PRIZES OF PAX AND ROBERTO IN THE 2015 PRCC
Paquito Suringa, Jr., left, is showing off his certificate, medal and $20.00 check for finishing strong in the 2015 PRCC while I’m holding the trophy for 3rd place and $40.00 cash. In the 2017 PRCC, Paquito's work schedule hinders him to play the 2nd and 3rd round as well as the 8th-11th rounds of the event. (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
LIAR! LIAR!
***(This article was not published in Tia Belau Newspaper's Aug. 07, 2017 issue because of the new editor's comment that it's long time ago and not much related to chess. The editor (Kambes Kesolei), who doesn't edit any of my articles, is having a vacation, too)***
MANY TIMES I’ve been asked by friends/co-employees to be their ‘lawyer’ in facing their charges committed in the Republic of Palau. One of them is Roel "Ebot" Leano, a cook at Image Restaurant where I’m the pianist/DJ for 13 years. The restaurant has become many times venue of chess tourneys with the support of my employer for 13 years—Margarita Borja Dalton.
Roel "Ebot" Leano at left is playing a friendly game of pool with (L-R) Nilda Leano (not related to Ebot), Ma. Victoria Estonina, my wife Flor Hernandez and Ronnie Hermosilla.
From left, standing, Ebot, Ronnie, Hilde Mariur, Flor, Alicia Medalla and Gladys. Sitting (same order) are Jocelyn Isechal and my employer for 13 years Margarita Borja Dalton, sister of Jocelyn.
At the buffer 3 days before the welcoming of year 2000.
Ebot is asking for my help because I can speak English very well and I will be his interpreter/public defender during the trial.
He told me an incident in 2003 where his car overturned halfway across the Sunrise Villa, just about 50 meters from Image Restaurant. An off duty police officer (Officer Wayne) saw the accident and called 911 but Ebot was able to get off the car by climbing through the open window. He was charged with driving under the influence of liquor and over speeding, because according to Officer Wayne, he is driving at 40 mph during that rainy night.
I asked Ebot to tell me all the things that happened that night. He said he had a couple of Budweiser beer and because it’s raining, he is wiping the windshield of the car when the accident happened because of the moist. His car don’t have air con.
During the ‘trial’, I emphasized that it’s impossible for him to drive at 40 mph because there are 3 humps within the hotel’s premises to slow down cars. That was a winning point. But when Ebot was tested by breathalyzer that night, the alcohol content in his body is way above the limit.
I’m interpreting to him the judge’s decision about the case as he cannot speak for himself in English. He was penalized to do 20 hours of community services, can’t go to bar or drinking places even in staff house where there is a drinking session. They took his passport so that he cannot leave Palau until his 1-year probation is finished. He also has to pay a fine of $500.00 that he can pay by installment within one year.
After the judgment, it’s the only time that he told me that he had drank with a friend 2 beers and half bottle of cuatro cantos (4 corners) gin. So, he lied to me about the liquor consumption.
In 2013, Paquito ‘Pax’ Suringa, Jr., a cook at Palau Royal Resort canteen, asked also for my help about his case where he was hit by a car when he is biking on his way to work with the driver of the car running away from the accident’s scene.
We go to the police station with 3 other employees, one of them is Joel Gabris, the Palau Royal Resort canteen chief cook, and he had some bandage in his left arm (for 'effects').
Sitting, left to right, Joel Gabris, Rey Alenain, Ronnel Guitierez, Mr. Gabris, Joel's uncle George Gabris and Ferdie Altea. Standing (L-R) Randy Sioson, Migs Gancayco and Paquito 'Pax' Suringa, Jr.
While filing the case, the police officer has doubts about his reasons especially the time that he is more worried about getting late to work than the accident’s concerns. The officer said, “Don’t lie to us!”
We were asked to wait at the place where there is a hut and benches and we talk about the accident. When Pax mentioned that the lady driver that hits him get off the car and ask, “Are you okay?” and he said yes, I immediately told him and the others, “Let’s go back to PRR. We are just wasting our time here.
I castigated Pax saying, "You told me that the lady driver run away from the scene of the accident, and you just said that she gets off the car and asked you if you’re okay and you said yes; then you’re lying. You are just wasting our time. We will not support your lies.”
Pax became the No. 5 chess player of Palau due to his very active and bravery to play anybody especially during the first rounds of Palau Chess Federation’s tournaments. Many will size-up the opposition first before playing their games but Pax is always ready to play against anybody.
After we come back from participating in the 2016 World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan, there is a controversy regarding the gift certificates given by Palau Royal Resort General Manager....
Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 4423: 1. …Qxf4+!! 2. Kxf4 Bh6+ 3. Kf5 Ne5#
This week’s puzzle No. 4424: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)
Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 9-10
Volume 26
Issue 82
August 07, 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 -- August 07, 2017
The History of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
June 09, 2002 -- August 07, 2017
