD        474 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/10/armenia-russia-win-gold-medals-in-40th.html

31.  198   Unbeaten No More; Gancayco is Class B Champ                                                      456 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/unbeaten-no-more-gancayco-is-class-b.html

32.  288   QATAR SWEPT PALAU; 39 OTHER COUNTRIES SWEPT, TOO                       454 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/qatar-swept-palau-39-other-countries.html

33.   78   OUTSTANDING OFW IN PALAU AWARDEES                                                     447 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/03/outstanding-ofw-in-palau-awardees-june.html

34.  911   Roberto Hernandez – Palau’s First FIDE Instructor                                                   441 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/01/roberto-hernandez-palau-first-fide.html

35.  445   30^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF ROBERTO-FLOR                                       433 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/03/30th-wedding-anniversary-of-roberto-flor.html

36.  886   The Ermita-Malate Open Chess Tournament in Phil. (March 19-27, 1990)              430 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-ermita-malate-open-chess-tournament.html

37.  144   2010 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD – PHOTOS                                                      425 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/04/2010-world-chess-olympiad-russia.html

38.  594   PHOTOS –SPORTS UNLIMITED CREW IN PALAU                                            422 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/photos-sports-unlimited-crew-in-palau.html

39.  271   Pastrana Escapes w/ a Draw; Billah Invited at Cayanan Cup                                    418 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/pastrana-escapes-with-draw-billah.html

40.  214   ENARSAO, LAGUMEN NOW LEADS CLASS B                                                 413 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/enarsao-lagumen-now-lead-class-b-tbn.html

41.  321   Music & Me (10/11/12) Palau Royal Resort Traditional Christmas Choir                413 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/10/music-and-me-oct-11-palau-royal-resort.html

42.  138   EXCURSION IN RUSSIA – SEPT. 2010                                                                  409 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/04/excursion-in-russia-sept-2010.html

43.  894   CHESS MATE MARKS 12^th YEAR WITH ITS 620^th ISSUE                                  405 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/01/chessmate-marks-12th-year-with-its.html

44.  555   Music & Me (July 11, 2013) INTERNATIONAL MUSIC STUDENTS                   402 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/07/music-and-me-july-11-2013-international.html

45.  36    DR. ALFREDO PAEZ CONFIRMED TO 2011 PIICC                                              401 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/01/australias-chess-future-daniel-lapitan.html

46.  985   2012 PNCC (Reg. Fees, FIDE Payment (Arrears), Photos                                         395 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/04/2012-palau-national-chess-championship.html

47.  668   CROSS TABLES OF 2013 PALAU NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP          395 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/10/cross-tables-of-2013-palau-national.html

48.  284   PALAU PLAYERS NAME TAGS                                                                             394 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/palau-players-name-tag.html

49.  871   The Biggest Turnout of Participants in Palau Chess History                                     390 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-biggest-turnout-of-participants-in.html

50.      3   Marcos Family Coming to Palau for Chess and Leisure                                            389 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2011/12/marcos-family-coming-to-palau-for-chess.html

51.   85               GETTING A RUSSIAN VISA                                                                       384 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/03/getting-russian-visa-tbn-aug30.html

52.   74               2009 PAQUITO SURINGA CUP                                                                   380 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/03/2009-paquito-suringa-cup.html

53.  554   PHOTOS – 2^nd CHINESE SONGS SINGING CONTEST                                       379 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/07/photos-2nd-chinese-songs-singing-contest.html

54.  154   Music & Me (May 03, 2012) COMPOSER OF PALAUAN SONG “NGESUAS”   377 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/05/music-and-me-may-03-2012-issue-tbn.html

55.  735   Robert James Fischer (1943-2008) Bobby Fischer – The Times Obituary                 376 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/02/robert-james-fischer-1943-2008-bobby.html

56.  219   CHESS AND MUSIC (June 21. 2016) AMAZING PIANO MAN                            375 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/chess-music-june-21-amazing-piano-man.html

57.  548   PHOTOS—FINAL DAY OF 2013 PALAU BLITZ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP      375 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/06/photos-final-day-of-2013-palau-blitz.html

58.  289   PALAU SWEPT BY IRAQ THIS TIME; VS. MALDIVES TOMORROW             372 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/palau-swept-by-iraq-this-time-vs.html

59.   82                FILIPINO HOSPITALITY IN AUSTRALIA                                                 371 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/03/filipino-hospitality-in-australia-aug.html

60.  738   BRIAN JONES SIMUL (Feb. 25, 2014)                                                                    369 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/03/brian-jones-simul-feb-25-2014-island.html

61.  701   PHOTOS – 2006 AMBASSADOR MARINO RAPID CHESS TOURNAMENT    368

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/12/music-and-me-dec-12-2013-teaching.html

62.  719   Ksau Cup Drew 24 Players; Roberto Running For Office                                          368 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/01/ksau-cup-drew-24-players-roberto.html

63.  302   CLOSING CEREMONY – 2012 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD                             367 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/09/closing-ceremony-2012-world-chess.html

64.  212   PALAU CHESS FEDERATION – NATIONAL RATING                                          364 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/palau-chess-federation-national-rating.html

65.  251   SEN. MLIB TO 2014 NORWAY CHESS OLYMPIAD?                                            363 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/07/sen-mlib-to-2014-norway-chess-olympiad.html

66.  784   Music & Me (4/17/14) 116^th Phil. Ind. Day Celeb./Gala Dinner at Palasia                357 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/06/music-and-me-april-17-2014-116th.html

67.  753   MUSIC AND ME (Feb. 13, 2014) EXOTIC PALAU FOOD – FRUIT BAT!            356

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/04/music-and-me-feb-13-2014-exotic-palau.html

68.  348   WEEK 5 PHOTOS AND STANDINGS – 2012 PNCC                                              355

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/11/week-5-photos-and-standings-2012-pncc.html

69.  804   Getting Schengen Visa in Manila by Palau and Philippine Chess Team                     355

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/07/getting-schengen-visa-in-manila-by.html

70.  933   Music & Me (2/5/15) Estonia’s Most Popular Song “Kungla Rahvas”                       348        

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/02/music-and-me-feb-05-2015-estonias-most.html

71.  334    2012 PNCC PHOTOS (3^rd WEEK)                                                                           346

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/10/2012-pncc-photos-3rd-week.html

72.  380   2012 PNCC PHOTOS (3^rd WEEK)                                                                            346

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/12/photos-of-2012-pncc-7th-week.html

73.  195   PALAU REGISTERED; 43 MORE COUNTRIES UNREGISTERED YET            345

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/palau-registrered-43-move-countries.html

74.  295   ROUND 7 – PALAU VS. MACAU 1-3                                                                     345

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/09/round-7-palau-vs-macau.html

75.  917   Music & Me (Dec. 18, 2014) PRR Christmas Party at Palasia Hotel                         345

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/02/music-and-me-dec-18-2014-palau-royal.html

76.  750   PHOTOS—2014 PALAU OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT                                     340

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/03/photos-2014-palau-open-chess-tournament.html

77.  228   SIMUL VS. JAMIE.  Any one?                                                                                  339

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/07/simul-vs-jamie-kenmure-anyone-tbn-feb.html

78.  307   BERNARDO GARCIA OF PPR IS PALAU’S FIRST TITLED PLAYER               339

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/09/bernardo-garcia-of-ppr-is-palaus-1st.html

79.  547   MUSIC AND ME (June 13, 2013) BELATED HAPPY FATHER’S DAY               338

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/06/547-music-and-me-june-13-2013-belated.html

80.  467   PALAU WINS WORLD HERITAGE LISTING                                                       337

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/04/palau-wins-world-heritage-listing-tbn.html

81.  987   HOW CLEAN IS PALAU AIR? (China’s Relationship With its Environment)       336 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-clean-is-palau-air-chinas.html

82.   34               CURRICULUM VITAE OF ROBERTO HERNANDEZ                               332

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/01/34-curriculum-vitae-of-roberto-hernandez.html

83.  707   PHOTOS – 2005 REGULAR CHESS TOURNAMENT                                          332

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/12/photos-2005-regular-chess-tournament.html

84.  543   AMBASSADOR MARINO CUP POSTPONED                                                     331

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/06/ambassador-marino-cup-posponed-tbn-aug.html

85.  983   A FRIENDLY CHESS GAME WITH PRR GUEST JOVANI CURRY                  329

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-friendly-chess-game-with-prr-guest.html

86.  599   PHOTOS – WEEK 4 OF 2013 PNCC                                                                      327

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/photos-week-4-2013-pncc.html

87.  759   GEOFFREY BORG IS BACK! CONDUCTED FIDE TRAINERS’ SEMINAR    326

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/04/geoffrey-borg-is-back-conducted-fide.html

88.  1065   10 YEARS OF PALAU JOINING FIDE                                                                325

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/09/1065-10-years-of-palau-joining-fide-tbn.html

89.  585   SPECIAL GAMES (TBN-Aug. 12, 2013)                                                                324

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/special-games-tbn-aug-12-2013.html

90.  718   PHOTOS – 2004 RAPID CHESS TOURNAMENT                                                321

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/01/photos-2004-rapid-chess-tournament.html

91.  745   PHOTOS – MICRONESIAN OPEN 2014 ROUND 1-9                                         320

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/03/photos-micronesian-open-2014-round-1-9.html

92.  291   GARCIA SCORES FIRST HALF POINT OF PALAU                                           317

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/garcia-scores-first-half-point-of-palau.html

93.  292   PALAU WINS OVER U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 2.5—1.5                                      316

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/09/palau-wins-over-us-virgin-islands-25-15.html

94.  704   AMERICAN GIRL SINGING JAPANESE SONG “SUKIYAKI”                         314

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/12/american-girl-singing-japanese-song.html

95.  947 Music & Me (3/12/15) A Night w Palau Pres., 2 Del., Airai Gov. & Alvin-Nurse   308

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/03/music-and-me-march-12-2015-night-w.html

96.  692   Music and Me (Nov. 14, 2013) 5 JAPANESE GUYS ENJOYED MY MUSIC     308

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/11/music-and-me-nov-14-2013-5-japanese.html

97.  801   PINAYS TO REPRESENT PALAU IN NORWAY CHESS OLYMPIAD              305

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/07/801-pinays-to-represent-palau-in-norway.html

98.  247   MERCADO NIPS GARCIA AND DITTRICH; ON TO THE FINALS                 304

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/07/mercado-nips-garcia-and-dittrich-on-to.html

99.  775   A LETTER TO PNOC PRESIDENT FRANK KYOTA                                          304

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-letter-to-pnoc-president-frank-kyota.html

100. 347   SMILE AND SAY CHESS—Oct. 2012 Issue –The International Filipino            300

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/11/smile-and-say-chess-oct-2012-issue.html

  Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
                Tia Belau Newspaper
                December 29, 2002 -- November 11, 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 -- November 11, 2017

               The History of Chess in Palau
               By Roberto Hernandez
               June 09, 2002 -- November 11, 2017

              
                                                                                              

(1407) SOCIALIZING WITH GM EUGENE TORRE AT 4 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD (TBN-July 31, 2017)

WITH EUGENE TORRE AT ATATURK AIRPORT IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY

                The Palau Chess Team and Philippine Chess Team were on the same plane going to Baku from Istanbul airport. We have some conversation and photo sessions with him, GM Jason Gonzales, left, Dennis Gonzales, right, Paquito Suringa, Jr. and Jeff Balbalosa. Coincidentally, we are also on the same plane going back to Manila, where I’m still promoting Palau Royal Resort to Eugene’s wife Marilyn despite being short of brochures (only PRR CD and my card).

                                                    (Photo by Paquito Suringa, Jr.)

  SOCIALIZING WITH GM EUGENE

     TORRE AT 4 WORLD CHESS

                OLYMPIADS

PALAU was able to send only 2 players to the 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia—me and Tito Cabunagan. We were not allowed to play because a nation must have a minimum of 3 players to be allowed to play. This has been the case since the 2008 WCO in Dresden, Germany. Our team captain Jamie Kenmure was not allowed to play for Palau because he is listed under Australia. Our Delegate, Mr. Jan-Olav Berglund, will be allowed to play if he can show a stamp in his passport that he’s been to Palau at least once. He showed air tickets (Sweden-Hawaii-Guam-Palau) round trip but he has not used it so he was not allowed to play for Palau. Thus, Tito and I just enjoyed Russia like tourists:

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/01/chess-tourists-in-russia.html

                In that Russia Olympiad, I met Eugene Torre again after 20 years. We participated in 1990 Philippine National Chess Championship where the top 6 finishers will represent Philippines in that year Olympiad. Although Eugene didn’t became the champion (it’s Joey Antonio), he still plays Board 1 in every Olympiad for 17 straight Chess Olympiads (a world record!). Lately, with the emergence of new, better and younger players, he plays Board 3 now as in this Olympiad where Wesley So is Board 1, Darwin Laylo (2), Torre (3) and John Paul Gomez at Board 4 for Open or Men’s Team. I met also their team captain and NM Cesar Caturla, the women’s team captain while the Open team was captained by Edmundo Legaspi.

                With Palau Team for 2012 WCO in Istanbul, Turkey complete (Open Section), we have to play all 11 rounds because we don’t have reserve player. I met Eugene again and his wife Marilyn, who is the head of delegation for Philippines. She said she didn’t go to Russia because she’s been there many times. Wesley is Board 1 again, Oliver Barbosa at 2, Eugene played at Board 3 when Oliver Dimakiling lost to Sargissian of Armenia and Mark Paragua at Board 4. Since then, the Philippine team scored a string of upsets against very tough opposition. Had the scoring and tie-breaks were the same as in the 2006 WCO, Philippines could have finished its best ever 4^th place!

                Their team captain is GM Jayson Gonzales, who is leading a prayer before the games of Phil. Team (Open and Women), which became my inspiration to lead a prayer also before our games in Istanbul. Prayer works! We were able to have our first titled player in CM Bernardo Garcia, despite losing our first 3 rounds via sweep. Me, Eugene and Marilyn were side by side during the Closing Ceremony, where they left the building for 45 minutes because the music is too loud.

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2014/10/music-and-me-aug-14-2014-eugene-torre.html

DEJA VU  --- ISTANBUL, TURKEY AND TROMSO, NORWAY
     During the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey, Roberto Hernandez of Palau, left, GM Eugene Torre of the Philippines, middle, and Mrs. Marylin Torre were side-by-side watching the show and awarding of prizes. It happens again in the Closing Ceremony of the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway. This time, Roberto is all by himself as his teammates are busy packing their belongings for the early morning trip back to Manila. (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


               GM EUGENE TORRE --
          THE SINGING GRANDMASTER
Roberto Hernandez attended the 2014 World Chess Olympiad Closing Ceremony alone because his 8 other teammates are busy in packing their things for the 4am flight--Tromso-Bodo; Bodo-Oslo; Oslo-Helsinki; Helsinki-Hong-Kong and Hong Kong to Manila. It's a 36-hour trip and for them, the Closing Ceremony is not that important.

But for Roberto, he's not letting go the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pass by. He also attended the FIDE Arbiters Seminar for 5 consecutive days hoping to pass the test/exam and be awarded FIDE Arbiter Title. Packing your things can be done in a few hours.

After getting off the bus, Roberto stand a few meters from the entrance. He saw GM Eugene Torre there standing by himself, waiting for his wife Marylin.

They have a long conversation about FIDE Senior Trainer Title that GM Torre got. Roberto got a FIDE Instructor Title after topping the FIDE Trainers' Seminar held in Palau by FIDE C. E. O Geoffrey Borg in April this year.

Their conversation was focused in music when Eugene asked, "So your job is just to play music?"

Eugene asked Roberto if he knows the lyrics of the song "As Time Goes By" from the movie "Casablanca" in 1942 and sung by Jimmy Durante. They sang it together without mistakes of the lyrics... 
     You must remember this, A kiss is still a kiss, A sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply, as time goes by. And when two lovers woo, they still say I Love You, on that you can rely, no matter what the future brings, as time goes by. 
     Moonlight and love songs, never out of date, hearts full of passion, jealousy and hate, woman needs man and man must have his mate, that no one can deny.
     It's still the same old story, of fight for love and glory, a case of do or die, the world will always welcome lovers, as time goes by.
    **Would you believe that I typed this lyrics without looking at my song book?

Eugene is now convinced that I know how to sing songs. He mentioned what Toti Abundo told me when Toti visited Palau in January 2014... that he and Toti used to sing in karaoke bars and their competition is whoever forgot the lyrics lose!
      

In January 23, 2014, Casto 'Toti' Abundo, Asian Chess Federation Deputy President, seated in the middle, sung some songs at Breeze Bar of Palau Royal Resort without using the song books in front of him as he knows the lyrics of the songs that he requested to Roberto Hernandez, PRR resident musician. Playing blitz chess are FIDE C.E.O. FM Geoffrey Borg, left, and Palau top player Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. Mr. Borg defeated all of his opponents including Toti in a show of his blitz chess prowess.
                                                (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


Eugene and Roberto sung also the Spanish song "Besame Mucho" ....Besame, besame mucho, como si fuera esta noche la ultima vez. Besame, besame mucho, que tengo miedo perderte, perderte despues.
        Quiero tenerte muy cerca, mirarme entus ojos verter junto a mi. Piensa que talvez manana, yo estare muy lejos, muy lejos de ti.

Excellent singing and pronunciation of that song BUT...
WHEN EUGENE ASKED ROBERTO IF HE KNOWS IT IN ENGLISH, He was completely lost. He knows also the Spanish version.

Another song that he knows better than Roberto is the song "Save The Last Dance For Me". He can play it instrumental without mistakes but had not yet memorized the lyrics.

They sit together near the stage. While there is some technical problem of the video/audio, they are having again the singing of song --this time "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel. People in front of them --Australia's women's team, can hear them singing it while in the screen, they are showing some highlights of the 2014 World Chess Olympiad including Roberto's teammate Destiny Sisior, the youngest participant in the women's section.
  

DESTINY SISIOR ON NORWAY'S NATIONAL TV, NEWSPAPERS AND WEBSITES

       She is the youngest participant in the women’s section of 2014 World Chess Olympiad. The daughter of Palauan Harvey Sisior scored 2 wins and almost won her last game but couldn’t hang on to her advantage. Typical of a youngster, her time management still needs improvement. It’s written on the website …. “Destiny Sisior, 10 years old, from Palau. No words are needed…” 

                                      (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)


 In singing "Just The Way You Are", Roberto sometimes mixed up the 2nd stanza to the 3rd stanza. Eugene knows exactly the right lyrics from 1st to 6th stanzas. In the Refrain of the song, they sung it correctly.

    1. Don't go changin' to try and please me, You never let me down before, umm, hmm. I don't imagine, you're too familiar and I don't see you anymore.
    2. I would not leave you in times o' trouble, we never could have come this far, umm, hmm. I took the good times, I'll take the bad times, I'll take you just the way you are.
   3.Don't go tryin' some new fashion, Don't change the color of your hair, umm, hmm. You always have my unspoken passion, although I might not seem to care.
   4. I don't want clever conversation, I never want to work that hard, umm, hmm. I just want someone that I can talk to, I want you just the way you are.
   REFRAIN: I need to know that you will always be. The same old someone that I knew. Oh, what will it take till you believe in me, the way the I believe in you?
   5. I said I love you, and that's forever. And this I promise from the heart, umm, hmm. I couldn't love you any better, I love you just the way you are.    Alright!
    Ad lib: Sax
   6. (same as 4th stanza-pausing at the start of last 2 lines)
    In some songs like this one, the g is cancelled in 'changin'. Also in tryin'. The song Fallin' by Teri deSario has cancelled all the g of the title from start to finish.
    Some f are also cancelled like in o' trouble.
    Want to becomes wanna, going to becomes gonna. 
    Never becomes ne'er to fit the rhythm. Prayer becomes pray'r to make it like one word.

    During the singing of Turkish most popular singer in the closing ceremony of Istanbul Olympiad, Eugene and Marylin left because it's too loud for them. Roberto thought that they are not music lovers. When they come back, Eugene asked Roberto, "You can take that loud music?"
    ROBERTO ANSWERED, "I'M USED TO IT. I'VE BEEN A BAND MEMBER BEFORE PLAYING LOUD MUSIC."  



Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper
               December 29, 2002 -- October 17, 2014

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

              Music and Me by Roberto Hernandez
              Tia Belau Newspaper
              March 15, 2012 -- April 18, 2013
              http://palau-chess.blogspot.com
              April 25, 2013 -- October 17, 2014

              The History of Chess in Palau
              By Roberto Hernandez
              June 09, 2002 --October 17, 2014   

     

                In the 2014 WCO in Tromso, Norway, Wesley is the Team Captain of USA following his planned controversial transfer. Palau has Open and Women’s team and I am Board 1 again as in 2012. Board 2 is Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., 3 Bernard, 4 is Dennis Gonzales and Jeff Balbalosa in 5/Reserve. Board 1 for Women’s Team is Angie Parrado, 2 is Baby Edna Mission, 3 is Gladys Anne Paloma, 4 is 10-year-old Destiny Sision (Angie’s daughter) and at 5/Reserve is Joy Flores Whipps.

                In the Closing Ceremony, I, Eugene and Marilyn are side by side again. None of my other 9 teammates attended it because they are busy packing their things for early morning departure (Bodo-Oslo-Helsinki-Hong Kong-Manila).

                We are in the same bus going to our hotels during our arrival for the 2016 WCO in Baku, Azerbaijan. Eugene told me that it’s been 20 years (more or less) that he’s been to Baku and there’s a lot of improvements and progress there now. He’s Board 3 again with Julio Catalino Sadorra at 1, John Paul Gomez at 3 and Rogelio Barcenilla at 4 while at 5/Reserve is Paulo Bersamina. Palau team (only in the Open) consist of Paquito Suringa, Jr. at 1, Allan Alcid at 2, Jeff Balbalosa at 3, me at 4 and Dennis Gonzales at 5/Reserve.

                With ‘import’ talents for USA, they claimed their first Olympiad title after 40 years (Haifa, Israel 1976) led by former Italy’s top player Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura and So at Board 3, who won the gold medal with Eugene taking the bronze Olympiad medal for his vintage performance in Baku.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 4422: 1. …Ng3+! 2. hxg3 hxg3+ 3. Kg1 Bd4#

                This week’s puzzle No. 4423: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper
               Pages 10-11
               Volume 26
               Issue 60
               July 31, 2017

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

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

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