(1255) CHESS MATE ISSUES No. 251-300 and their LINKS

Paquito Suringa, Jr., right, receiving his certificate of appreciation for participating in the 2012 Palau National Chess Championship from Secretary/Treasurer of Palau Chess Federation Roberto Hernandez. Paquito improved a lot since joining his first tournament in Palau--the PRR Rating Chess Tournament in July-Oct. 2007. He was Palau's no. 4 chess player in 2011 and currently no. 6 this year.
                                                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)




          CHESS MATE ISSUES
                 No. 251-300
              and their LINKS

 

251. CM251     Pax Wins 3 of Last 4 Games                                             Oct. 12-18, 2007

                http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/07/pax-wins-3-of-last-4-games-tbn-oct-12.html

252. CM252     “Tube Ice” Escapes With A Win Over Top Seed               Oct. 19-25, 2007

               http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/07/tube-ice-escapes-with-win-vs-top-seed.html

253. CM253     “Buhawi” Conquered 2 Chess Computers                 Oct. 26-Nov. 01, 2007

              http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/07/buhawi-conquered-2-chess-computers-tbn.html

254. CM254     Garcia Still In Contention                                                  Nov. 02-08, 2007

              http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/07/garcia-still-in-contention-tbn-nov-02.html

255. CM255     Hernandez, Lara, Guevarra Top PRR Chess Tilt                Nov. 09-15, 2007

               http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/07/hernandez-lara-guevarra-top-prr-chess.html

256. CM256     Open Rapid Chess Tilt Starts Nov. 18                               Nov. 16-22, 2007

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/open-rapid-chess-tilt-starts-nov-18-tbn.html

257. CM257     Dittrich On Perfect 2-0 Start                                             Nov. 23-29, 2007

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/dittrich-in-perfect-2-0-start-tbn-nov.html

   

258. CM258     Upsets Marks 2^nd Week of Rapid Chess                  Nov. 30-Dec. 06, 2007

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/upsets-mark-2nd-week-of-rapid-chess-tbn.html

259. CM259      Week 3 – 2007-2008 RAPID CHESS TILT                   Dec. 07-13, 2007

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2016/04/1205-week-3-of-2007-2008-rapid-chess.html

260. CM260     Only 14 Games Played In This Week Rapid Chess Tilt      Dec. 14-20, 2007

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/only-14-games-played-in-this-week-rapid.html

261. CM261     Baptism Of Fire Part 2                                                      Dec. 21-27, 2007

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/baptism-of-fire-part-2-tbn-dec-21-27.html

262. CM262     Guevarra, Garcia, Mestizo Score First Win       Dec. 28, 2007-Jan. 03, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/guevarra-garcia-mestizo-score-first-win.html

263. CM263     Chess Mate Marks 5 Years                                               Jan. 04-10, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/03/chessmate-marks-5-years-tbn-jan4-10.html

 

        264. CM264     Nedic, Montel, Jr. Continue Winning Ways                      Jan. 11-17, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/nedic-montel-jr-continue-winning-ways.html

265. CM265     PRR Players Collide                                                         Jan. 18-24, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/prr-players-collide-tbn-jan-18-24-2008.html

266. CM266     Defaulting Time                                                                Jan. 25-31, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/defaulting-time-tbn-jan-25-31-2008.html

267. CM267     Results of 13^th Week – 2007-2008 Rapid Chess Tilt      Feb. 01-07, 2008

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2016/05/1214-results-of-13th-week-of-2007-2008.html

268. CM268     Guevarra Upsets Nedic With the Black Pieces               Feb. 08-14, 2008

http://palauchess.blogspot.com/2013/08/guevarra-upsets-nedic-with-black-pieces.html

269. CM269     Villa, Nedic Rapid Chess Champs                                 Feb. 15-21, 2008

http://palauchess.blogspot.com/2013/08/villa-nedic-rapid-chess-champs-tbn-feb.html

270. CM270     Edgar Cayanan Leads Class C of PRR Chess Tourney  Feb. 22-28, 2008

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/02/edgar-cayanan-leads-class-c-of-prr-chess.html 

271. CM271     Mark Apresto Seizes Lead in Class C                Feb. 29-March 06, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/mark-apresto-seizes-lead-in-class-c-tbn.html

 

272. CM272     Jess David Is a Contender in Class C                         March 07-13, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/jess-david-is-contender-in-class-c-tbn.html

        273. CM273     David, Rivera, R. Cayanan & Diesta Lead Class B  March 14-20, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/03/david-rivera-r-cayanan-diesta-lead.html

       274. CM274     Morris Sweeps Jess, Forges 4-Player Contention    March 21-27, 2008                   

                           (Front Page – “Chin/Seid Leads Poll”)

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/morris-sweeps-jess-forges-4-player.html

275. CM275     Can Diesta Make It To Top 4?                        March 28-April 03, 2008

                           (Front Page – “Second State Visit To Phil. In 24 Years”)

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/can-diesta-make-it-to-top-4-tbn-march.html

               

276. CM276     Idle Week of PRR Rapid Chess Tilt                           April 04-10, 2008

                           (Front Page – “CMA Denies Boarding TR in Manila”)

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/idle-week-of-prr-rapid-chess-tilt-tbn.html

277. CM277     ‘Aying’ Surges to Second Spot                                 April 11-17, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/aying-surges-to-2nd-spot-tbn-april-11.html

278. CM278     National Chess Championship to Start April 27        April 18-24, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/national-chess-championship-to-start.html

279. CM279     Format of 2008 National Chess Championship April 25-May 01, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/format-of-2008-national-chess.html

280. CM280     21 Players Join National Chess Championship          May 02-08, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/21-players-join-national-chess.html

281. CM281     Craig Snaps Tony’s 7-Game Win Streak                  May 09-15, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/craig-snaps-tonys-7-game-win-streak-tbn.html

282. CM282     Omega, Nedic Still Undefeated                                May 16-22, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/omega-nedic-still-undefeated-tbn-may-16.html

283. CM283     Villa Nips Omega, Nedic For Their First Loss          May 23-29, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/villa-nips-omega-nedic-for-their-first.html

284. CM284     Guevarra Upsets 3^rd Seed Montel, Jr.               May 30-June 05, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/guevarra-upsets-3rd-seed-montel-jr-tbn.html

285. CM285     Deeper Analysis                                                       June 06-12, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/deeper-analysis-tbn-june-06-12-2008.html

286. CM286     Pax Notches 2^nd Win                                               June 13-19, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/pax-notches-2nd-win-tbn-june-13-19-2008.html

287. CM287     NM Nedic On a Roll                                                June 20-26, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/nm-nedic-on-roll-tbn-june-20-26-2008.html

288. CM288     Eli Escapes with A Win                                      June 27-July 03, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/eli-escapes-with-win-tbn-june-27-july.html

289. CM289     Omega Dealt Nedic His Second Loss                        July 04-10, 2008

        http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/08/omega-dealt-nedic-his-2nd-loss-tbn-july.html

290. CM290     Boy Manuel Is Back                                                  July 11-17, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/boy-manuel-is-back-tbn-july-11-17-2008.html

        291. CM291     2008 PNCC Resumes; Manuel, Hernandez Nip Foes  July 18-24, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/03/2008-pncc-resumes-manuel-hernandez-nip.html

        292. CM292     Craig Scalps another Master                                     July 25-31, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/craig-scalps-another-master-tbn-july-25.html

        293. CM293     Top Seed Manuel Nips 2^nd Seed Omega                Aug. 01-07, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/top-seed-manuel-nips-2nd-seed-omega-tbn.html

294. CM294     2008 PNCC Rd. 11-Hernandez Nips Pax in 38 moves  Aug. 08-14, 2008

         http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2016/04/1210-2008-pncc-rd-11-hernandez-nips-pax.html

 295. CM295     Idle Week of NCC                                                    Aug. 15-21, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/idle-week-of-ncc-tbn-aug-15-21-2008.ht

296. CM296     Pax, Abe Win Opening Round (Start Monday Edition) Aug. 25-31, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/pax-abe-win-opening-round-tbn-aug-25-31.html

           297. CM297     Ka Abe Notches 2^nd Win in INC Tourney                     Sept. 01-07, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/ka-abe-nothces-2nd-win-in-inc-tourney.html

            298. CM298     Lara to Iran and Dresden, Germany                               Sept. 08-14, 2008

  http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/lara-to-iran-and-dresden-germany-tbn.html

            299. CM299     Ka Abe Notches 2^nd Win in INC Tourney (Double Print)  Sept. 15-21, 2008

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/ka-abe-nothces-2nd-win-in-inc-tourney.html

             300. CM300     Chess Olympics Bound Players Seek Press Accreditation Sept. 22-28, 2008

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/09/chess-olympics-bound-players-seek-press_9634.html



Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper
               December 29, 2002 -- August 29, 2016 

              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 -- August 29, 2016

             The History of Chess in Palau
             By Roberto Hernandez
             June 09, 2002 -- August 29, 2016   

 

(1251) PAX CUP IN FULL SWING AT PRR (TBN-Nov. 09-15, 2009)

6 PARTICIPANTS OF PAX CUP
     Paquito Suringa, Jr., left, the innovator of Pax Cup series of Rapid Chess Tournaments, poses with 5 other participants -- L-R: Miguel Gancayco, Roberto Hernandez, Rey Alenain, Jerome Ratunil and Japanese section Chef and top seed in the Class B Division Elizalde Madrinan.
                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


            PAX CUP IN FULL SWING AT
               PALAU ROYAL RESORT 

 

The Paquito Suringa Cup Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament is in full swing at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1 with the formation of Class A and Class B in the double round-robin event.

                There are 3 invited players in the Class A Division – Joel Flor, Arnel Ogalesco and Andres ‘Aying’ Mestizo II to make that division complete with 9 players. Likewise, the Class B will have 9 players and Melanie Santos will be tasked to get some donations from Accounting, Front Desk and other departments to add it for the cash prize of both Class A and B.

                A possible women’s division is being considered for this event that has commenced in Oct. 24, 2009 with different schedule that will fit the varying schedules of participants.

                The Class A is composed of top seed Roberto Hernandez, the innovator of the event Paquito ‘Pax’ Suringa, Jr., Robert Tubice, Nino Flores, Jaime Guevarra, Jomar Alerta and the invited players Arnel Ogalesco, Andres Mestizo II and Joel Flor.

                The weaker Class B participants are Ferdie Altea, Randy Sioson, Ronel Gutierrez, George Gabris, Jerome Ratunil, Rey Alenain, Miguel Gancayco, Joel Gabris and Elizalde Madrinan.

                Ms. Santos will chair the possible women’s division that will consist of May Olis, Maricar Baules, Gracie Alenain, Tonet Medilo, Shirin Dy, Marizon Sarabia, an Indonesian from Mandara Spa and the lone invited player Kristen Senajon.

                Hernandez’ dad died at the age of 92. He didn’t go home for the funeral. Instead, he took the 4 Sundays of November to be able to play his remaining 14 games in the Pax Cup. He has played only 2 games so far and it’s time to catch up…

                He played 10 games within the week of Nov. 4-11 and won 8 games, lost 1 and drew 1.

                There is a blitz chess contest held on Nov. 04, 2009 at Jean’s Boutique and Store and Menandro ‘Boy’ Manuel clinched another blitz title by toppling the opposition.

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

              Tia Belau Newspaper

             Pages 9-10

             Volume 18

            Issue 46

            November 09-15, 2009

(1219) THE 'DARK AGE' OF CHESS MATE (TBN-Aug. 15, 2011)

The new logo has been published without the author’s photo starting on Jan. 05-11, 2007. The 2 puzzles were gone and even the title of issues have been shortened. In June 22-28, 2007, the puzzle is back but only one now. 

   THE 'DARK AGE' OF CHESS MATE

STARTING with the 179^th Chess Mate issue in May 26-June 02, 2006, the chess column of Roberto Hernandez took a back seat when the succeeding issues were reduced in terms of pages and chess puzzles. There’s still a photo of the author in the logo.

                 Hernandez contributed an article at Island Times Newspaper on their Sept. 28-Oct. 04, 2006 issue that has a photo of Edwin Eti, who donated $100.00 for the champion of Rapid Chess Tournament to be held this September 2006.

                The new logo has been published without the author’s photo starting on Jan. 05-11, 2007. The 2 puzzles were gone and even the title of issues have been shortened. In June 22-28, 2007, the puzzle is back but only one now.

                In the 236^th issue on June 29-July 05, 2007, photo of Roberto is now back with a newly design logo. This is maybe largely due to the fact that Roberto will be holding the Palau Royal Resort Rating Chess Tournament among PRR employees with its Food and Beverage Manager Allan Tuppil sponsoring the $100.00 for the top 3 finishers, a trophy for the champion and 3 medals for 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th finishers.

                Four issues later (240^th), Jaime Guevarra’s picture was published with a caption “Jaime Guevarra –Perfect 3-0 Start”. Some issues have even 2 photos on it –“Nino Flores –Tough Nut to Crack”; “Zaldy Ranopa—Will donate his cash prize to KRCC” (Issue 243) and in Issue 247, the father and son Allan Diez and Boris Michael Diez were featured with a title “Father and Son Lead Ambassador Marino Cup Chess Tilt”.

                No photos in the 255^th and 256th issues because during the Awarding Ceremony of the PRR Rating Chess Tournament, the camera that was used is not Roberto’s. After a photo of Koror State Legal Counsel Craig Dittrich in the 257^th issue, the photos in the column are occasional till the start of 2008 PRR Rapid Chess Tourney and the 2008 Palau National Chess Championship.

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

              Tia Belau Newspaper

              Pages 9-10

             Volume 21

             Issue 33

            August 15, 2011

               

(1214) RESULTS OF 13th WEEK OF 2007-2008 OPEN CHESS TILT (TBN-Feb. 01-07, 2008)

             RESULTS OF 13th WEEK OF 2007-2008
                          OPEN RAPID CHESS TILT

THE 16-player 2007-2008 Open Rapid Chess Tournament resumed on Jan. 25, 2008 at Jean’s Boutique and Store and at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1 for the 13^th week of this double round-robin tourney where Dennis Lara (1838 National Rating) swept co-employee at PRR Jaime Guevarra (1951).

                Earlier in the day, Lara halved the point with Jose Omega (1870-FIDE). Guevarra and Palau first National Master (NM) Manuel Nedic agreed to play their 2 games on Sat., Feb. 02 at Jean’s Boutique and Store. Lara made it almost a perfect day (4.5/5) after sweeping another co-employee Paul Garcia.

                Still at PRR, Garcia extracted a full point from PRR Rating Chess Tournament champion Roberto Hernandez but lost in their 2^nd game against his roommate at Dormitory 1 of PRR.

                At the first venue, best friends Nedic and venue host Gene Pastrana played their game and the former clustered a crucial win to keep abreast with frontrunner Antonio Villa in the standings after sweeping Garcia later in the afternoon.

                Cyril Montel, Jr. followed suit with a sweep of Pastrana while Lara’s bid to land in the top 5 was derailed when he was swept by Michael Mercado. Garcia slid farther in the standings after being swept by Pastrana.

                Two more sweeps were recorded when leader Villa upended Joven delos Santos and Pastrana blanked Andres ‘Aying’ Mestizo II in the last game of the day.

                The other participants who didn’t see actions were Menandro ‘Boy’ Manuel, Palau’s 2^nd NM, Koror State Legal Counsel Craig Dittrich, Dennis Gonzales and Danny Dandoy, Math Teacher at Palau High School.

                The penultimate and final round of this event will be played on Feb. 03 and 10 respectively. While this tourney is on its final phase, the PRR own version of rapid chess tourney will commence on Feb. 17 with Class A, B and C to accommodate all chess players of PRR whatever level of play they’ve got to make this an interesting and fun event.

Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 4445: 1. …Nf3+ 2. Kh1 Nxg3+ 3. Nxg3 Rh2 mate.

This week’s puzzle No. 4391: Black to play and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

            Pages 9-10

            Volume 17

            Issue 06

            February 01-07, 2008

(1085) PHYSICALLY FIT, MENTALLY FIT (TBN-Feb. 16-22, 2009)

THERE is a saying, if you are mentally fit, you must be physically fit also. The mind and body works better if they are both fit with mental and body exercise.

The leading chess players in the world know this and some of them uses different kinds of exercise to make their body fits for grueling matches against the world's best.

Asia's first Grand Master (GM) Eugene Torre plays tennis and jogging during their training in Baguio City in preparation for Chess Olympiads held every two years.

Honorary Lifetime President of World Chess Federation Florencio Campomanes plays tennis also and have beaten younger practice partner like Gary Bekker of Australia.

The 82-year-old first National Master of the Philippines don't smoke, drink and sleep early that is why he still have a very sharp mind and became the champion in a 7-player blitz chess tournament held on the eve of his departure after visiting Palau in May 11-14, 2006.

In Palau, the players that play tennis in their free time are Amante Caballero, Menandro Manuel and Em-R de Vera, the 2004 junior champion and the only player that didn't play a single game yet in the 2008 National Chess Championship. He promise to Roberto Hernandez that he will play now and gave the his birth date (June 25, 1990) as he is the only one without birth date among 22 contestants.

Palau's first National Master Manny Nedic don't need exercise as he is in maintenance work while Palau's No. 3 Cyril Montel, Jr. is a basketball player of Palau Pacific Resort.

Gene Pastrana, host of many chess tournaments in Palau regularly jogs with his wife and son, Ken. They are regular participants in many fun runs/walk-a-thons and others. He is also active in the sport of karate.

Roberto Hernandez jogs in his room while playing 2 chess computers at the same time when his roommates are not around. Once a week, he runs for 45 minutes at Ice Box Park. His roommate Jaime Guevarra regularly goes to the gym in Meyuns riding on a bike. 

Both of them play Text Twist on Arnel Pama's laptop. It's another mind-boggling game like a scrabble. Currently, Hernandez holds the record of 218,310 points upon reaching level 47. The 2nd (156,650) to 9th (111,460) spots also belongs to Hernandez and the 10th spot is by Guevarra (111,440).

The two have different style of play, like in chess, where Guevarra is conservative and defensive, getting all the words until he come up with the 7-letter word that will make him qualify to the next round.

Hernandez' style is like attacking in chess. Go for the 7-letter word because if you don't get it, you will not qualify to the next round. 

In both games, the two show contrasting passion to the game. Beginners to Text Twist can get some tips through this. 

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper
               Page 9-10
               Volume 19
               Issue 07
               February 16-22, 2009
           

(1024) Outstanding OFW in Palau Awardees (TBN-June 15-21, 2009) (Extra--Music Experience of Roberto Hernandez (The Crying Jap. Guy)

Outstanding Overseas Filipino Worker in Palau recipient Roberto Hernandez poses with Ambassador Ramoncito Marino and his wife Issa at the Embassy.
                                                                  (Photo by: Jaime Guevarra)


           Outstanding OFW in Palau Awardees

FIVE DAYS before participating in the 2009 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship, Roberto Hernandez was awarded as one of the outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in Palau held on Friday morning, June 12, 2009 at Philippine Embassy in commemoration of the 111th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

The invitation letter read as follows:

Mr. Roberto Hernandez, Dear Sir, The officers and staff of the Embassy wish to congratulate you for being selected as one of the Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in Palau. In this regard, we are inviting you to attend the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Philippine Embassy, Minami Building, Iyebukel Hamlet, Koror, Palau on 12 June 2009 from 6:30 am to 8:00 am, in commemoration of the 111th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

We wish to inform you that during the occasion, you will receive your medal and certificate of appreciation. Your presence will be highly appreciated. Very truly yours, Ramoncito S. Marino (Ambassador)
Koror,  28 May 2009.

In his short speech after receiving the medal and certificate of appreciation, Hernandez mention his band member and longtime friend Willy dela Cruz, a drummer, who is married to Palauan Christina Baulis and is now working at Surangel's.

He also mentioned that when his wife and daughter arrived in Palau in June 17, 1995, they were invited on the next day to attend a birthday party at the exact place where the Breeze Bar of Palau Royal Resort is located.

Ten years and ten days after that date, PRR was inaugurated. And Hernandez is now playing keyboard nightly at the site from 9-11 pm.

More than 10 persons in different fields were also recognized. There are still a lot of other Filipino workers who stayed in Palau very long and many hope that this recognition will be done every year.

In his email to Hernandez, Mr. Graeme Gardiner writes: Hi Roberto, I have solved the problem of accommodation. For the night of 18th, 26th, 27th and 28th June you will stay with Gary Bekker in the arbiter's room. I will pick you up and Gary Bekker at Gold Coast Airport in Thursday 18th June at 9:35 pm.

Regarding the Gold Coast Open, it is a separated stand alone event. The entry form is quite clear that the only free entries will be for GMs, WGMs, IMs and WIMs.

The other untitled seeded players who have entered the Gold Coast Open have happily paid their entry fees. So if you choose to play in the Gold Coast Open, I'm afraid you will need to pay the entry fee. I look forward in meeting you in a couple of weeks. With best regards, Graeme Gardiner.

When Hernandez buy his wife's ticket at Continental Airlines, he ask local travel agent Martha to check Gary Bekker's confirmed ticket Manila-Sydney and found out that it is revoked. The Sydney-Coolangata trip is okay. Hernandez emailed Gary about it.

Hernandez received an email from Mr. Gary Bekker stating: "You have checked with your travel agent and just written that your MNL-SYD ticket "is fully paid. She is wondering why it is revoked.

I have just contacted Philippine Airlines and they have confirmed that the ticket is fully paid for and is definitely valid, ready for you to fly. You will just need to present a copy of my credit card image and your passport to board the plane.

I will send you an image of my credit card early next week. Please print this and take it with you. Warmest regards, Gary Bekker".

Ambassador Marino will hold a 4-hour blitz chess tournament among the members of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). He asked Hernandez to make a tournament format and will borrow at least 3 chessboards and clocks.

It will be held at QBall on June 21, 2009 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm.

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez  
               Tia Belau Newspaper 
               Pages 9-10
               Volume 18
               June 15-21, 2009

Roberto Hernandez, 6th from left (back row), was chosen as one of outstanding OFW in the field of music and entertainment.

Roberto Hernandez attended the event with his wife Flor, right, and her co-employee at Dragon Tei Lovelyn.

Jaime Guevarra, right, Palau Royal Resort Pastry Chef, also attend the ceremony and we used his digital camera to take these photos.

Ambassador Marino can play piano also. Every time he is a guest at Waves Restaurant of Palau Royal Resort, Hernandez always gives him a chance to play 2 or 3 songs.

A PIANO WITH A VIEW
     Roberto Hernandez plays piano at Waves Restaurant of Palau Royal Resort from 6:00-9:00 pm every night except Friday (his day off). From 9:00-11:00 pm, he plays keyboard at Breeze Bar, about 30 meters from Waves Restaurant.
                                                                                                                                                           (Photo by: Jaime Guevarra)


         MUSIC EXPERIENCE OF ROBERTO HERNANDEZ
                                          (THE CRYING OLD JAPANESE GUY)

BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2007, the Queen of Koror, Palau Bilung Gloria Salii, her husband Carlos and daughter Uroi had dinner at Waves Restaurant. They gave me $10.00 tip and a glass of red wine.

Before they go home, I talked to Bilung and said, “I would like to give you a Christmas present. I will tune your piano for free before the end of this year.”

I became very busy and haven’t done my promise.

On her birthday, January 05, 2008, they had dinner again at Waves Restaurant with 3 other guests. I played all their favorite songs. She gave me $10.00 tip, a glass of red wine and a slice of her birthday cake.

After three weeks, they had another dinner at Waves and after giving me $5.00 tip this time, I asked for her telephone number at home so that I can set the date of tuning their piano. She said 488-6216.

On March 19, 2008 (Wednesday), I saw her at the entrance of Surangel’s Department Store. I said I will call her on Tuesday (March 25) and will tune their piano on Wednesday (March 26) which I did. After tuning their piano for 2 hours, she is ready to issue me a check but I said I promise to tune it for free as Christmas present. She gave me bananas instead!

The next day, God gave me more that I expected.

 While halfway on my piano playing at Waves Restaurant, a lone, old Japanese guy sits at a table about 7 meters from the piano. Ten minutes later, I started to play the Japanese song “Kawa No Nagareno Yo Ni”. In the middle of that song, I saw him get something from his front pocket- it’s a handkerchief! He is crying and was carried away by my expressive playing.

The two waitresses Maricar Baules and Maricel Carlos saw him crying and asked why. He pointed at me and I played with more expression. Goosebumps are all over my arms and body which I rarely feel when playing with much expression. I followed it up with another Japanese song “Subaru”. He cried more. The handkerchief is all wet!

When I played the song "Kou Jou No Tsuki", he pointed at the sky as the song is about moon. Tsuki is Japanese word for moon.

Fifteen minutes later, he gave me tip. I put it on the piano music stand. Edgar Cayanan, the Assistant Food & Beverage Manager said, “Kuya”, (Older brother) “I don’t think that’s the color of a $5.00 bill.” He checked the tip and said “It is a hundred dollar!” I just continue to play and ignore him as I don’t look at the amount of tip I get until the giver has left.

Edgar told about it to Maricar and Maricel. The two also checked the tip and said. “It’s really $100.00! Can we have some?”

 When the generous man left, a Japanese couple sat at the same table where he sat. The guy requested 3 Japanese songs (Goodbye My Love, Itoshino Elly and the third one, I forgot). I was able to play all those 3 songs and he gave me $1.00 tip!

 Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Marino, the biggest supporter of chess in Palau, and his wife Issa were having dinner at that time with an old Japanese lady guest. When he sat down at the piano to play a couple of songs, that’s the only time I look at the tip- it’s really $100.00. I said to the Ambassador, “Look, sir, a Japanese guy gave me $100.00 tip without requesting and another guy who requested 3 songs gave me $1.00”.

The next day, Friday, Edgar said that the man who gave me $100.00 tip last night said he made a mistake in giving me that amount. I said, “It is okay, I haven't spend it yet and when he comes back, I’ll give him back the $100.00 and it’s up to him to decide how much he really wants to give me.”

On Saturday evening, he comes back. While having dinner at the same table, I played all the other Japanese songs that I didn’t play on that Thursday night. When I play the 2 songs that made him cry, he didn’t cry anymore.

 After his dinner, he comes to me with Cathy (Chinese waitress) by his side. He said, “Do you know the guy who plays piano in the cruise by the name of Norman?” I said, “No. Does he play Japanese songs also?” He said yes but only a few. Then he gave me tip again and I put it in my polo shirt pocket. And he left for Japan. Maricel saw that he gave me again and asked how much. I looked at it and it’s another $100.00!

He didn’t make a mistake. Edgar is just kidding me and maybe jealous.


Source: Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
             The Beginning of Chess in Palau
             By Roberto Hernandez
             December 2007
             To be published as a book in the future 

Ten years and ten days after these photos were taken, the Palau Royal Resort was inaugurated on June 28, 2005. Roberto Hernandez, left, is now playing music at PRR Breeze Bar nightly except Friday (his day off) from 9-11 pm at exactly the same spot.

A coincidence? No! it's progress.