One of the pic highlights of Palau Chess Federation 2014 Calendar of Events is this photo of 7 members of Palau Chess Team to 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway. Facing a hill where the cable car station is seen, the team view it in alphabetical order of their family name and almost the same according to height. The 5 from left to right --Joy Flores Whipps, Bernardo Garcia, Dennis Gonzales, Roberto Hernandez, Gladys Anne Paloma and Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps, who took this photo, experienced cable car trip prior to the final round of the Olympiad. Jeff Balbalosa, Baby Edna Mission and 10-year-old Destiny Sision were the one missing here.
(Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)
PALAU CHESS FEDERATION
2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jan. 06-Feb. 06, 2014 Ksau Cup
Jan. 23-24, 2014 FIDE C. E. O. Geoffrey Borg and Asian
Chess Federation Deputy President
Casto 'Toti' Abundo visit Palau for
Chess In Schools Proposal and FIDE
Trainers' Seminar
Feb. 19-24, 2014 MICRONESIAN OPEN
FEB. 25, 2014
BRIAN JONES
SIMULTANEOUS CHESS EXHIBITION
March 23, 2014
2014 PALAU OPEN
FIRST UNDEFEATED TOURNEY FOR ROBERTO
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Neph Makasaet)
NM Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. (Black)
Bird's Opening
1. f4 d5 2. Nf3 c5 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nc6 5. Bb5 Bd7 6. 0-0 a6 7. Be2 e6 8. Ne5 d4 9. Nb1 Bd6 10. Nc4 Bc7 11. d3 b5 12. Nca3 (When Nilo de Jesus came and saw this position, he asked "How did the other knight get in there?") 0-0 13. e4 Ne7 14. g4 h6 15. c4 b4 16. Nc2 Qb8 17. e5 Nh7 18. Nd2 f5 19. Bf3 Bc6 20. gxf5 (the first capture... on the 20th move!) Bxf3 21. Qxf3 Rxf3 22. Qe4 Qf8 23. Nb3 Ng5? 24. Qg2 Bxe5 Cyril thought for more than 20 minutes with this move after making a mistake on the 23rd move). 24. fxe5 (capturing with 24. fxg5 loses to 24. ... Bxh2+ with long variation leading to losing the exchange or queen) 24. ... Rxf1+ 25. Qxf1 Nf3+ 26. Kh1 Ng6 27. Nxc5 (actually, I didn't see that the knight can be captured by the queen but learned later that I will capture his knight if he do so) 27. ...Qxc5 28. Qxf3 Rf8 29. Qe4 Rf1+ 30. Kg2 Qf8 31. Nxd4 Qf2+ 31. Kh3 Nf4+ 32. Bxf4 (giving up the exchange but put his rook out of action. Capturing with the queen is also feasible) 32. ... Rxa1 33. Nxe6 Rg1 34. Bg3 Qf1+ 35. Kg4 h5+ 36. Kh4 (refusing the pawn sacrifice although 36. ...Qf7+ can be met by 37. Qg6) 36. ... Qf7?? 37. Qa8+ Kh7 38. Ng5+ At this point, the crowd started to analyze the game and the last previous moves. Cyril surprised them with "I haven't resigned yet!" 38. ...Kg6 39. Nxf7 Kxf7 40. Qa7+ Kg6 41. Qxg1 (Cyril resigned and spent another 30 minutes analyzing what has gone wrong on his 23rd move.)
At the middle table, Rustum Cabuso, 2nd from left, is practicing with newcomer to Palau (1 week) Felix Olay, a very good chess player. He practiced with Roberto on Saturday afternoon, winning 5 games and losing 3. Paquito played 8 games also with him on Friday evening and managed only a win and a draw. (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
THE MOVES: JEFFREY BALBALOSA (WHITE) VS.
PAQUITO SURINGA, JR. (BLACK)
King's Indian Defence
1. d4 g6 2. Nf3 Bg7 3. e3 Nf6 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nbd2 Nbd7 6. b3 b6 7. Bb2 c5 8. 0-0 0-0 9. c4 Bb7 10. Re1 e6 11. Ne5 Nxe5 12. dxe5 Nd7 13. Nf3 Qc7 14. e4 d4 15. Qe2 Nxe5 16. Nxe5 Bxe5 17. h3 Qe7 18. Bc1 Qh4 19. Rf1 g5 20. f3 Qg3 21. f4 Bxf4 22. Bxf4 gxf4 23. Qh5 f6 24. Qe2 e5 25. Rf3 Qg5 26. Kh2 Kf7 27. g3 Rg8 28. g4 Qh4 29. Rg1 Rg5 30. Rg2 Rag8 31. Qf2 Qh6 32. Kg1 Qg6 33. Kf1 h5 34. Qg1 Bxe4 35. Bxe4 Qxe4 36. Qf2 Qb1+ 37. Qe1 Qxe1+ 38. Kxe1 hxg4 39. hxg4 Rxg4 40. Rxg4 Rxg4 41. Rh3 Kg7 42. Kf2 e4 0-1
Source: History of Chess In Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
May 2014
April 14-15, 2014
FIDE TRAINERS' SEMINAR
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
wearing a Malta polo shirt given to him by Mr. Yoshiraru Kurata, a multi-talented musician/architect and a senior JICA volunteer, who went back to Japan and will be back in Palau in December.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
June 15-July 13, 2014
PALAU OLYMPIANS TUNE-UP GAMES
Dennis Gonzales, right, plays the black pieces against NM Roberto Hernandez, left, in the only game that was played in the resumption of 2014 Palau Olympians Tune-up games. Dennis prevails in this match and now leading the tilt after defeating CM Bernard Garcia in June 8. Baby Edna Mission, middle, is part of the 12-member Palau Chess Team that will compete in 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso,
Norway on Aug. 01-14, 2014.
GONZALES LEADS 2014 PALAU OLYMPIANS
TUNE-UP GAMES
Rarely did Dennis Gonzales lead in the early rounds of
any chess tournaments in Palau since 2004 Open Chess Tournament. He showed a
lot of improvements during the recently concluded 2014 Open Chess Tournament,
where he tied Candidate Master Bernardo Garcia at 3rd spot with an
identical 6-2-2 win-loss-draw record in Pool A.
Dennis
is one of the 12-member Palau Chess Team that will compete in the 2014 World
Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway from Aug. 01-14, 2014. Bernard is a teammate
and in the 2nd week of 2014 Palau Olympians Tune-up Games, Dennis defeated
Bernard in 47 moves of English Opening.
THE MOVES: CM Bernardo Garcia (White) vs. Dennis Gonzales (Black)
June 08, 2014
1. c4 e5 2. Nc3
Nf6 3. g3 Bc5 4. Bg2 0-0 5. e3 c6 6. d4 exd4 7. exd4 Bb4 8. Nge2 d5 9. Qb3 a5
10. a3 dxc4 11. Qxc4 Be6 12. Qd3 Bxc3+ 13. bxc3 Bd5 14. f3 b5 15. 0-0 Bc4 16.
Qc2 Re8 17. Re1 Ra7 18. Bg5 h6 19. Bxf6 Qxf6 20. Nf4 Rae7 21. Re4 g5 22. Nd3
Bd5 23. Rxe7 Rxe7 24. Ne5 Nd7 25. Nxd7 Rxd7 26. g4 Re7 27. Qd2 Bc4 28. Re1 Kg7
29. Kf2 Rxe1 30. Qxe1 Qd6 31. Qe5+ Qxe5 32. dxe5 f6 33. exf6+ Kxf6 34. Ke3 Ke5
35. Bh1 c5 36. h4 a4 37. f4+ gxf4+ 38. Kd2 Bd5 39. Bxd5 Kxd5 40. g5 Ke6 41. g6
h5 42. g7 Kf7 43. g8=Q+ Kxg8 44. Kd3 Kg7 45. c4 bxc4+ 46. Kxc4 Kf6 47. Kd3
Kf5 0-1
In
the 1st week, Bernard avenged his loss to Roberto Hernandez in the
penultimate round of 2014 Open by trouncing him in 55 moves of Bird’s Opening
after Hernandez blundered away his bishop on the 37th move.
Dennis
likewise avenged his loss to Roberto in the only game of Sunday, June 22 with
an excellent defensive prowess on the 25th move and prevailed in 44
moves of Bird’s Opening.
THE MOVES: NM Roberto Hernandez (White) vs. Dennis Gonzales (Black) June 22, 2014
1.f4
c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 a6 4. d4 Ne4 5. Bd3 d5 6. Bxe4 dxe4 7. Ng5 Bf5 8. 0-0 h6 9.
g4 hxg5 10. gxf5 e6 11. fxe6 fxe6 12. Qg4 Qe7 13. fxg5 Nc6 14. dxc5 0-0-0 15.
Nc3 Ne5 16. Qg3 Nf3+ 17. Rxf3 exf3 18. Ne4 Rd1+ 19. Kf2 Rh1 20. Nd6+ Kd7 21.
Kxf3 R1Xh2 22. Ke4 R8h5 23. b4 Rxg5 24. Qf3 Rgg1 25. Kd3 Qd8 26. Qxb7+ Qc7 27.
Qxa6 Bxd6 28. Qa4+ Ke7 29. Ke4 Rh4+ 30. Kd3 Be5 31. Bb2 Qd8+ 32. Bd4 Rxa1 33.
Qa7+ Kf6 34. c6 Rd1+ 35. Ke2 Rdxd4 36. exd4 Qxd4 37. Qxd4 Rxd4 38. b5 Rb4 39.
a4 Rxa4 40. Kd3 Rb4 41. c4 Rb3+ 42. Kd2 Rc3 43. c7 Rxc4 44. b6 Bxc7 0-1
The
members of Palau Chess Team to Norway are 1. Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps
(Delegate/Team Captain-Women’s Team), 2. Jamie Kenmure (Team Captain
–Men/Open), 3. Roberto Hernandez (Board 1), 4. Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. (Board
2), 5. Bernardo Garcia (Board 3), 6. Dennis Gonzales (Board 4), 7. Jeffrey
Balbalosa (Board 5/Reserve), 8. Angelica Parrado (Board 1-Women), 9. Baby Edna
Mission (Board 2), 10. Gladys Anne Paloma (Board 3), 11. Destiny Sisior (Board
4), 12. Joy Flores Whipps (Board 5/Reserve).
The
No. 3-11 members will fly to Manila on July 15 to apply for Schengen Visa
(Norway-Type C –for short stay). They applied on line and paid 60 euros (about
$81.00) as visa fee. There will be interview and finger printing that is set on
July 17 at 8:30 am. They have to buy travel insurance before submitting the
documents for processing which will take 2-5 working days.
If
the visa will be granted, the itinerary of Palau Chess Team will be –Leaving
Manila-London at 7:10am on July 31. They will change plane for London-Oslo and
then finally Oslo-Tromso. The total number of flying hours is 32 hours.
It’s
39 hours in coming back to Manila via Tromso-Oslo-Doha and they will be back in
Palau on August 19, 2014. (August 15 at 1:30am via United Airlines).
Solution
to last week’s puzzle: (It’s white to move, not black) 1. Qg8+!! Kxg8 2. Re8+
Rxe8 3. Rxe8 mate. This
week’s puzzle: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)
Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 9 & 10
Volume 23
Issue 52
June 30, 2014
+-+2014+Norway.jpg)
Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 9-10
Volume 23
Issue 54
July 07, 2014
July 15, 2014
PALAU CHESS TEAM TRIP TO MANILA
TO GET SCHENGEN VISA
FEATURED IN GMA NEWS IN THE PHILIPPINES
During the departure meeting of the members of Palau Chess Team, GMA News reporter Bernadette Carreon, former Palau Horizon reporter, took this photo for posting in her "Pinays To Represent Palau In Norway Chess Olympiad" report that was published/broadcasted a day earlier. The members (without Gladys Anne Paloma and Destiny Sisior) are from left, standing, CM Bernardo Garcia, NM Roberto Hernandez, NM Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., PCF President Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps, Dennis Gonzales and Jeffrey Balbalosa. Sitting (left to right), Angelica Parrado, Baby Edna Mission and Joy Flores Whipps. (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps-Taken by Bernadette Carreon)
PALAU CHESS TEAM TRIP TO MANILA
TO GET SCHENGEN VISA - July 15, 2014
ON JULY 15, 2014 at 2pm, all members of Palau Chess Team to 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway had a meeting about their 8:55pm trip to Manila to get Schengen visa (Norway -Type C for short stay).
Bernadette Carreon, former Palau Horizon reporter, had a short interview of the team members and took some photos for her featured article that was broadcasted/published at GMA News - Pinoy Abroad.
At 5:50, Roberto left for airport in Palau Royal Resort service vehicle. All the other 7 members were there already. All of them are wearing Palau Chess Federation t-shirts as agreed because there will be photo session before leaving.
Roberto's t-shirt is way under his luggage and just get the jacket that's part of their uniform in the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.
The flight was delayed for 2 hours. They have photo session after checking in their luggage.
Some shots were taken by Peter Erick Magbanua, who asked for our photos in Norway to be emailed to him so that it will be published and Palau will be updated in the development there.
Roberto wear the jacket. Baby Edna Mission notice that the Palau flag in the jacket is not seen clearly.
Joy Flores Whipps, 2nd from right, join in the photo session, this time, she is looking at the photographer.
Eric Ksau Whipps, right, joined in the last 2 photos, with the Palau flag on Roberto's jacket now visible.
While sitting inside the plane, Roberto got a call from Norberto Singian asking if the flight will go ahead even with typhoon signal in Philippines. Roberto said he's already in the plane but the flight is delayed by 2 hours.
It takes 45 minutes inside the plane before the lift off. When there is strong winds, everybody can feel the 'shaking' of the plane.
It's past 12 midnight when the plane landed with heavy rain delaying some transportation. Jeff asked one taxi driver and asked how much is the fare to Quezon City. He was charged $70.00! He didn't bite it.
Roberto tried to text Mark Limpios to get the package from Norberto. But his cellphone is not working. A taxi driver offered to call Mark on his cellphone and while Roberto and Mark are talking, they are in front of each other because Mark was there following Roberto but because he's not sure if he's really Roberto, he just waited for the call and instruction of where he is.
Roberto asked that taxi driver how much is the fare to Muntinlupa. He looked at the list and it's P2,100.00 (or more than $50.00). It's too much for Roberto. He just gave the taxi driver P50.00 for using his phone.
Roberto asked for fare in the 2nd booth, it's P1,750.00. It's still too much. The next one is only $650.00 but they don't have a unit available as it's raining hard and some units can't go back immediately.
The dispatcher asked Roberto to try others at the other side. The first one there offered $850.00 flat rate. Roberto like metered taxi and she showed Roberto the many available metered taxis.
He's off in just 3 minutes. The driver, upon knowing that Roberto is from Palau, said that he's got one Palauan passenger before that he talk in Tagalog because he said he looked like a Filipino -- same skin and same body build.
They have a very nice conversation mostly about Palau and chess. Roberto paid the P34.00 toll gate fee so that they can avoid traffic.
When they reached their destination, the meter only shows P370.00 or more than $8.00! Roberto makes it exactly P500.00 as he usually do whenever he takes a metered taxi. In July 2013, he and his wife paid P400.00 where their metered taxi showed only P290.00.
I have a late supper at 1:00am. When I am about to sleep at 2am, the power went off. It went on again for 2 seconds and out again until the next 3 days.
It's a very strong typhoon. I can hear some tin roofs flying and some objects hitting the roof of the house.
The sound of the wind at the window is like the sound of the airplane that took off for Manila flight.
When I wake up at 10am, many neighbors are fixing the damage of the 4-hour typhoon. I prepare to go to town to recharge my cellphone and to buy SIM card to replace my old one that expired months ago.
There are many fallen trees and electric posts on my way to Star Mall. It's 10:30 then. The mall will open at 11:00am according to the sign at the door.
While waiting, I read the Monday's edition of Tia Belau where in my Chess Mate column, it features the Palau Chess Team. It's entitled "Norway Here We Come!"
It's 11am and still not open. The Jollibee is already open since 10am. I asked the security guard what time the mall will open. He said they will be late because of typhoon and maybe after lunch time.
I proceed to Liana's Department Store. Only the Supermarket is open and no air con. The store's big signs have fallen. Almost 3/4 of them with those junks being guarded closely by guards because many young scavengers (boys and girls) are trying to get as many as they can get to sell for cash.
I will come back after lunch. Buy 4 kinds of viands and a bunch of bananas --P40.00 for 1 kilo. In Palau, only 4 pieces for P40.00 worth of bananas. I also buy 6 pieces of ripe mangoes for P60.00 or less than $1.50. In Palau, it's $1.50/piece.
I go back to Star Mall and bought a SIM card worth P40.00 and a load of P50.00 to the same store where I bought my cellphone last year. The battery of my cellphone is almost zero. The line in the charging station is very long. It takes 30 minutes for 1 cellphone to be charged for P5.00. It will take me 2 hours if I will fall in line.
Somebody told me that there is another charging station after the Mercury Drug store. When I go there, it's just a booth and they charge cellphones if you brought the charger and they charge P25.00.
I brought my charger so I let them charge my cellphone while I do some shopping. I bought a luggage bag and a carry-on bag for P1,600.00 for those 2 pieces. I just get a receipt and will take it when I go home.
I go back to the charging station and it's still long line because the whole town have no power. I have to go to Petron Mega Plaza in Makati to buy travel insurance for getting Schengen visa.
I asked the young lady who is charging my phone that I need it because I have to go somewhere. It's only halfway charged. I took an air con bus and reach the building at exactly 2pm.
The guards there told me that the Royal Norwegian Embassy on the 21st floor is closed today because of typhoon. I asked about the Standard Insurance Corporation at 28th floor and they said it is also closed. They will be open tomorrow at 8am. They also said that the rest of Palau Chess team have been there in the morning.
I go back to the Star Mall and asked the young saleslady if she can continue to charge my cellphone without extra charge. She said it's okay.
I have some snacks and shopped a little - soy milk, cracker nuts, and sour sop. Long line at the counter. 30 minutes for that 4 pieces of food stuff.
While walking on my way home, I saw some guys playing chess. I changed my clothes and watched them play. Good potential for mostly older players. I told them I have chess clock if they want to play with clock. They refused.
They asked me to play and I played 2 games against 2 different players. One is a neighbor, who recognizes me as the one who played their piano in 2011 with his parents watching. He said the piano is not there anymore as his mom moved to farther place.
I won over him and also won over the 2nd one who is the owner of the house where we are playing near their garage. When it started to rain, we move a little closer inside. The 3rd game was cancelled because it's getting dark. We just tell stories about chess, Norway Olympiad, Eugene Torre and many more about different places in Philippines.
Source: History of Chess In Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
July 2014
July 30, 2014
CONGRESSMAN PICHAY HOSTED THE
PALAU CHESS TEAM AT HERITAGE HOTEL
FROM 2002 (PALAU) - 2014
(NORWAY WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD)
Roberto Hernandez, right, was surprised to meet a guy from Tromso,
Norway, where the 2014 World Chess Olympiad will be held from Aug. 01-14 at
Breeze Bar of Palau Royal Resort while entertaining a young Japanese couple
Juichi, left, and his wife who can't speak much English. 2nd from right,
Haakon, the Norwegian guy, works at his country's military. Hernandez pioneered
chess in Palau in 2002 and will be Board 1 player again in the Olympiad in
Norway.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Devie Guimbal)
BERNARD OUTLASTED CYRIL
IN A MARATHON 62 MOVES
Only 2 games were played in the
resumption of 2014 Palau Olympians Tune-Up Games on Sunday, June 29 at
Bethlehem Park.
The participants are NM Cyril
Tomas Montel, Jr., NM Roberto Hernandez, NM Tito Cabunagan, CM Bernardo Garcia,
Dennis Gonzales and Jeffrey Balbalosa.
All of them, except Tito, are members of the Men/Open Palau Team that
will compete in the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway from August 01
(Arrival, Opening Ceremony) to Aug. 14 (Closing Ceremony and Departure on Aug.
15).
The Women’s Team is composed of
Angelica Parrado (Board 1), Baby Edna Mission (Board 2), Gladys Anne Paloma
(Board 3), Angie’s daughter Destiny Sisior (Board 4) and Joy Flores Whipps
(Board 5/Reserve). Eric Ksau Whipps is the Delegate, Head of Delegation and
Team Captain of Women’s Team.
Australian Jamie Kenmure became
the Open Team Captain when Tito withdrew because of the Pacific Islands Forum
to be held in Palau in the same date of the Chess Olympiad. This is Jamie’s 3rd
time to be Palau team captain after leading Palau in 2010 World Chess Olympiad
in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia and 2012 WCO in Istanbul, Turkey. Tito also withdrew
from the 2010 WCO due to job requirement.
The first game of Tune-Up games
is between 2 undefeated players --Dennis Gonzales and Jeffrey Balbalosa. Their
game is headed for a draw with equal materials but Dennis’ patience pays off
after pinning Jeff’s bishop with a rook at 7th rank.
On his 41st move,
Jeff resigned in their Slav Defence game. Dennis scored his 3rd
straight victory to lead the tournament with Tito and Cyril as his last 2
remaining opponents.
The most exciting game of the
event was not decided until 7:30 pm between CM Bernard Garcia and fellow worker
at Palau Pacific Resort Cyril, who mistakenly set their time clock to 90
minutes to make 30 moves and 30 minutes more to finish the game with 30 seconds
increment starting from move 1. Roberto Hernandez adjusted it to 90/40/30/30.
The 2 protagonists showed their
excellence in time management as they used their time control to the max. With
Cyril still has 7 minutes in the first time control and Bernard with 13
minutes, they transfer thrice due to lack of lights and rain.
Roberto left them for work at
7pm when their remaining pieces are King, Queen, Bishop and 2 Pawns for Bernard
and a King, Queen and 4 pawns for Cyril.
Before going to attend the
Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ Evangelistic Night at 8pm, Roberto
dropped by at Bethlehem Park at 7:45 but they are not there anymore. Roberto
asked Bernard through text on the next day and learned that Bernard won in 62
moves.
Tito is still on vacation. He’s
got only one game played and he needs to play at least 2 games on Saturday
(July 12) and 2 games on Sunday (July 13) as the 9-member Palau Chess Team will
fly to Manila on July 15 to get Schengen visa before proceeding to Norway via
Manila-Kuala Lumpur-Oslo-Bodo-Tromso on July 31.
Solution to last week’s puzzle:
This week’s puzzle: Black to
move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)
Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 9-10
Volume 23
Issue 54
July 07, 2014
July 15, 2014
PALAU CHESS TEAM TRIP TO MANILA
TO GET SCHENGEN VISA
During the departure meeting of the members of Palau Chess Team, GMA News reporter Bernadette Carreon, former Palau Horizon reporter, took this photo for posting in her "Pinays To Represent Palau In Norway Chess Olympiad" report that was published/broadcasted a day earlier. The members (without Gladys Anne Paloma and Destiny Sisior) are from left, standing, CM Bernardo Garcia, NM Roberto Hernandez, NM Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., PCF President Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps, Dennis Gonzales and Jeffrey Balbalosa. Sitting (left to right), Angelica Parrado, Baby Edna Mission and Joy Flores Whipps. (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps-Taken by Bernadette Carreon)
PALAU CHESS TEAM TRIP TO MANILA
TO GET SCHENGEN VISA - July 15, 2014
ON JULY 15, 2014 at 2pm, all members of Palau Chess Team to 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway had a meeting about their 8:55pm trip to Manila to get Schengen visa (Norway -Type C for short stay).
Bernadette Carreon, former Palau Horizon reporter, had a short interview of the team members and took some photos for her featured article that was broadcasted/published at GMA News - Pinoy Abroad.
At 5:50, Roberto left for airport in Palau Royal Resort service vehicle. All the other 7 members were there already. All of them are wearing Palau Chess Federation t-shirts as agreed because there will be photo session before leaving.
Roberto's t-shirt is way under his luggage and just get the jacket that's part of their uniform in the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.
The flight was delayed for 2 hours. They have photo session after checking in their luggage.
Some shots were taken by Peter Erick Magbanua, who asked for our photos in Norway to be emailed to him so that it will be published and Palau will be updated in the development there.
Joy Flores Whipps, 2nd from right, join in the photo session, this time, she is looking at the photographer.
Eric Ksau Whipps, right, joined in the last 2 photos, with the Palau flag on Roberto's jacket now visible.
While sitting inside the plane, Roberto got a call from Norberto Singian asking if the flight will go ahead even with typhoon signal in Philippines. Roberto said he's already in the plane but the flight is delayed by 2 hours.
It takes 45 minutes inside the plane before the lift off. When there is strong winds, everybody can feel the 'shaking' of the plane.
It's past 12 midnight when the plane landed with heavy rain delaying some transportation. Jeff asked one taxi driver and asked how much is the fare to Quezon City. He was charged $70.00! He didn't bite it.
Roberto tried to text Mark Limpios to get the package from Norberto. But his cellphone is not working. A taxi driver offered to call Mark on his cellphone and while Roberto and Mark are talking, they are in front of each other because Mark was there following Roberto but because he's not sure if he's really Roberto, he just waited for the call and instruction of where he is.
Roberto asked that taxi driver how much is the fare to Muntinlupa. He looked at the list and it's P2,100.00 (or more than $50.00). It's too much for Roberto. He just gave the taxi driver P50.00 for using his phone.
Roberto asked for fare in the 2nd booth, it's P1,750.00. It's still too much. The next one is only $650.00 but they don't have a unit available as it's raining hard and some units can't go back immediately.
The dispatcher asked Roberto to try others at the other side. The first one there offered $850.00 flat rate. Roberto like metered taxi and she showed Roberto the many available metered taxis.
He's off in just 3 minutes. The driver, upon knowing that Roberto is from Palau, said that he's got one Palauan passenger before that he talk in Tagalog because he said he looked like a Filipino -- same skin and same body build.
They have a very nice conversation mostly about Palau and chess. Roberto paid the P34.00 toll gate fee so that they can avoid traffic.
When they reached their destination, the meter only shows P370.00 or more than $8.00! Roberto makes it exactly P500.00 as he usually do whenever he takes a metered taxi. In July 2013, he and his wife paid P400.00 where their metered taxi showed only P290.00.
I have a late supper at 1:00am. When I am about to sleep at 2am, the power went off. It went on again for 2 seconds and out again until the next 3 days.
It's a very strong typhoon. I can hear some tin roofs flying and some objects hitting the roof of the house.
The sound of the wind at the window is like the sound of the airplane that took off for Manila flight.
When I wake up at 10am, many neighbors are fixing the damage of the 4-hour typhoon. I prepare to go to town to recharge my cellphone and to buy SIM card to replace my old one that expired months ago.
There are many fallen trees and electric posts on my way to Star Mall. It's 10:30 then. The mall will open at 11:00am according to the sign at the door.
While waiting, I read the Monday's edition of Tia Belau where in my Chess Mate column, it features the Palau Chess Team. It's entitled "Norway Here We Come!"
It's 11am and still not open. The Jollibee is already open since 10am. I asked the security guard what time the mall will open. He said they will be late because of typhoon and maybe after lunch time.
I proceed to Liana's Department Store. Only the Supermarket is open and no air con. The store's big signs have fallen. Almost 3/4 of them with those junks being guarded closely by guards because many young scavengers (boys and girls) are trying to get as many as they can get to sell for cash.
I will come back after lunch. Buy 4 kinds of viands and a bunch of bananas --P40.00 for 1 kilo. In Palau, only 4 pieces for P40.00 worth of bananas. I also buy 6 pieces of ripe mangoes for P60.00 or less than $1.50. In Palau, it's $1.50/piece.
I go back to Star Mall and bought a SIM card worth P40.00 and a load of P50.00 to the same store where I bought my cellphone last year. The battery of my cellphone is almost zero. The line in the charging station is very long. It takes 30 minutes for 1 cellphone to be charged for P5.00. It will take me 2 hours if I will fall in line.
Somebody told me that there is another charging station after the Mercury Drug store. When I go there, it's just a booth and they charge cellphones if you brought the charger and they charge P25.00.
I brought my charger so I let them charge my cellphone while I do some shopping. I bought a luggage bag and a carry-on bag for P1,600.00 for those 2 pieces. I just get a receipt and will take it when I go home.
I go back to the charging station and it's still long line because the whole town have no power. I have to go to Petron Mega Plaza in Makati to buy travel insurance for getting Schengen visa.
I asked the young lady who is charging my phone that I need it because I have to go somewhere. It's only halfway charged. I took an air con bus and reach the building at exactly 2pm.
The guards there told me that the Royal Norwegian Embassy on the 21st floor is closed today because of typhoon. I asked about the Standard Insurance Corporation at 28th floor and they said it is also closed. They will be open tomorrow at 8am. They also said that the rest of Palau Chess team have been there in the morning.
I go back to the Star Mall and asked the young saleslady if she can continue to charge my cellphone without extra charge. She said it's okay.
I have some snacks and shopped a little - soy milk, cracker nuts, and sour sop. Long line at the counter. 30 minutes for that 4 pieces of food stuff.
While walking on my way home, I saw some guys playing chess. I changed my clothes and watched them play. Good potential for mostly older players. I told them I have chess clock if they want to play with clock. They refused.
They asked me to play and I played 2 games against 2 different players. One is a neighbor, who recognizes me as the one who played their piano in 2011 with his parents watching. He said the piano is not there anymore as his mom moved to farther place.
I won over him and also won over the 2nd one who is the owner of the house where we are playing near their garage. When it started to rain, we move a little closer inside. The 3rd game was cancelled because it's getting dark. We just tell stories about chess, Norway Olympiad, Eugene Torre and many more about different places in Philippines.
Source: History of Chess In Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
July 2014
July 30, 2014
CONGRESSMAN PICHAY HOSTED THE
PALAU CHESS TEAM AT HERITAGE HOTEL
July 31, 2014
9 MEMBERS OF PALAU CHESS TEAM
GRANTED SCHENGEN VISA,
FLY TO NORWAY ON JULY 31
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| Add caption |
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Source: The History of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
July 30-August 01, 2014
To be published as a book in the future
August 01-15, 2014
WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD PARTICIPATION
OF PALAU CHESS TEAM IN OPEN AND WOMEN'S SECTION IN TROMSO, NORWAY
Opening Ceremony -- 2014 World Chess Olympiad (Norway)
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=1595561923658623206;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=130;src=link
Round 1 -- Colombia Swept Palau Open Team; Phil. Swept Women's Team, Too
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=6202977906510653169;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=129;src=link
Round 2 -- Palau Swept Again by IPCA and Trinidad & Tobago
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=311480655778666722;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=128;src=link
August 03, 2014 -- LIVE SING-ALONG BEFORE DINNER AT 2014 WCO IN NORWAY
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3161152464280490231;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=127;src=link
Round 3 -- Roberto Averted a Shutout; Drew at Board 1 vs. Guam
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=4375762789837425202;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=124;src=link
Round 4 -- 2014 World Chess Olympiad (Tromso, Norway)
Honduras Swept Palau Open team with Roberto resting;
Gladys Anne Paloma scores her first point
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3587204947329712468;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=123;src=link
Round 5 -- Palau Edges British Virgin Isles 2.5 - 1.5
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=4854415520267867692;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=120;src=link
REST DAY --- STROLLING AROUND TROMSO
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3419363190726069622;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=119;src=link
Round 6 -- Angie Scores Again vs. Togo; Bahamas Nips Palau Open Team
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3509612449969608212;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=118;src=link
Round 7 -- Angie Missed CM Title vs. Burundi; Palau Open team lost to Haiti
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=9081309722801173314;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=97;src=link
PARRADO, PALOMA, BALBALOSA MISSED CM TITLES
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=2806025071934791945;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=117;src=link
Round 8 --- Palau Open Team Nips Burundi; Women's Team Lost to Madagascar
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3729265007730423112;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=89;src=link
CHINA -- 1st CHESS OLYMPIAD OPEN TITLE;
BREAKTHROUGH FOR PALAU CHESS
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=863461361124523994;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=121;src=link
2 DEATHS AT THE FINAL DAY OF CHESS OLYMPIAD IN NORWAY
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3913747753391586678;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=115;src=link
THE INCIDENT ON THE OPENING DAY OF 2014 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3060745305508374381;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=110;src=link
FIDE ARBITERS' SEMINAR DURING THE 2014 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD IN NORWAY
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=959400829796971046;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=102;src=link
WHAT DID WE DO TO WESLEY SO?
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=4288667933263404501;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=86;src=link
Nov. 16, 2014 - January 25, 2015
2014 PALAU NATIONAL
CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Sources: The History of Chess In Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
January 06, 2014 -- January 25, 2015
To be published as a book in the future
Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
The Beginning of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
Music and Me
By Roberto Hernandez
August 03, 2014
Round 4 -- 2014 World Chess Olympiad (Tromso, Norway)
Honduras Swept Palau Open team with Roberto resting;
Gladys Anne Paloma scores her first point
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3587204947329712468;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=123;src=link
Round 5 -- Palau Edges British Virgin Isles 2.5 - 1.5
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=4854415520267867692;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=120;src=link
REST DAY --- STROLLING AROUND TROMSO
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3419363190726069622;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=119;src=link
Round 6 -- Angie Scores Again vs. Togo; Bahamas Nips Palau Open Team
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3509612449969608212;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=118;src=link
Round 7 -- Angie Missed CM Title vs. Burundi; Palau Open team lost to Haiti
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=9081309722801173314;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=97;src=link
PARRADO, PALOMA, BALBALOSA MISSED CM TITLES
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=2806025071934791945;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=117;src=link
Round 8 --- Palau Open Team Nips Burundi; Women's Team Lost to Madagascar
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3729265007730423112;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=89;src=link
CHINA -- 1st CHESS OLYMPIAD OPEN TITLE;
BREAKTHROUGH FOR PALAU CHESS
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=863461361124523994;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=121;src=link
2 DEATHS AT THE FINAL DAY OF CHESS OLYMPIAD IN NORWAY
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3913747753391586678;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=115;src=link
THE INCIDENT ON THE OPENING DAY OF 2014 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=3060745305508374381;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=110;src=link
FIDE ARBITERS' SEMINAR DURING THE 2014 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD IN NORWAY
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=959400829796971046;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=102;src=link
WHAT DID WE DO TO WESLEY SO?
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=4288667933263404501;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=86;src=link
Nov. 16, 2014 - January 25, 2015
2014 PALAU NATIONAL
CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
: 3rd PNCC TITLE FOR CYRIL TOMAS MONTEL, JR.
National Master Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., left, subdued Roberto
Hernandez, right, in the final round of 2014 PNCC, and earned his 3rd
PNCC title. He previously won the 2009 and 2011 PNCC. A trophy and $175.00 cash
prize is awaiting him at the awarding on Jan. 25 or Feb. 01, 2015.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
CYRIL, JOJO, ANGIE & ANGELIL
ARE 2014 PNCC CHAMPS
THE FINAL day of 2014 Palau National Chess Championship
was played on Jan. 11, 2015 at Bethlehem Park with 4th seed NM Cyril
Tomas Montel, Jr. and fellow NM, FI 3rd seed Roberto Hernandez battling
it out for Palau chess supremacy.
In
the Open division, Roberto’s co-worker at Palau Royal Resort Felix Oling is in
search of his first chess title in Palau after subduing erstwhile leader
Marcial Santander in the penultimate round. He is up against a dangerous player
Eugene Labarda.
The Women’s division is already
won by WNM Angelica Parrado with a clean record a sweeping her division. Her
daughter Destiny is about to wrap her junior division supremacy if she would
win her last 8 games against her sister Angelil and Cyrelle Ann Montel.
*After the last games of the junior division were played, Angelil Sisior took the plum of Junior Division Champion, besting her sister Destiny, who took 2nd place. Ultei was the surprise 3rd placer (12 pts.) ahead by a point from another surprise of the event Robert Godwin Sola. Cyrelle Ann
finished with 6 pts. and 5th place overall while Kayah Iblai Flores Whipps is last with 1 point.
*After the last games of the junior division were played, Angelil Sisior took the plum of Junior Division Champion, besting her sister Destiny, who took 2nd place. Ultei was the surprise 3rd placer (12 pts.) ahead by a point from another surprise of the event Robert Godwin Sola. Cyrelle Ann
finished with 6 pts. and 5th place overall while Kayah Iblai Flores Whipps is last with 1 point.
In
the Top 10 division, Cyril prevailed over Roberto in 41 moves of King’s Indian
Defence after Roberto overlooked a queen check that cost him a piece (knight).
Thus, Cyril clinched his 3rd PNCC title, a trophy and $175.00 cash
prize. Cyril won the 2009 PNCC undefeated, the same as the current one. He
shared the 2011 PNCC title with NM Tito Cabunagan and Roberto, who finished 2nd
this time, a trophy and $125.00 cash prize in which he will donate the 51% to
the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) Palau
Locale.
The
Open division is almost a sure win for Oling, who is ahead by 2 pieces in the
middle game. But somehow, Labarda generated an attack and equalized to end the
game in a draw. Oling needed a win to clinch the title as his rival Gonzalo
‘Jojo’ Escapatoria can catch him if he would have only a draw in his final
game.
After Jojo won his final round
game, he clinched the Open division title via Direct Encounter tiebreak over
Oling because he defeated him in the Opening round on Nov. 16, 2014.
*Marcial Santander won 6 consecutive games but lost the last 3 (to Eugene Labarda, Oling and Christopher Kitalong) and was overtaken by Manuel Mahor, Jr. at 3rd place.
The top 2 PRR players finished both 2nd this time unlike in the 2014 Palau Open where Roberto topped the Group A division undefeated while fellow PRR co-worker Paquito ‘Pax’ Suringa, Jr. topped the tough Group B undefeated also but with a draw.
*Marcial Santander won 6 consecutive games but lost the last 3 (to Eugene Labarda, Oling and Christopher Kitalong) and was overtaken by Manuel Mahor, Jr. at 3rd place.
The top 2 PRR players finished both 2nd this time unlike in the 2014 Palau Open where Roberto topped the Group A division undefeated while fellow PRR co-worker Paquito ‘Pax’ Suringa, Jr. topped the tough Group B undefeated also but with a draw.
In
the Junior division, Ultei Angelie Surangel had a 2-2 record vs. Robert Godwin
Sola, 4-0 sweep of Kayah Iblai Flores Whipps, 1-3 loss to Angelil, 3-1 over
Cyrelle and 3-1 as well over Destiny.
Robert
swept Kayah also, lost to Angelil, Cyrelle, and Destiny by identical 1-3
record. Kayah scored the only point in this tourney over Cyrelle and was swept by
the other 4 junior players.
The
last games of the junior division will be played on Jan. 18 most specifically
the Destiny-Cyrelle match as the 4 games of Sisior sisters will be played in
their house to save time.
Jeff
Balbalosa claimed the 3rd spot after defeating Dennis Gonzales in 59
moves of Queen’s Pawn Opening. He finished with 6.5 points, not enough for Tito
to catch up as he has only 6 points on 6 wins and 3 losses (to Menandro Manuel,
Cyril and Roberto). Jeff will receive $100.00 and a trophy. He’s done a very
good job as a player, and also the one in-charge of pairings and results esp.
in the Open division.
The
awarding of cash prizes and trophies will be held on Jan. 25 or Feb. 01, 2015.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS AND FOR A VERY
SUCCESSFUL HOLDING OF 2014-2015 PNCC!!!
Solution
to last week’s puzzle: 1. …1 Rf1++ 2. Kh2 Bg1+ 3. Kh1 Ng3 mate.
This
week’s puzzle: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)
Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Page 10
Volume 24
Issue 05
January 19, 2015
By Roberto Hernandez
January 06, 2014 -- January 25, 2015
To be published as a book in the future
Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
The Beginning of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
Music and Me
By Roberto Hernandez
August 03, 2014
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