(1118) PHOTOS -- ROUND 5 OF 2015 PALAU NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Source:

The History of Chess in Palau 

By Roberto Hernandez

June 09, 2002 -- November 08, 2015 

(1114) ALCID WON 5 STRAIGHT, SEIZES LEAD IN 2015 PNCC (TBN-Nov. 09, 2015)

:  ANOTHER POTENTIAL WOMAN PLAYER

                     Madonna Diamos, left, visited the 2015 PNCC venue upon request from Roberto Hernandez, right. She said she will join in the upcoming chess competition next year. She met Roberto while he is teaching guitar/keyboard to 2 Taiwanese kids where she stays at their house.                  

                                         (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

        ALCID WON 5 STRAIGHT,

      SEIZES LEAD IN 2015 PNCC 

 

A day prior to his departure to Philippines to buy materials for his employer Senator Mlib Tmetchul, top qualifier Allan Alcid defeated top seed Roberto Hernandez in an advance match on Nov. 05 at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1.

                Their scheduled game is set on the last day of the 2015 Palau National Chess Championship, which is on Dec. 06. Alcid will be off island for 2 weeks and he played Roberto at 9am and prevailed in 35 moves of Sicilian Defence (Najdorf Variation).

                THE MOVES:  Alcid, Allan - Hernandez, Roberto (1840) [B86]

2015 PNCC (5), 05.11.2015

          1. e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 e6 4.Nc3 a6 5.a4 Nf6 6.d4 cxd4 7.Nxd4 Be7 8.0–0 0–0 9.b4 d5 10.e5 dxc4 11.exf6 Bxf6 12.Nce2 Qb6 13.c3 Rd8 14.Be3 Qc7 15.Qc2 e5 16.Nf3 Bg4 17.Ng5 Bxg5 18.Bxg5 f6 19.Be3 Rd3 20.Rad1 Bxe2 21.Qxe2 Rxc3 22.Qg4 Kf7 23.Qh5+ Ke6 24.Qe8+ Qe7 25.Qc8+ Kf7 26.Bc5 Nc6 27.Qxa8 Qc7 28.Qf8+ Kg6 29.Qe8+ Kh6 30.Be3+ Rxe3 31.fxe3 Nxb4 32.g4 g6 33.h4 g5 34.Rxf6+ Kg7 35.Qf8#   1–0

                A few hours later, Alcid played his game against Angelo Salvadora, scheduled for Nov. 29 and he prevailed again. Thus, he’s now leading the Top 10 division with 5 straight wins after losing the first round match with 2^nd seed Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., who is the only undefeated player left as the leader in Reserves Division, Glen Navarroza, suffered his first defeat at the hands of Josef Karlo Moyet in 59 moves of King’s Pawn Opening.

                Cyril defeated 3^rd seed Tito Cabunagan in just 20 moves to keep pace of another National Chess Championship plum. Hernandez suffered another setback (3^rd) to 4^th seed Jeff Balbalosa while Hernandez’ co-worker at Palau Royal Resort Paquito ‘Pax’ Suringa, Jr. also lost to Alcid in 32 moves.

                After the Balbalosa-Hernandez game, Cyril found the 2 wallets of Roberto on the bench where he sits for 3 hours. The same incident happened during the 2007 Palau Invitational Chess Championship at Jean’s Boutique and Store where Roberto dropped his wallet after playing with Cyril. The wallet was never returned with $151.00 cash and many I.D.’s and old photos. The one who found it become greedy of the amount but God moves in mysterious ways that the one who kept it became more needy and unstable in his mind and soul. There’s an article about Roberto’s trademark –Belt Bag and 2 Wallets:

http://palau-chess.blogspot.com/2013/01/robertos-trademark-belt-bag-2-wallets.html

                Unrated 3^rd placer Joan Gemota whipped Robert Godwin Sola; Women and junior division top seed Angie Parrado clobbered her daughter and teammate at 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway Destiny Sisior while newcomer Angelica Berlene Magno suffered another setback to Angelil Sisior, 2014 Junior Champion. Magno was absent last Sunday and lost by default.

                Eugene Labarda touted John Mark Tamayo while Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr. was upset by Rafael Paloma and Arnolfo Inres bowed to John Malinao.

                The longest game of the day belongs to Baby Edna Mission vs. the pregnant Gladys Anne Paloma, which lasted till past 6pm in a draw-looking game but Paloma blundered away his rook and resigned after a marathon 59 moves.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 3793: 1. Bxg7+! Kxg7 2. Qg5+ Kh8 3. Qf6 mate.

                This week’s puzzle No. 3794: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Page 9

             Volume 24

             Issue 90

             November 09, 2015 

(1111) 18 PHOTOS -- 2ND ROUND OF 2015 PALAU NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP (Oct. 18, 2015)

(1105) ALCID UPSETS TITO; CYRIL, JEFF, BERNARD, PAX FELIX WIN (TBN-Oct. 26, 2015)

:   THE QUALITY OF CHESS GAMES IN PALAU IS GETTING BETTER

                   More new talents in chess are discovered in Palau every year. This year, Allan Alcid, 2^nd from left, won 3 titles in a few months (2 of them 1^st place finish). In the current 2015 PNCC, he outwitted Tito Cabunagan, 3^rd from left, who is posing here against another talented newcomer Angelo Salvadora, who has yet to win in his first National Chess Championship participation.

                                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

           ALCID UPSETS TITO;

        CYRIL, JEFF, BERNARD, 

              PAX, FELIX WIN

 

THE SECOND round of 2015 Palau National Chess Championship was the busiest week so far with the organizing Palau Chess Federation running out of chessboards and clocks, and pens also. More than 20 pens were issued to players in the last 2 rounds and only 4 were returned. In the 3^rd round on Sunday, Oct. 25, they have to share with available ball pens unless Felix Oling will donate a hundred pens, as he promised.

The first upset of the tourney was recorded by top qualifier Allan Alcid over 3^rd seed Tito Cabunagan in 39 moves of Sicilian Defence (Pelikan and Sveshnikov Variations). Allan showed signs of toughness after playing accurately till the 38^th move, when Tito blundered by 38…. Bf5. Instead of capturing the “a” pawn with the king or bishop, its promotion became unstoppable.

THE MOVES: Alcid, Allan - Cabunagan, Tito (1825) [B01]

2015 PNCC (2), 18.10.2015

           1. e4 d5 2.e5 d4 3.Bc4 Nc6 4.Nf3 h6 5.h3 Bf5 6.d3 e6 7.0–0 Bc5 8.c3 Nge7 9.b4 Bb6 10.Bb2 dxc3 11.Bxc3 Nd5 12.Bxd5 Qxd5 13.a4 Rd8 14.a5 Bd4 15.Bxd4 Nxd4 16.Ra3 Nxf3+ 17.Qxf3 Qxf3 18.gxf3 Rxd3 19.Rc1 Rxa3 20.Nxa3 c6 21.b5 Kd7 22.bxc6+ bxc6 23.Rd1+ Kc7 24.Kg2 Rd8 25.Re1 Rd5 26.Nc4 g5 27.Nd6 Bg6 28.a6 Kb6 29.Rc1 c5 30.Ra1 Kc7 31.Nb5+ Kb8 32.Ra2 Rxe5 33.Rb2 Bd3 34.Nd6+ Kc7 35.Nxf7 Rd5 36.Rb7+ Kc6 37.Rxa7 Kb6 38.Re7 Bf5 39.a7         1–0

            The 1^st round matches of Dennis Gonzales vs. Jeff Balbalosa and Paquito Pax Suringa, Jr. vs. CM Bernardo Garcia did not happen. Instead, they played their 2^nd round match with Paquito subduing Angelo Salvadora; Bernard outwitted Gonzales and Jeff clobbered Manuel Mahor, Jr.

            The longest game of the day belongs to Cyril again, this time against top seed Roberto Hernandez. Their very instructive game was witnessed by many chess enthusiasts who saw a seesaw battle of the current top 2 chess players of Palau. They managed their time so nicely that when Cyril blundered away a bishop, Roberto became overconfident and lost instead in a marathon 54 moves of Nimzovitz-Larsen Opening. As in the first round, Cyril finished the round after 6pm.

THE MOVES: Hernandez, Roberto (1840) - Montel, Jr., Cyril Tomas (1837) [A01]

2015 PNCC (2), 18.10.2015

           1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.Nf3 e4 4.Nd4 Nxd4 5.Bxd4 d5 6.e3 Nf6 7.c4 c5 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.Nc3 d4 10.Nxe4 Qe5 11.Ng3 h5 12.f4 Qe6 13.f5 Qe5 14.e4 h4 15.Nh5 Bxf5 16.d3 Bg6 17.g4 Bxe4 18.Qe2 0–0–0 19.Qxe4 Qc7 20.0–0–0 Be7 21.Bg2 g6 22.Nf4 Bg5 23.Rhf1 Rhe8 24.Qf3 Re3 25.Qf2 Rde8 26.Kb1 Qa5 27.Qd2 Qxd2 28.Rxd2 Re1+ 29.Rd1 Rxd1+ 30.Rxd1 Bxf4 31.Rf1 g5 32.h3 Re2 33.Bd5 f6 34.Be4 b6 35.a3 a5 36.Ka1 Kd7 37.Kb1 Kd6 38.Ka1 Ke5 39.Bf5 Bd2 40.Be4 Bf4 41.Bf5 Re3 42.Rh1 Rg3 43.Kb1 Rg2 44.Re1+ Be3 45.Rf1 Rg3 46.Rh1 Kf4 47.Be4 Bg1 48.Kc2 Ke3 49.Kd1 Kf2 50.a4 Rebxc63 51.b4 Rxe4 52.dxe4 Kg2 53.Rxg1+ Kxg1 54.Ke2 axb4         0–1

            In the Gonzales-Garcia match, it takes accurate coordination of his 2 rooks and queen that forces Gonzales to resign facing mate in one. Pax and Roberto analyzed the position in which Pax thought that Dennis will be ahead by a rook but analyses shows that Dennis will be mated in 4 moves if he will accept the sacrificed piece. 

THE MOVES: Gonzales, Dennis (1680) - Garcia, Bernardo (1734) [D10] 2015 PNCC (2), 18.10.2015

          1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.c5 Bf5 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bf4 Qa5 8.Bd2 Nxd2 9.Qxd2 e5 10.e3 exd4 11.exd4 Be7 12.Be2 0–0 13.0–0 b6 14.cxb6 axb6 15.a3 Rad8 16.b4 Qa7 17.Rfe1 Rfe8 18.Qf4 Bg6 19.Nh4 Qb7 20.Nxg6 fxg6 21.Bf3 Rf8 22.Qd2 Bd6 23.b5 Nf6 24.Re6 c5 25.Rxf6 Bxh2+ 26.Kxh2 Rxf6 27.dxc5 Qb8+ 28.Kg1 bxc5 29.Bxd5+ Kh8 30.Qe2 Re8 31.Qc4 Ref8 32.f3 Rf4 33.Qxc5 Qe5 34.Rc1 R4f5 35.a4 Rd8 36.b6 Rb8 37.Kf2 Qf4 38.Qc7 Qd2+ 39.Kg3 Rg5+ 40.Kh4 Rf8 41.Ne4 Rf4+ 42.g4 [42.Kxg5 h6+ 43.Kxg6 Qxg2+ 44.Ng3 Qxg3+ 45.Kh5 Rh4#] 42...Qh2+      0–1

            There is a new player that joined the Women Division. Her name is Angelica Berlene Magno, who is just new in Palau but she played chess in her school in Philippines. She tested her chess skills against 3^rd seed Gladys Anne Paloma and lost to her. Gladys is currently pregnant. Earlier report said that she delivered already a baby boy but that is incorrect. She just had an ultra sound and it is another boy. They have already two boys.

            In the Reserves Division, Felix Oling was underestimated by his opponent, John Malinao and mated him in just 17 moves; Nilo de Jesus lost by default to Glen Navarroza when he failed to show up because he is playing basketball. Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr. also won.

            Round 3 games of Top 10 Division: 1. Cabunagan vs. Hernandez 2. Salvadora vs. Montel, Jr. 3. Balbalosa vs. Alcid 4. Garcia vs. Mahor, Jr. and 5. Suringa, Jr. vs. Gonzales.

            Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 3791: 1. Nb6+! axb6 2. Qxc6+!! bxc6 3. Ba6 mate.

            This week’s puzzle No. 3792: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

                Tia Belau Newspaper

                Page 9

                Volume 24

                Issue 86

                October 26, 2015 

(959) WHO WILL REPRESENT PALAU IN 2015 OCEANIA ZONAL ON JULY 04-10? (TBN-June 01, 2015)

:    POSSIBLE REP OF PALAU TO 2015 OCEANIA ZONAL

                       As of 2:00pm of May 31, 2015, the last day of submission of the name/s of Palau reps to 2015 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship, it’s still not confirm if Paquito Suringa, Jr., right, will go. Other possible reps that didn’t make it are Menandro Manuel, sitting, Felix Oling, left, and Roberto Hernandez, standing 3^rd from left. Ms. Ley of HR Department of PRR joins in the photo during the 1^st round of 2014 PNCC.                                                                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

  WHO WILL REPRESENT PALAU IN 2015

      OCEANIA ZONAL IN JULY 4-10?

IN THE Feb. 23, 2015 issue of Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez, it mentioned there that Roberto will skip the 2015 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship to be held in Norths Sydney, Australia from July 04-10. He knew all along that Tito Cabunagan will represent Palau in that biennial event. Tito missed the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway because the Pacific Islands Forum was held at the same date as the Olympiad.

                Roberto will be having a 22-day vacation with his wife Flor on June 02-23, 2015 in Philippines. During the 2015 Palau Blitz Chess Championship, Cyril Montel, Jr. informed fellow players that he is not available for the OZCC. Lately, Dennis Gonzales, Jeff Balbalosa, CM Bernardo Garcia and Tito (for the 3^rd time!) are not available for varying reasons. Because of another PIF meeting in Majuro, Tito will not make it for the 3^rd time. He missed the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey, too because some people from Japan will inspect the 2 generators donated by Japan to Palau and he is the only technical person that can assist them.

                Had Roberto known earlier that Tito will not make it, he should have extended his vacation for another 2 weeks to make it to the OZCC like he did and the other 8 members of Palau Chess Team to Norway in acquiring Schengen visa.

                It’s too late now to get Australian visa because Roberto needs his passport for the vacation. Although he had already an Australian visa issued to him in 2009 as Palau lone rep in 2009 OZCC, it needs less than a month to get a new one.

                The question now is… who is willing to go to OZCC? There is a long list of qualified players: 1. Paquito Suringa, Jr. 2. Eugene Labarda 3. Manuel Mahor, Jr. 4. Menandro Manuel 5. Mohammad Manik Hossain 6. Tuloy Rengiil 7. Christopher Kitalong 8. Felix Oling 9. Leif Toribiong 10. Rustum Cabuso 11. Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr. 12. Eugenio Pastrana…

                Baby Edna Mission sold her ticket (to Cairns, Australia) and that means she’s not interested anymore for the trip. Palau top woman player Angelica Parrado can’t make it also because of tight schedule and so do Gladys Anne Paloma.

                Palau can send 2 men players if there is no woman rep for that event. Free entry fee, hotel accommodation (with free breakfast) is provided. Oceania Chess Confederation is also providing a $500.00 travel fund for each official player (1 male and 1 female) from Palau, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Guam and New Zealand that they can refund after returning from their respective countries.

                The name of the reps of Palau must be submitted by May 31, 2015. With short time to get someone to OZCC, Roberto offered the slot to Paquito, Cafeteria Chief Cook, who is excited about the trip. He asked permission from the management of Palau Royal Resort. He was given only 10 days of vacation because PRR is under renovation (half of the hotel) and there are many extra workers to feed at cafeteria for 3 months.

                Another slot was offered to Felix Oling but the date is so conflicting to his schedule that he is free from July 8 onwards. The Palau Chess Federation is offering half of the airfare to Palau rep.

                After the OZCC, the next tournament is Palau is the 2015 Rapid Chess Championship to be held from July 19-August 16 at Bethlehem Park. Tito will then participate, hopefully, to the Datu A. Tan Malaysian Open in September, where he will miss some games of 2015 Palau National Chess Championship (Sept. – Nov.)

                Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 3866: 1. Qd6+!! Bxd6 2. Bxd6+ Kg7 3. f6 mate.

                This week’s puzzle No. 3867: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Page 9

             Volume 24

             Issue 44

             June 01, 2015 

(877) PALAU BEST CHESS PLAYERS REWARDED (TBN-Feb. 02, 2015)

THE FUTURE OF PALAU JUNIOR CHESS

                Roberto Hernandez, left, have a photo session with Palau top junior players (L-R), Champion Angelil Sisior, 2^nd placer Destiny Sisior and 3^rd placer Ultei Angelie Surangel during the Awarding Ceremony for participants of 2014-2015 PNCC at Bethlehem Park on Jan. 25, 2015 at 5-6pm.

   PALAU BEST CHESS PLAYERS

                REWARDED

 

THE 2014-2015 Palau National Chess Championship concluded on Jan. 25, 2015 right on time as scheduled. It started on Nov. 16, 2014 with Top 10 Division, Open (Swiss) Division, Women and Junior Division and it became the best-ever National Chess Championship in terms of participants, awarded trophies and certificates and cash prizes.

                There are 10 players (of course) in the Top 10 Division led by erstwhile Palau top player for 5 consecutive years (2005-2009) National Master (NM) Menandro ‘Boy’ Manuel (1852 FIDE Rating), NM, National Instructor (NI) Tito Cabunagan (1825), NM, FIDE Instructor (FI) Roberto Hernandez (1815), NM, NI Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. (1795), Candidate Master (CM), NI Bernardo Garcia (1758), NI Jeffrey Balbalosa (1721), NI Dennis Gonzales (1701), Developmental Instructor (DI) Paquito Suringa, Jr. (1701), Nilo de Jesus (1624) and Rafael Paloma (1612).

                The Swiss System Open Division has 17 players… 1. Marcial Santander 2. Felix Oling 3. Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr. 4. Manuel Mahor, Jr. 5. Eugene Labarda 6. Senator Surangel Whipps, Jr. 7. Tuloy Rengiil 8. Leif Toribiong  9. Glen Navarroza 10. FIDE Arbiter (FA), NI Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps 11. Nelson Sablan 12. Joey Jaime Balute 13. Arnold Undecimo 14. Jo-Arl Ulap 15. Remrel Dizon 16. Christopher Kitalong 17. Geoff Martin

                The Women’s Double Round-Robin Division consists of 1. Woman National Master (WNM), DI Angelica Parrado 2. DI Baby Edna Mission 3. DI Gladys Anne Paloma 4. Joy Flores Whipps 5. Roxanne Parco 6. Jade Ngirasob Mariur.

                The Junior Division became a quadruple round-robin event on its 2^nd week. The players are Destiny Sisior, her sister Angelil, Cyrelle Ann Montel, Ultei Angelie Surangel, Kayah Iblai Whipps and newcomer Robert Godwin Sola.

                It’s like a family affair as many contestants are related to each other especially in the women and junior division while the Top 10 Division has the most experienced players with Roberto being in Australia, Russia, Istanbul Turkey and Norway to represent Palau in Oceania Zonal Chess Championship and World Chess Olympiads.

                His teammate in Russia is Tito Cabunagan, in Istanbul, Turkey –Menandro Manuel, his wife Elizabeth and CM Bernardo Garcia, who achieved Palau first title in 2012 Turkey Olympiad.

                In the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway, it became the banner year of Palau chess as they were able to send a women’s team composed of Board 1 Parrado, Board 2 Mission, Board 3 Paloma, Board 4 Destiny Sisior and reserve Joy Flores Whipps.

The Open (Men) section has 4 newcomers in Board 2 Montel, Jr., Board 4 Dennis Gonzales, Reserve Jeffrey Balbalosa and Head of Delegation/Delegate Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps. It is also that in 2014 Chess Olympiad that the 14 Instructors Titles (I. D.’s) were given including DI titles to Peter Erick Magbanua, Eugene Labarda and Ohjea Mae Perdon.
             

The top 3 finishers in the Top 10 Division are Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. –Champion (Trophy, Certificate and $175.00 cash); Roberto Hernandez (2^nd place – Trophy, Certificate and $125.00 cash); Jeffrey Balbalosa (3^rd place—Trophy, Certificate and $100.00 cash).

Out of 17 participants in the Open (Swiss) Division, Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr. emerged as Champion over tiebreak (Direct Encounter) with newcomer Felix Oling of Palau Royal Resort. It was the first ever chess title of Escapatoria in Palau, where his last participation was in 2012 PNCC where he finished last among 8 best chess players in Palau.

He received a trophy, certificate and $100.00 cash (not $125.00 as reported last week) while Oling got the same and $75.00 (not $100.00). Defending Reserves Champion Manuel Mahor, Jr. finished 3^rd place this time but he’s got a trophy, certificate and $50.00 (not $75.00).

Mahor’s trophy for 2013 PNCC (Reserves) still has to wait for a few months as the wooden trophies made to order in Philippines were not brought yet when James dela Cruz came back to Palau a few weeks ago. There’s no more space in James' luggage because he brought lots of fruits seedlings (sour sop mostly) for planting in Palau fruits plantation of Melwert Tmechtul.

The women’s division champion WNM Parrado received a trophy, certificate and $125.00 cash while 2^nd placer Mission got the same and $100.00 cash and 3^rd placer Paloma got the same and $75.00.

The Junior Division looks like changing of the guards as elder Angelil Sisior became the latest Palau Junior champion after she won over 5 other kids including her sister Destiny, who captured 2^nd place and got $75.00, trophy and certificate. Angelil got $100.00 and the same.

Surprising first time participant Ultei Angelie Surangel captured the 3^rd place, a trophy and $50.00 cash and just a point behind her is another newcomer Robert Godwin Sola.

             Solution to last week's puzzle No. 4454: 1. ...Rc4+! 2. Kb3 Rc3+ 3. Ka4 Ra3 mate.

             This week's puzzle No. 4455: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)
 

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Page 10

             Volume 24

             Issue 10

             February 02, 2015 

(875) PHOTOS -- AWARDING -- 2014-2015 PNCC @ BETHLEHEM PARK (Jan. 25, 2015 5:00-6:00pm)

The beautifully-designed certificates by Jeff Balbalosa in gold and silver frames. Almost half of the participants didn't make it in the Awarding Ceremony on Jan. 25, 2015 - the last Sunday of 2014-2015 Palau National Chess Championship that started in Nov. 16, 2014.
                                                                (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

It is signed by PCF President Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps. At the bottom part of the certificate are the logos of the sponsors -- FIDE, Palau Chess Federation, Surangel and Sons, Philippine Honorary Consulate Koror, Palau, where Eric is the Honorary Consul, and Kasparov Chess Foundation (Asia Pacific).
                                                    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

THE TROPHIES ---3 each for Top 10 Division, Open (Swiss) Division, Women's and Junior Division. Names of the winners are listed in front together with their placings and divisions. The Palau Chess Federation logo is at the right side while the Kasparov Chess Foundation (Asia Pacific) is at the left side. The FIDE logo is at the left side of the name of the winner while the logo of the event --2014 National Chess Championship Nov. 16, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015 is engraved at the right side of the beautiful trophy, which is also the logo of the polo shirts given to all participants.
                                               (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Having a friendly chat while waiting for other attendees.

Ronel Gutierrez, Purchasing Supervisor of Palau Royal Resort, took advantage of free photo session with the trophy. Ronel has a FIDE rating of 1260 and FIDE I. D. No. 16600525.
                                               (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

This time with Baby Edna Mission, 2nd placer in the Women's Division. She's willing to participate in 2015 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship in Norths Sydney, Australia in July 03-09, 2015.  She has a round-trip ticket for 1 in going to Cairns, Australia.                                   (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Dodie Pineda 'teased' the non-winners in this photo with "Congrats!!!" knowing that Jason Delgado, 2nd from right, and Ronel Gutierrez, right, are not winners but 'posers'. Felix Oling, left, and 2nd place winner in the Open (Swiss) Division, and Baby Edna Mission are real winners (2nd place) in their respective division.
Delgado and Gutierrez are co-employees of Oling at Palau Royal Resort (Finance Department).
                                                     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)                                                  

The Top 3 in the Junior Division had a photo session with Roberto Hernandez before the start of the Awarding Ceremony. From right, Ultei Angelie Surangel (3rd place), Destiny Sisior (2nd place) and Angelil Sisior, Junior Champion.                        (Photo by Roberto Hernandez --Taken by Felix Oling)

                                                          (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

  Opening Prayer led by Roberto before the start of awarding the certificates, trophies and cash prizes.                                                       (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

Palau Chess Federation President Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps, right, receiving his certificate from Roberto Hernandez, 2014-2015 PNCC Tournament Director. Mr Eric, a FIDE Arbiter, is the Chief Arbiter of this event. PALAU CHESS HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER BEFORE!
                                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Felix Oling)

The shy 4th placer in the junior division, newcomer Robert Godwin Sola. He's just a point shy off 3rd placer Ultei Angelie Surangel. At first, he doesn't like to write chess notations but Roberto, left, insisted that he should learn to write Algebraic notation during games and that someday, he would thank Roberto for insisting this beautiful art of preserving chess games even in the early part of a player's chess career.
                                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

                                                        (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

A certificate, a trophy and $75.00 cash prize is not bad enough for Destiny Sisior, middle, for finishing 2nd in the 2014-2015 PNCC Junior Division. She's also 2nd place in the 2013 PNCC to Ksau Anthony Whipps, Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps', right, son.                      (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)                                  

                                                               (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

Palau Senator Surangel Whipps, Jr., middle, receiving his certificate of participation from his brother Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps, right, and Tournament Director Roberto Hernandez, left.
                                            

2014-2015 PNCC Junior Champion Angelil Sisior, middle, receiving her certificate.
                                              (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Felix Oling)

                                   (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps--Taken by Jeffrey Balbalosa)

It's time for Manuel 'Jun' Mahor, Jr., middle, to receive his certificate. The depending Reserves champion finished 3rd this time behind Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr. and Felix Oling. (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Unlike in the 2014 Palau Open where both players from Palau Royal Resort topped the Group A and Group B of the event, this time PRR players Roberto Hernandez, right, and Felix Oling, middle, both finished 2nd in their respective division (Top 10 and Open (Swiss).    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Jason Delgado)

Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr., middle, got his first chess title in Palau after topping the Open (Swiss) Division. He finished last in the 2012 PNCC in the Top 8 double-round robin format. His only win was against Roberto Hernandez, right, where they shortened the 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment time control to 45 minutes + 30 seconds increment so that Roberto will not be late at his work as musician at Palau Royal Resort from 6-11pm. Roberto lost also to CM Bernardo Garcia on that day but got $100.00 tip and Asahi beer from a generous Japanese lady guest.                           (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Felix Oling)

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Baby Edna Mission, middle, receiving his certificate. She's a member of Palau Women's Chess Team to 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway together with Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps, right, Roberto Hernandez, left, and 8 others--Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., CM Bernardo Garcia, Dennis Gonzales, Jeffrey Balbalosa, Angie Parrado, Gladys Anne Paloma, Destiny Sisior and Joy Flores Whipps.
                                          (Photo by Roberto Hernandez   -- Taken by Felix Oling)

                                      (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps -- Taken by Jeffrey Balbalosa)

Undefeated woman champion Angelica Parrado receiving her certificate. The cash and trophy --later.
                                                (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Felix Oling)

Tito Cabunagan receiving his certificate. No trophy and cash this time. He became a National Master after topping the 2012 PNCC and shared the 2011 PNCC title with Hernandez, left, and Montel, Jr.
                                            (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps -- Taken by Jeffrey Balbalosa)

Third placer in the Top 10 Division Jeffrey Balbalosa, middle, receiving his certificate. He's in-charge of players pairings and results, a meticulous job (no salary) but still able to finish 3rd. Good job, Jeff!
                                            (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

Receiving his certificate this time, Roberto Hernandez, middle, appreciated the very artistic design of it by Jeff Balbalosa, left.                     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez  --- Taken by Felix Oling)

Top 10 Division Champion Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., was late while calling his name for this certificate. It was taken before giving away the trophies and cash.         (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Felix Oling)

Junior Division 3rd placer Ultei Angelie Surangel and her dad Senator Surangel Whipps, Jr.

(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

The part of the ceremony that Jeffrey Balbalosa enjoyed the most -- eating time. Some players (esp. those who won cash prizes) bring in some snack foods. Cyril brought beef spring rolls, Roberto --assorted fruits (cantaloupe and watermelon), Angie, Destiny and Angelil -- pizza and snack junk food, Jeff --sapin-sapin (sticky rice cake), Baby Edna 'Bheng' Mission - brownies and some juices and cup cakes.
                                         (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

Paquito 'Pax' Suringa, Jr., left, is working during the Awarding of Certificates, Cash and Trophies. He had a chance for photo session with him receiving his certificate while wearing the free polo shirt of the 2014-2015 Palau National Chess Championship on the night of the awarding -Jan. 25, 2015.

(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Paquito, right, was able to play only 3 games in the 2014 PNCC.. His other 6 default losses were not listed in the latest FIDE ratings of Palau players. He lost to Roberto, left, but drew with top seed Menandro Manuel and on the final day, he defeated 10th seed Rafael Paloma to earn 6 rating points and currently no. 6 of Palau due to Menandro (No. 1)and Jose Celiz (No. 4) absence. 

(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Fernan John Velarde, left, has been inactive for 2 years. His last participation was the 2012 Palau National Chess Championship held at the Conference Room of Palau Royal Resort from Sept. - Dec. 2012.
                                                     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Kayah Iblai Flores Whipps didn't make it at the Awarding Ceremony at Bethlehem Park. Her certificate was given to her by Eric at their house.                          (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

And so did Joy Flores Whipps, getting her certificate.           (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

Arnold Undecimo has just finished playing basketball with Team Surangel. He had a little time to get his certificate for his first participation in Palau National Chess Championship.
                                                (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

From right -- Eugene Labarda, Manuel Mahor, Jr, Glen Navarroza, Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr., Ronel Gutierrez.                                               (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

Robert Godwin Sola, middle, with mom and brother.     (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)

 FAMILY OF CHAMPIONS!

ULTEI AND DAD....                (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps) 

Roberto, left, 2nd placer in the Top 10 Division with his chess/music student Ultei Angelie Surangel, 3rd placer in the Junior Division.                                           (Photo by Eric Ksau Surangel Whipps)






Source: The History of Chess in Palau
             By Roberto Hernandez
             November 16, 2014 - January 25, 2015
             To be published as a book in the future