Palau Chessmate: Margarita Borja Dalton

Showing posts with label Margarita Borja Dalton. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

(1550) MUSIC AND ME -321 (June 21, 2018) IN YEAR 2000, 1 GALLON OF GAS IS $0.80 IN PALAU!

ONE GALLON OF GAS IS ONLY
$0.80 IN PALAU IN 2000

My best friend in Palau for 19 years Amante Caballero told me in 2000 that if I buy gas at Belechel Gas Station, I can have a full tank for $5.00!

Since then until today, the Belechel Gas Station always offer the cheapest gas price in Palau. Their gas station near Marina Hotel (now Landmark Hotel), is where I taught Mr. Belechel and his son Reagan piano...

Taught Reagan Belechel Ngirngebedangel (Palauan) keyboard in June 27, 29, 1999; January 13, 20, 27, February 03, 10, 11, 18, 25, June 13, 15, 25, 27, 29, July 04, 07, 11, 13, 18, 25, 27, August 01, 08, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 and 29, 2000. September 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 2001.

Taught Mr. Belechel Ngirngebedangel (Palauan) keyboard in January 26, 28, 1999; February 01, 03, 11, 17, 23, 25, 1999; May 04, 09, 12, 1999; June 13, 15, 25, 1999 & May 08, 2002.

Unfortunately, Mr. Belechel passed away but his gas station still offers the cheapest gas price in Palau...

A TRIBUTE TO ONE OF MY KEYBOARD STUDENTS --

MR. BELECHEL

NGIRNGEBEDANGEL

Although he's just an average student in terms of potential in keyboard playing, but his love for music is very intense. I have to choose the right key and songs to teach him whether it's American or Palauan songs.

I have taught him in 2 different places -- in his office at the same place of his Belechel Store just across the Koror Elementary School and at his house about 3 kilometers away. ***(The place was leased to a Chinese investor in 2016 and became Jing Pin Hotel).

I taught Mr. Belechel Ngirngebedangel keyboard in January 26, 28, 1999; February 01, 03, 11, 17, 23, 25, 1999; May 04, 09, 12, 1999; June 13, 15, 25, 1999 and the last time on May 08, 2002.

I also taught his son Reagan Belechel Ngirngebedangel keyboard in June 27, 29, 1999; January 13, 20, 27, February 03, 10, 11, 18, 25, June 13, 15, 25, 27, 29, July 04, 07, 11, 13, 18, 25, 27, August 01, 08, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 and 29, 2000. After he resumed his studies in USA, I didn't teach him for more than a year and resumed my teaching to him on September 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 2001.

Mr. Belechel sells the most cheapest gas in Palau so I always put gas in his gas station where you can see him personally pump gas to your car. Although his gasoline station's site is farther than many other stations, it's worth it if you are just a few meters away. At that time, I'm teaching piano to Jasmine Yano in her house, where his gas station is just across the road.

Although he passed away in July 2013, his gas station still sells the most cheapest gas in Palau.

Some of the songs that I taught Mr. Belechel are Spanish Eyes, Beautiful Sunday, Ngesuas, Odesangel, Green, Green Grass of Home, Let Me Be There, Release Me and many others that I can't recall anymore.

Sources: Music and Me

By Roberto Hernandez

Tia Belau Newspaper

March 2012 -- April 2013

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com

April 2013 --September 25, 2015

Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)

The Beginning of Chess in Palau

By Roberto Hernandez

To be published as a book in the future

Sunday, September 13, 2020

(1502) MUSIC AND ME (Feb. 08, 2018) $10.00 TIP FROM JASON; $15.00 FROM 2 PALAUAN LADIES ON DEC. 20, 2017

$10.00 TIP FROM JASON;

$15.00 FROM 2

PALAUAN LADIES ON

DEC. 20, 2017

Jason has been a regular guest at Image Restaurant where I worked for 13 years (1992-2004). He likes to sing karaoke there where the mics don't have echo so you really hear your own voice unlike in almost all of the karaoke bars in Palau that too much echo ruined the sound of original voices of those who are singing.

I remember one night that there are no other guests except Jason and me helping him choose other songs that he hadn't tried yet. When I am singing occasionally, he's got time to rest. When I sing the song "Everything I Own" by Bread, he was impressed during the falsetto part of bridge of the song.

More than 20 years since that time, we still greet each other. Five days before Christmas 2017, he brought his daughter to me. I can't resist to take photos of him and the very cute baby which looks like American girl. Later, Jason gave me $10.00 tip while 2 Palauan ladies requested some Palauan songs. They know that I can sing Palauan songs. One of them gave me $10.00 tip as well while the other--$5.00.

Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
December 29, 2002 -- April 03, 2018

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 -- April 03, 2018

The History of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
June 09, 2002 -- April 03, 2018

(1492) MUSIC AND ME (Jan. 11, 2018) 1995 NEW YEAR'S EVE COUNTDOWN AT IMAGE RESTAURANT WITH DUO FROM GUAM

DUO FROM GUAM WITH VICTORIA CORITICO AND TONI
In the mid-1990, Image Restaurant Owner-Manager Margarita Borja-Dalton used to hire musicians from Guam for performance during New Year's Eve countdown. She's got this duo from Guam, where the one at left is flirting with her. Waitress Ma. Victoria Coritico and bartender Antonia Borja had a chance to have a photo with the duo during their performance. (Photo by Ma. Victoria Coritico)

1995 NEW YEAR'S EVE COUNTDOWN
AT IMAGE RESTAURANT
WITH DUO FROM GUAM

EVERY New Year's Eve countdown is special to Image Restaurant and Palau Pacific Resort as they always hire musicians from Guam to perform at their respective places.

It's quite expensive as they have to pay for their airfare (round trip), book them in a hotel or accommodation, and pay their price for performing.

It became a practice for Image and PPR until they realize that they are just breaking even so why not hire local musicians?

In 1995, my employer for 13 years Margarita 'Margie' Borja-Dalton, hired a duo from Guam but me, Wilson Prima (lead guitarist/vocal) and drummer/vocal Willy dela Cruz still play on New Year's eve countdown when they are having breaks.

The duo praised our reggae version of "Can't Help Falling In Love" where we transpose the key from G to G# in the last part of the song. I never heard them do any transposing during their performance.

My alternate pianist in Beverly Hills Deli in Makati City Philippines (1990-1992) Francis Violago can't transpose half step. He prefers to transpose from C to D instead of C to C# where I used to transpose that way since learning to play well.

Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
December 29, 2002 -- March 18, 2018

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 -- March 18, 2018

The History of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
June 09, 2002 -- March 18, 2018

(1486) MUSIC AND ME (Dec. 21, 2017) SAM MASANG OFFERED ME SUNDAY EVENING PERFORMANCE

FORMER SENATOR SAM MASANG OFFERED
ME SUNDAY EVENING PERFORMANCE

In Dec. 12, 2017, I was invited by former Palau Senator Sam "Yoyo" Masang to join them at their table with 2 Filipino ladies working for him.

I know the lady at left, who used to come with her other Filipino friends and sometimes sing a song or two with me at the keyboard. But most of the time, they just talk and have fun with the ambiance.

Senator Masang asked me if I can play at The Executive Lounge every Sunday evening during my day off. It is possible but I have to sacrifice the Evangelistic Night of Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) Palau Locale, where I always attend to as it is my day off (Sunday) and regularly attend the Sunday service (Sunday School and Worship) from 9:00 -- 12:30 pm.

Mr. Masang also ran as Koror State Governor in the 2017 Gubernatorial election where there are 7 candidates for one governor seat.

Mr. Masang also owns the Palau Telecom networks and I ask him, "Palau has fiber optic capabilities now. Is PT Hotspot internet cards be faster now?" He said, yes. Actually, the card which is $10.00 for 10 hours is now $10.00 for 15 hours and just a month ago, it is now 20 hours for $10.00!
Palau Chess Federation President Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps is right in saying that internet in Palau will be super fast and very cheap because of competition within the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) and Palau Telecoms and other smaller competition.
Palau Royal Resort is offering a $1.00 discount to all employees buying the PT Hotspot cards or PNCC Airtime cards. So today, my $9.00 can have 20 hours of fast internet!
My roommate Rodolf Pinlac is selling PT Hotspot cards and PNCC Airtime for $10.00 but it can be paid monthly (during PRR salary period (every 20th of the month).

I mentioned also to former Senator Masang that my former employer of 13 years in Palau Margarita Borja Dalton also offered me to play at Executive Lounge when she is the Manager/Consultant of that place a few years ago. But it didn't materialize as I cannot play there full time as what Margie wants as I am under contract for 2 years at PRR.

The Awarding Ceremony of 2015 Palau National Chess Championship was held there with many chess players attended with me and Eric giving the cash prizes, trophies and certificates.

Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
December 29, 2002 -- March 05, 2018

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 -- March 05, 2018

The History of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
June 09, 2002 -- March 05, 2018

Saturday, September 12, 2020

(1477) 26 YEARS IN PALAU IN FEB. 04, 2018 (TBN-Feb. 05, 2018)

OLD 1993 PHOTO OF TRIO LOS GUAPOS OF IMAGE RESTAURANT

Wilson Prima, right, and Willy dela Cruz, middle, has been my music buddies for more than a year before the Trio Los Guapos of Image Restaurant was disbanded with Willy finding a more stable job as butcher at Surangel’s and Sons and Wilson going back to Philippines. I stayed for 13 years at Image, 11 months each at Rose Garden Resort and Dragon Tei and more than 10 years at Palau Royal Resort as musician and chess pioneer in Palau.

(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

26 YEARS IN PALAU IN

FEBRUARY 04, 2018

I felt very close to nature when the Continental Airlines landed at Palau International Airport in Feb. 04, 1992. There's an egret in the runway; no traffic, fresh air. The arrival time then is 1:30pm so you can have a bird’s view of the beauty of Palau. Now it’s all night time and it’s now United Airlines.

I played with the Tropical Depression Band of Elena Sutton for 6 months with lead guitarist Prime Walls, (Wilson Prima), drummers Willy dela Cruz/Greg, Palauan singer Romana, bass player Wilhelm Elbelau and 2nd lead guitarist Henry Takeshi at Sunset Bistro. When it (Sunset Bistro) closed down, I and Wilson applied to Margie Borja Dalton and later Willy joined us at Image Restaurant, where I worked for 13 years because Madam Margie treated me and my wife Flor Miranda-Hernandez and daughter Karen Cando as part of her family.

While still there, I pioneered chess in Palau and published my first Chess Mate article in Tia Belau in Dec. 29, 2002 http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/11/chessmate-first-issue-tia-belau-dec-29.html and since then, chess and music became my passion in life that resulted in me representing Palau in 2009 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship- http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/05/2009-oceania-zonal-chess-championship.html 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia- http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/06/1013-751-photos-of-2010-world-chess.html and in 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey - http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/opening-ceremony-istanbul-olympiad.html followed by 2014 Olympiad in Tromso, Norway http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/05/1000th-post-1000-photos-of-palau-chess.html and at the 2016 Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2016/09/1256-opening-day-of-2016-world-chess.html I will be the Delegate/Team Captain of Palau Open Team to 2018 World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia.

Before working as musician at Palau Royal Resort in June 1, 2007, I played music also at Rose Garden Resort and Dragon Tei Japanese Restaurant for 11 months in each place http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2015/02/music-and-me-jan-08-2015-dragon-tei.html I was also featured in The Int’l. Filipino http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/chess-music-june-21-amazing-piano-man.html

Taking advantage of free chess and music advertisement at Tia Belau, I was able to promote PRR in my own little way. I have 3,186 photos about PRR in my laptop where about 90% was published or posted in PCF website, Facebook and Tia Belau.

I have played music also to a lot of weddings-- http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/06/music-and-me-june-14-playing-music-at.html and Greek music in Bahrain-- http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2012/08/268-music-me-aug-9-playing-greek-music.html and I have traveled to 22 countries/cities because of Chess and Music (Perfect Combination) The Beginning of Chess in Palau by Roberto Hernandez--soon to be published as a book.

Before jogging at Palau Track and Field oval on Wed. Jan. 31, I met former Palau President Johnson Toribiong, who just finished his jogging/walking and said “Hi, Robert”. In my 6^th lap, I was able to talk to Mohammad Manik Hossein, who said he will participate in the 1-day 2-hour Palau Blitz Chess Championship in Feb. 18. He’s been inactive since his last participation in 2013 PBCC. James dela Cruz, meantime, is still on vacation but there’s probability that he might come back in time for 2018 PBCC.

(Conclusion of Fabiano Caruana takes London Chess Classic…)THE PLAY-OFF “After six hours of playing against Michael Adams, I was too tired to feel any pressure,” was Fabiano Caruana’s insightful comment after winning a four-game blitz play-off against Ian Nepomniachtchi. He had had only 30 minutes’ respite after a long endgame before returning to the board for two 10m+5s rapid/blitzes, and then two more games at 5m+3s, compared to Nepomniachtchi’s luxurious 5+ hours’ rest after the briefest of classical games but it underlines the paradoxical psychology that often plays out in such situations.

It is not always the tired, harassed competitor who succumbs, and there is such a thing as being too relaxed for a key encounter. Remember Fabi’s comment, readers, the next time you play off for the London Chess Classic title, or perhaps, more realistically, your local club championship. As always with play in rapids and blitzes, it was a roller coaster ride, with the clock situations being as important as the positions on the board. The two rapid mode games were drawn after a particularly seesaw struggle in the first game and less so the second.

That was followed by blitz games, with both going beyond 60 moves. Nepomniachtchi lost a piece inside 14 moves in the 1st of the blitz games but somehow drew when Caruana (Black) slipped up right at the end. 64...Nd3? 64...Kd5 would win here. 65.f5+! Ke5 66.g5 fxg5+ 67.Kxg5 Nf4 ½ ½ Missing that win might have proved a psychological hammer blow for Caruana but he took it in his stride and came back to win the next game and with it the London Classic title. Congratulations to him!

Caruana slid from 2^nd to 7^th after a dismal 11^th place finish in the Tata Steel Masters 2018 where world champion Magnus Carlsen won it over Anish Giri on tiebreak. Caruana won only a game, lost 4 and drew 8 games. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is now No. 2 with 3^rd place finisher Vladimir Kramnik at 3^rd. Wesley So is now No. 4. Levon Aronian and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave both didn’t play and now occupy 5^th and 6^th spots respectively. At 8^th is Hikaru Nakamura followed by former world champion Viswanathan Anand and Giri.

Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 4407: 1. …Rg1+! 2. Rxg1 Qf3+ 3. Rg2 Rxd1#

If 2. Kxg1 then … Rg8+ 3. Kh1 Qf3#

This week's puzzle No. 4408: Black to play and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)