(1072) FIBER OPTIC CABLE BILL TO BECOME LAW (President Remengesau to sign it on Monday)

      FIBER OPTIC BILL TO BECOME LAW
(President Remengesau to Sign it on Monday)

IN A PUBLIC comment today, President Remengesau, Jr., expressed that he will be signing the bill creating a Belau Submarine Cable Corporation into law on Monday, September 21, 2015. He expressed his gratitude to all that worked toward making this very important bill become a reality.

                Belau Submarine Cable Corporation took center stage in the political arena for the past eight months with majority block of the Senate, and EPUI Committee chaired by Senator Joel Toribiong holding on to the bill, citing a need for further study.

                The bill become a topic of public debate on various forums, from coffee shops, to social media, to radio talk shows and to public conferences, with majority of the people showing support for the bill.

                Timing and funding were two major factors inciting the debate. Timing due to the funding agency’s (Asian Development Bank) loan timetable, which is set for review and approval in December and the SEA-US Cable project’s commitment timeline, which was extended to the end of this month, September 30.

                SEA-US Cable, a consortium of telephone companies laying state-of-the-art submarine fiber optic cable to Guam from Indonesia and passing close to Palau, has offered an opportunity to Palau to join in but gave Palau a deadline to commit to the project “Funding through ADB is contingent upon fiber optic cable and internet service provision management. ..  be by a wholly separate entity and not PNCC”, according to the Conference Committee Report.

                Senate passed on September 9, their version of the House Bill 9-163-16S, HD3, SD3, CDI, which deleted the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation as the authority  to own and manage the fiber cable project and transferred the authority to Palau National Telecommunications Corporation (PNCC).

                It went beyond fiber optic to expand the role of PNCC to permit and regulate all other telecom providers in Palau. House rejected the Senate’s version and bill went to Conference Committee, made up of the Senate EPUI Committee members, Senator Joel Toribiong, Senator Mark Rudimch, Senator Mlib Tmetuchl, Senator Philip Reklai and Senator Mason Whipps and House Committee of the Whole which included all members of the House.

                The report from the Conference Committee retained Senate version and the members that signed the report included Senators Joel Toribiong and Mark Rudimch, and Mlib Tmetuchl. Senator Philip Reklai signed with reservations and Senator Mason Whipps did not sign.

                House members of the Committee all did not sign except for Delegate Mario Gulibert. With this, the report was not adopted and was referred back to both Houses.

                During Senate Sessions on September 15^th to discuss the bill, Senator Surangel Whipps, Jr. made a motion to create a new committee to deal with the matter since the first committee failed.

                The committee was made up of Senators Rukebai Inabo, Raynold Oilouch, Philip Reklai, Uduch Sengebau Senior, Mason Whipps, Surangel Whipps, Jr. and was chaired by Senator Hokkons Baules.

                The new Senate Committee joined the House Committee of the Whole and they approved the original version of the bill, reinstating the BSCC as the authority to own, manage and procure fiber optic cable to Palau.

                The new draft also reinstated other important parts of the bill including having the Minister of Finance as the initial incorporator of this corporation.

                This means that the work on the financing and contracting can begin immediately while new board members are still going through the appointment and approval process so that the project timetables can be met.

                Also restored is the language that states that this will not be issuing stocks but “provided that in 10 years the government may consider privatizing this corporation or establishing a public-private partnership.

                The bill added appropriation of $410,000 to secure Palau’s interest in the fiber optic submarine cable. This would enable Palau to secure its interest on the SEA-US Cable project.

                This new Conference Committee version of SB 9-163 was signed by all the members of the committee of both Houses.

                After heated contest in the Senate by original Committee members, Senator Hokkons  Baules, Senator Rukebai Inabo, Senator Uduch Sengebau Senior, Senate President Camsek Chin, Senator Mason Whipps, Senator Philip Reklai and Senator Surangel Whipps, Jr. adopted the Conference Committee Report and voted to accept the bill.

                The bill is set to become law on September 21, 2015 upon signing by President Tommy Remengesau, Jr.

THE OEK in one session day passes 2 major pieces of legislation with the approval of the milestone Belau Submarine Cable Corporation and the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget.

The chances for Palau to acquire an undersea fiber optic cable moves us closer to reality following the Obiil Era Kelulau's approval of the bill to establish the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation (BSCC) on September 15. President Remengesau is expected to sign the bill early next week.

 The bill, HB No. 9-163-16S, HD3, SD3, CD1 cleared OEK after one of the biggest policy battles of this Ninth Constitutional Government with bill's senate opposition putting 

Sources: Island Times Newspaper
              Pages 1 & 10
              Volume 10
              No. 91
              Friday
              September 18, 2015


             Tia Belau Newspaper
             Pages 1 & 11
             Volume 24
             Issue 75
             September 17, 2015 

(674) CHESSMATE MARKS 11TH YEAR; PCF WEBSITE IS 2 YEARS OLD (TBN-Jan. 06, 2014)

REY ALENAIN'S LAST DAY IN PALAU
     Hernandez' roommate at PRR Dorm 1 in the last 5 years, Rey Alenain, left, finally left Palau for good on Dec. 27, 2013. He is the most responsible co-employee Hernandez ever knew. He gave him a t-shirt from Istanbul, Turkey which he proudly wears many times. He's the 1st runner-up to Miguel Gancayco in a PRR Rapid Chess Tourney. GOOD LUCK TO A FRIEND, A HUSBAND AND AN INSPIRATION TO MANY. HE WILL BE SURELY MISSED BY MANY.                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


        CHESSMATE MARKS 11TH YEAR;
          PCF WEBSITE IS 2 YEARS OLD
  
 

EXACTLY 11 years ago (Dec. 29, 2002), the first issue of Chess mate By Robert Hernandez was published here at Tia Belau with the first stanza written as follows:

“THREE years ago, I was approached by Tutii Joe Chilton, the most active Palauan chess player today, to form a chess club. Without hesitation, I agreed to donate my free time, chess books, use of my chess clock, and experience to develop chess in Palau. The idea didn’t materialize but in the middle of this year, TFCP (The Filipino Community in Palau) Vice President Sergio Alemania asked me if there were enough chess players in Palau to hold the first-ever chess tournament in Palau. He assigned me to be the chairman of the tilt that drew 20 contestants including four women.”

For complete story, please refer to Palau Chess Federation website http://palau-chess.blogspot.com  Post No. 17 (First Issue of Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez Dec. 29, 2002) and Post No. 683 (CHESSMATE FIRST ISSUE (Tia Belau Dec. 29, 2002-Jan. 04, 2003).

It was the start of slow development of chess in Palau. At least 3 major tournaments were held every year with undetermined number of blitz chess competitions were also held after the regular games were over. National Championships were held every year since 2006 and produced the first 2 National Masters of Palau –Manuel Nedic and Menandro ‘Boy’ Manuel.

Hernandez and Australian Gary Bekker organized the inaugural 2006 Palau Invitational Chess Championship held at Palau Royal Resort and Palasia Hotel. The 6 top players of Palau were able to get their initial international ranking or rating. The 2^nd PICC was held in 2007 and the 3^rd and most successful and well-organized 2011 PICC was held again at PRR with only one invited player –Mr. Joselito Marcos of Papua New Guinea, the co-champion of the event with Manuel.

It is also Mr. Marcos who started the PCF website on Dec. 26, 2011. It was one of the best things that he did for the popularization of chess in Palau as it has 76,475 page views already with Post No. 229 (Marcos and Hernandez Family After 3^rd PIICC) gathering 444 page views followed by Post No.42 (PALAU CHESS FEDERATION Players/Names/Pictures) with 410.

Post No. 183 (BULGAR (Expose) NEWSPAPER Features 1^st PICC) got 345 while No. 151 (2009 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship Photos) have 324. Post No. 199 (How Did Palau Become FIDE Member) got 229 while No. 52 (PCF HAS 208 MEMBERS NOW) had 234.

231 page views was recorded in Post No. 256 (DID KASPAROV CHEAT J. POLGAR IN ’94?) while CITIZENSHIP IN PALAU (By Dmitri Kyle Villanueva) got 197 while #287 (Opening Ceremony ISTANBUL OLYMPIAD) got 199 page views.

The Music and Me column entitled “Palau Royal Resort Traditional Christmas Choir” got 189 and the other 20 posts that got at least 100 page views will be published next issue.

PAGE VIEWS BY COUNTRIES (All-Time): USA -53,390; Philippines -4,506; Russia-3,021; Palau -1,160; Australia-1,129; UK-726; Papua New Guinea-566; Germany-563; France-502; Latvia-270.

THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. JOSELITO MARCOS!!! YOUR ALL-OUT SUPPORT FOR PALAU CHESS IS BEARING FRUIT NOW. WE APPRECIATE YOUR FINANCIAL, TECHNICAL AND MORAL SUPPORT TO US.

Almost all of his advices with wisdom were followed. His predictions also come true like when he said that, “There’s no doubt that Magnus Carlsen will be the World Champion. The only question is when.” It did happen in Nov. 2013 when Carlsen outwitted 5-time defending world chess champion Viswanathan Anand of India.

The chess boom in Palau occurred after Hernandez represented Palau in the 2009 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship with Mr. Bekker paying for his airfare from Manila-Sydney-Gold Coast.

Palau was able to send 2 players (Hernandez and Tito Cabunagan), a coach (Jamie Kenmure of Australia) and a Delegate (Jan Berglund) to 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

In the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey, Palau was represented by Hernandez, Manuel, his wife Elizabeth, Bernardo Garcia, Kenmure and Mr. Berglund where Garcia become the first titled played of Palau when he scored 3.5 points in his first 7 games for an automatic Candidate Master title. Mr. Marcos got his CM title also retroactively when he scored enough points in 2002 Bled, Slovenia World Chess Olympiad.

With the popularity of chess getting better, the Palau Chess Team for the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway is very much intact with some men and women players waiting for withdrawal from the line-up –Head of Delegation (Senator Mlib Tmetchul); Delegate (Mr. Berglund); Men’s (Open) Team Captain (Jamie Kenmure); Bd. 1 (Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr.); Bd. 2 (Menandro Manuel); Bd. 3 (Garcia); Bd. 4 (Cabunagan); Bd. 5 (Reserve) (Hernandez); Team Captain (Women) (Eric Ksau Whipps); Bd. 1 (Angelica Parrado); Bd. 2 (Gladys Anne Paloma); Bd. 3 (Baby Edna Mission); Bd. 4 (Joy Flores Whipps); Bd. 5 (Elizabeth Manuel). Waiting for withdrawals are Mohammad Manik Hossain, Jeffrey Balbalosa, Paquito Suringa, Jr., Lilibeth Cabunagan, Dichem Tmetchul and Ksau Anthony Whipps.

On Feb. 10, 2013 Palau Chess Federation elected Mr. Eric Ksau Whipps as the new President. His wife Joy, son Ksau and Balbalosa represented Palau in the 2013 Guam International Chess Tournament in Feb. 15-21, 2013.

On Feb. 24-March 28, 2013, Hernandez bagged the 2013 Palau Rapid Chess Championship plum. Cabunagan, Montel, Jr. and Suringa, Jr. placed 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th respectively.

On May 12-June 16, 2013, Jose Celiz captured his first title in Palau by winning the 2013 Palau Blitz Chess Championship. Hernandez, Montel, Jr. and Cabunagan are the runner-ups.

In Aug. 04-Oct. 08, Celiz got his 2^nd title in a row by clinching the 2013 Palau National Chess Championship and thus became the latest National Master of Palau. Manuel Mahor, Jr. won the Reserves Division title while WNM Angelica Parrado was the winner in the Women’s Division and Ksau Anthony Whipps outwitted Destiny Sisior in the final day to win the Junior Division plum.

And finally, Eric and Ksau represented Palau in the 2013 World Youth Chess Championship in Al Ain United Arab Emirates from Dec. 17-29, 2013 with free visas, airfare and accommodation to the trip.

Solution to last week’s puzzle: (The same as last week. Sorry for the double printing)

This week’s puzzle: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Pages 9 & 10

             Volume 23

             Issue 02

             January 06, 2014 

(650) GREAT POTENTIAL IN CHESS PUZZLE SOLVING (TBN-Nov. 11, 2013)

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH (DIFFERENT YEAR)
     Leizl Michael, left, participated in the 2013 Palau Rapid Chess Tournament and 2013 PNCC but don't have international rating yet. Her FIDE I. D. Number is 16600479. She been the Employee of the Month (August 2013) while Marilyn Alonzo, right, has been the EOM in October 2011. 
                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

                 GREAT POTENTIAL IN 
              CHESS PUZZLE SOLVING
   

ROBERTO Hernandez is supposed to be teaching Dichem Tmetchul one hour piano lessons and one hour chess lessons every Saturday afternoon like the previous times.

                On Nov. 09, 2013, he started to teach Dichem how to solve chess puzzles (usually white to move and mates in 3) last week but this week is devoted to mostly puzzles. They exceeded already the chess timetable by 20 minutes but Dichem chooses to continue because she practiced piano already that week.

                Roberto was amazed by his discovery of Dichem’s talent in solving chess puzzle! Out of 11 puzzles that he set for her, she missed the right answers only in the 8^th and the 11^th , which is the most difficult as the 2^nd move is very critical and can’t be seen or imagined by a 10-year-old chess neophyte.

                Dichem also learned how to read and follow chess moves from a book. Her first game that she followed by setting the chess board from its starting position was the Ghitescu vs. Donner match in 1967 in Beverwijk.

                On the 19^th move, she was asked to check the position if it’s the same as the one in the diagram. And the lesson begins about the strategy and tactics of hunting the opponent’s king by sacrificing a piece or even a queen.

                The inclusion of Dichem to the Palau Chess Team to 2014 World Chess Olympiad is an idea of Roberto so that if there is at least 2 withdrawals from the women’s team, she can fit in handily as she is with his dad, Senator Mlib Tmetchul, the Head of Delegation of Palau Chess Team.

                Her inclusion also ‘waken’ some women players to really commit to the team as Board 2 player Gladys Anne Paloma inquired this early to Roberto about the requirements to be prepared.

                Roberto’s firm answer is the roundtrip airfare in going to Norway, to be shouldered by each members of the team. It will be one of the requirements in getting Schengen visa, which is acceptable to 17 other European countries.

                Roberto didn’t mention yet the other requirements such as health insurance, bank account, company’s service certification that allows that employee to have a vacation, visa fee ($75.00 in 2008), passport (including the old ones), police clearance, and letter of invitation from the Norwegian Organizing Committee.

                Gladys don’t have a standard international rating yet because of some conflict in the recently concluded 2013 Palau National Chess Championship but she’s got already a FIDE I. D. number 16600495.

                Palau Rating Officer Jamie Kenmure of Australia suggested having a Whipps Family Cup that includes new President of PCF Eric Ksau Whipps, his wife Joy Flores Whipps, his son Ksau Anthony Whipps, and his nephew Zachary Techall Whipps.

                It will be a single round-robin tourney that can be played in their house. Only Joy doesn’t have international rating among the Whipps. A probability is to have Gladys be included so that the 2 women will finally have international rating.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle: (It’s black to move) 1. …Nc2+! 2. Rxc2 Qxa3+!! 3. bxa3 Rb8 mate.

                This week’s puzzle: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Pages 9 & 11

             Volume 22

             Issue 90

             November 11, 2013 

(632) Having Fun with Simul, Blitz and Meeting at Bethlehem Park (TBN-Oct. 21, 2013)

CHESS AND MUSIC (Part 4)
     Dichem Tmetchul, right, is being taught by Roberto Hernandez chess and music every Saturday. The 10-year-old daughter of Senator Mlib will be coming with the Palau Chess Team during the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway from August 01-14, 2014.  She will participate in a tennis tournament in Guam in July 2014 before going to Norway.      (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


  HAVING FUN WITH SIMUL, BLITZ 
 & MEETING AT BETHLEHEM PARK 

 

THE cross tables of the recently concluded 2013 Palau National Chess Championship were submitted to FIDE by Palau Rating Officer Jamie Kenmure. A total of 47 Palau chess players and their new international ratings will be published at www.fide.com on November 01, 2013.

Some players gathered at Bethlehem Park on Sunday, Oct. 13 for practice, blitz chess tilt, meeting and simultaneous exhibition by Palau top chess player Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. against Jun Mahor, the 2013 PNCC champion of Reserves Division, Eugene Labarda, 4^th placer and Eugenio Pastrana, 4^th place in the Top 12 Division.

Cyril handily defeated the 3 players where no chess clock was used. The rule is that every time Cyril moves, his opponent must make his move after Cyril returns to him. In the early part of their games, the 3 players can’t help themselves moving immediately.

After the simul, a blitz chess tourney was organized with $1.00 registration fee to buy drinks for the players (soda). The players drew the numbers with Jose Celiz at no. 1, followed by Remrel Dizon, Jun Mahor, Cyril, Gene Pastrana and Roberto Hernandez.

Jose wins 4 straight to take the title even if he lost his last game to Roberto by ‘sacrificing’ his king. One of the rules in Palau blitz chess tourney is that every time you attack your opponent’s king, you must say the word “check”. The time control is 5 minutes for each player with 3 seconds increment.

Cyril took the 2^nd spot after winning the tiebreak (direct encounter) over Roberto. They both have 3-2 win-loss record. Gene have an even night by winning 2, losing 2 and drawing one for 4^th place again! Jun Mahor edged out Remrel by half a point with 1-3-1 slate to Remrel’s 1-4-0.

The 6 players moved to the lighted area when it gets dark. Jeff Balbalosa and Angie Parrado keep practicing even in the dark.

During the meeting, the first issue that was tackled was Jeff’s complain that the rapid time format was used on the last day of 2013 PNCC. After some explanations, it was decided to stick with the original format at the start of the tournament.

The laziness in writing or updating the moves of players was also tackled especially about Gene Pastrana’s inability to update his score sheet during his games against Rustum Cabuso and Cyril.

The first tournament of 2014 will be rapid and Swiss system. The players who cannot play on Saturday or Sunday are requested not to join. Swiss system can be played with as many players as possible with the top seed player playing the player in the middle of the ranking in the first round.

During the 2^nd round, the winners will play against the winners of the 1^st round, losers vs. losers or against players with the closest results.

In a designated game, the player who didn’t make it will lose by default. Three default losses will automatically disqualify player/s.

Cyril suggested that the registration will need to increase to $25.00 so that players will think twice of being disqualified after paying that much.

The 2013 Palau Invitational Chess Championship was also discussed. Mr. Jan Berglund has invited a player from Kenya and India to participate in the said event. Their ratings are just above 2003 which mean that they don’t have to win all their games and it will increase the rating level of Palau players. The tentative date is last week of November to first week of December 2013, the date where Mr. Berglund is coming to Palau.

REGULAR SUNDAY PRACTICES, BLITZ TOURNEYS, MEETINGS, SIMULS AND SOCIALIZING WILL BE DONE UNTIL THE NEXT TOURNAMENT – THE 2013 PALAU INVITATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.

         Solution to last week’s puzzle: 1. Bg6+! Kxg6 2. Rg4+ Kf5 3. Qh5 mate. If 2. … Kf7 then 3. Rg7 mate.

         This week’s puzzle: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Pages 9 & 11

             Volume 22

             Issue 84

             October 21, 2013 

(555) SENATOR MLIB TO 2014 NORWAY WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD (TBN-Aug. 19, 2013)

PLAYERS OF SAME COMPANY
     One of the rules in the 2013 PNCC is for players of the same company to play in the first 3 rounds and not in the last 3 rounds. Roberto Hernandez, right, plays the white pieces against Paquito 'Pax' Suringa, Jr. (They are both PRR employees). National Master Tito Cabunagan vs. Jose Celiz (both of PPUC) and CM Bernardo Garcia vs. NM Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. (both of PPR) are expected to play in the first 3 rounds.
                                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


SENATOR MLIB TMETCHUL TO 2014
NORWAY WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD

IN JULY 14, 2012, Senator Mlib Tmetuchl, his wife Dixie, Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Marino and his wife Issa, and a Filipino lawyer had dinner at Waves Restaurant of Palau Royal Resort. Roberto Hernandez played for them their favorite piano instrumental music.

                At 9pm, Roberto proceeded to Breeze Bar to play for another2-hour keyboard music. The group said they will proceed there later at 10pm, which they did.

                At 11 pm, Roberto joined them in the conversation. When the topic was focused to chess, Roberto offered Sen. Mlib a slot as a team member of 2014 Palau Chess Team to 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway from August 01-14, 2014.

                Senator Mlib said he’s not yet good at chess but Roberto said he can put him as reserve, or team captain of women’s team and the best post for him is to be the Head of Delegation.

                13 months and a day later, in August 15, 2013, Roberto was able to ask him personally, “Do you remember last year, I offered you a slot for Palau Chess Team to Norway next year?”

He said, “I thought that slot is for Eric Ksau Whipps.” Roberto said to him that if he’s not available on that date, then Eric will take that position.

He asked for the date and Roberto said, “August 01-14, 2014.” He thinks for a few seconds and he agreed to take the position and ask Roberto to inform him of the development.

WITH THIS CURRENT DEVELOPMENT, THE PALAU CHESS TEAM TENTATIVE CONTINGENT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:  Head of Delegation –Sen. Mlib Tmetuchl; Delegate –Jan Berglund (Sweden); Men’s (Open) Team Captain – Jamie Kenmure (Australia); Board 1—Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr.; Bd. 2—Menandro Manuel; Bd. 3—CM Bernardo Garcia; Bd. 4—Tito Cabunagan; Bd. 5 (Reserve)—Roberto Hernandez; Women’s Team Captain—Eric Ksau Whipps; Bd. 1—Angelica Parrado; Bd. 2—Gladys Anne Paloma; Bd. 3—Baby Edna Mission; Bd. 4—Joy Flores Whipps; Bd. 5 (Reserve)—Elizabeth Manuel.

The women’s team captain spot of Lilibeth Cabunagan was assigned to Eric. Any withdrawal from 5 women members will be automatically replaced by Lilibeth. Any withdrawal from men’s team will be replaced by the winner of a playoff between Paquito Suringa, Jr., Jeff Balbalosa and Mohammad Manik Hossain.

The itinerary of all members except Mr. Berglund and Mr. Kenmure is Palau-Manila (last week of July), Manila-Oslo (July 29 or 30), Oslo-Tromso (July 31).

Schedule of 2014 World Chess Olympiad – Aug. 01 –Arrival in the morning, Opening Ceremony in the evening; Aug. 02—Round 1  3-8pm; Aug. 03—Round 2  3-8pm; Aug. 04—Round 3  3-8pm; Aug. 05—Round 4  3-8pm; Aug. 06—Round 5  3-8pm, Bermuda Party at 10pm onwards; Aug. 07—Rest Day (excursion/trips/shopping; Aug. 08—Round 6  3-8pm; Aug. 09—Round 7  3-8pm; Aug. 10—Round 8  3-8pm; Aug. 11—Round 9  3-8pm; Aug. 12—Round 10  3-8pm; Aug. 13—Rest Day/Trips/Shopping Time; Aug. 14—Final Round  10am-3pm, Closing Ceremony -7-9pm; Aug. 15—Departure.

The visa that the team members will be getting is Schengen visa, which is acceptable to 17 European countries. Mr. Berglund offered a 2-day camp in Sweden for the team members before going back to Palau. Sweden is just a neighbor of Norway.

Senator Mlib can come with Dixie and their kids if he wants to but their accommodation is separate. Full accommodation is given to all members of the team –5-star hotel, 3 buffet meals/day, free transportation from hotel to Olympiad site, $100.00 each pocket money to all 12 playing members.

Eric can bring in his kids too so they can have a European vacation with the least expenses. And the date is just the right date for school for kids when they returned.

Roberto will put Sen. Mlib as one of the contestants in Reserve Division of the ongoing 2013 Palau National Chess Championship so that he will have a FIDE I.D. and international rating.

UPDATED RESULTS OF 2013 PALAU NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP:

National Master Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. whipped Tito Cabunagan in 41 moves of Caro-Kahn; Jose Celiz drubbed Eugenio Pastrana in 32 moves; CM Bernardo Garcia and Jeff Balbalosa –draw; Destiny Sisior leads the junior division with 3 straight wins, the latest against Geaury Ken Pastrana; Fernan John Velarde lost to Eugene Labarda but won over Remrel Dizon; WNM Angelica Parrado touted Gladys Anne Paloma in the last game of the day, August 11 at Bethlehem Park.

In a special game held at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1, 2^nd seed Roberto Hernandez luckily beat Paquito Suringa, Jr. in 61 moves of Budapest Defence. Paquito is ahead in material (a rook for 2 pawns) but made a blunder on the 33^rd move. He tried a tricky last 2 moves to salvage a draw but Hernandez didn’t bite the rook sacrifice. Their game started at 11:30 pm and ended at past 2:00am.

In another special game held on Sat., Aug. 17 at Bethlehem Park, Mohammad Manik Hossain scored a full point after mating Fernan John Velarde on the 37^th move of Budapest Defence.

Solution to last week’s puzzle: 1.

This week’s puzzle: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Pages 9 & 11

             Volume 22

             Issue 64

             August 19, 2013

 

(303) MUSIC AND ME (Sept. 27) My Music Experience w/ Former President Tommy Remengesau

AIRA JANE TORRES - MY BEST GIRL STUDENT
At her young age, she can play "Fallin'" by Teri de Sario, "Love is All That Matters" by Eric Carmen, "Open Arms" by Journey, Lambada, Careless Whisper, "Because" by Dave Clark 5 and more than 30 more difficult songs that even an adult can't play or sing. Among her counterpart, Christian 'Shinji' Otsuka is my best boy student.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)





MY MUSIC EXPERIENCE WITH FORMER
PRESIDENT TOMMY REMENGESAU

On February 10, 2009, former President and now Senator Tommy Remengesau, Jr., were at Breeze Bar with 3 Palauan guys and a Japanese family of 3, who left earlier.

I played mostly Palauan songs. They are applauding to my music. At 11:00 pm, I announced last song. While I’m securing my keyboard and cords, Tommy called me. He gave me $5.00 tip and we talked for a while about my 17 years working in Palau and only 4 times that I have taken a vacation. We talked also about my daughter’s (Karen) graduation in March 08, 2009 as nurse. His son, Isechal, was a classmate of Karen, who graduated at Mindzenty High School on May 28, 2004.

On June 16, 2008, there is a function of Palau Noni Juice at Waves Restaurant. President Tommy Remengesau was the guest speaker and the party had its own entertainment.

At 9:30, I’m waiting for customers at Breeze Bar. Then, Tommy came by himself still in a light blue suit. He asked me what happened to the proposed recording of my Palauan instrumental songs with Senator Alfonso Diaz. I explained to him that Senator Diaz offered me $500.00 in 2005 to record about 10 Palauan instrumental songs by me in his recording studio using my own keyboard.

Dr. Victor Yano suggested that I should use a grand piano (the one at Airai View Hotel) to make a more classical sound. Senator Diaz said he will talk to Senator Mlib Tmetuchl, a close friend of his, about using that piano. But 3 years have gone by and it didn’t materialize.

While the president is having a drink, the First Lady Debbie and her mother came. I played mostly Palauan songs and they applauded after every song I played. Later, Leilani Reklai joined them.

At 10:45, I called Assistant F & B Manager Edgar Cayanan about stopping live music at exactly 11:00 pm even though the First Couple are enjoying my music. Edgar said, “To be safe and not to disturb sleeping guests, just announce last 3 songs.”

The president agreed to my announcement of last 3 songs. I saw him called his bodyguard to get something and when he comes back, he wrote something on a check book. He called me later and while giving me the check, he said, “This is from all of us.”

I said thank you to them and I asked Leilani, “Did you win the Melekeok governorship?” She said she’s crossing her fingers because the counting is still going on and it’s a very close race. The president said, “She won already. That’s why we’re here celebrating.”

When I go to Dormitory 1 at 11:15, I saw the couple Jiji and Arnie Abad there and that’s the time that I look at the check amount – it’s $20.00. When I cash it the next day, Jiji and Arnie were at the Bank of Hawaii also.

During my 11-month work as keyboard player at Rose Garden Resort (July 15, 2005- June 23, 2006), President Remengesau gave me tip of $10.00 twice and the last one there was $5.00 on March 16, 2006, the day that he signed the transfer law bill allowing workers to transfer to another company if (1.) The company closed down, (2.) The employer died and 3. The employer goes to jail.

On November 02, 2000, two days before the Palaupresidential election, Vice President then Tommy Remengesau and his running mate Senator Allan Seid are having a political party at Image Restaurant where I’ve worked as musician/disc jockey for 13 years. When Senator Seid is about to have a speech, I stopped playing piano and Tommy approached me and said,“Robert, I know that you cannot vote. But maybe you can tell your Palauan friends to vote for me.” And he gave me $20.00.

When I operate the karaoke at Image Restaurant after playing piano, I always remember the favorite songs of our regular customers. When Tommy sings karaoke, he doesn’t have to tell me what to sing. I know all his favorite karaoke songs like “Imagine” by John Lennon, “She Believes In Me” by Kenny Rogers, Hawaiian songs “Baby Blue” and “Don’t Say Goodbye”, “How Can I Tell Her” by Lobo and even “Let Me Be There” by Olivia Newton-John.

In 2010 while I’m on my way up to Caroline’s Resort to teach keyboard/guitar to Liam and Gayle Bornovski, I saw Tommy jogging way up to Caroline’s Resort. I stopped for a while and we talk about teaching one of his kid piano.

It’s just another casual conversation and it didn’t materialize yet. I’m still hoping that it will happen and then I’ll have the rare experience of teaching family members of 2 Palau Presidents (incumbent or former).

Source: Music and Me by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 8-9
Volume 21
Issue 68
September 27, 2012

(278) MANUEL COUPLE GRANTED SCHENGEN VISA; GARCIA COMMITS TO 2014 NORWAY WCO

RENEWING THEIR FRIENDSHIP AGAIN
     From left, Joselito Marcos, Gary Bekker and Roberto Hernandez will meet again in Istanbul, Turkey for different positions in the 2012 World Chess Olympiad. Mr. Bekker will be one of the International Arbiters while Marcos and Hernandez will be Board 1 players of Papua New Guinea and Palau respectively. Fernando Aguilar, right, of Solomon Islands, will miss again this WCO due to financial constraints.
                                                                       (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


             MANUEL COUPLE GRANTED
                    SCHENGEN VISA;
  GARCIA COMMITS TO 2014 NORWAY WCO

AFTER getting their Turkish visa for their participation in the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey, the Manuel couple (Menandro and Elizabeth) applied for Schengen visa so that they can proceed to Italy, France and Germany for 5 days after the Olympiad for a European tour.

                A week before his trip to Manila from Palau, Menandro informed Roberto Hernandez that their Schengen visa was granted and their European tour is finally confirmed.

                On August 24, 2012, Manuel, Hernandez and Bernard Garcia will fly to Manila for their August 26 (Sunday) flight to Istanbul via Singapore Airlines.

                They will arrive in Istanbul at 7:45 am with 12 hours to spare before the Captain’s meeting at 8:00 pm and the Opening Ceremony of the World Chess Olympiad at 8:30 pm.

                Meanwhile, with 2 weeks before the start of 2012 World Chess Olympiad, Garcia commits to Hernandez that he would like to be a member of Palau Chess Team to 2014 Tromso, Norway World Chess Olympiad.

                He’s thinking way ahead to be much prepared so that the team’s chances will be better. Like in chess, he’s thinking 20-move deeper which according to him is too deep.

                He likes also to be in the lower board than the 2012 Olympiad where he is playing at board 3. The tentative line-up for Palau Chess Team to 2014 WCO is: Menandro Manuel at Board 1; Hernandez at Board 2; Tito Cabunagan at 3; Garcia at 4 and Jeff Balbalosa as reserve.

                This is much stronger that the current line-up for Istanbul even if Mohammad Manik Hossain has made it at Board 2 as follows: Hernandez at 1; Elizabeth at 2; Garcia at 3 and Menandro at 4.

                Palau’s team captain Jamie Kenmure agreed to this line-up but he suggested Senator Mlib Tmetuchl be the reserve citing that at least a Palauan player can be fielded.

                But Sen. Mlib has not started to play competitive chess yet and he’s much better to be the Head of Delegation of team captain of women’s team where he will not be allowed to play.

                Team captain and Delegate are allowed to play if they are not a member of their country’s federation and had been to Palau at least once.

                Palau’s Delegate Mr. Jan Berglund has change his email address and is now having a hard time to receive Hernandez’ emails because he don’t like to open the noreply@boxbe.com

                This cause Hernandez’ bunch of emails to be waitlisted including the proxy letter to FIDE, Organizers of the Olympiad and his personal copy that says:

                August 16, 2012     To: Directory FIDE Elista Office

                                                        Organizers, 40^th World Chess Olympiad Istanbul, Turker

                Dear Sir/Madame, The Palau Chess Federation is honored to have Mr. Jan Berglund as our Delegate to the 83^rd FIDE Congress that coincides with the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.

                Mr. Berglund was Palau Chess Federation’s Delegate to the 2008 World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany and to the 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

                Mr. Berglund is also allowed to be a substitute player in case one of the members of Palau Chess team didn’t make or if one of them gets sick.

                He is a member of Palau Chess Federation since September 27, 2007 and he is not a member of any chess federation except Palau.

                We hope that by doing so, Palau will be represented again to the 83^rd FIDE Congress as I would like to concentrate on Board 1.

                (Signed) Roberto A. Hernandez    Secretary/Treasurer, Palau Chess Federation

                                                                           Permanent Delegate to FIDE, Palau Chess Federation

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

              Tia Belau Newspaper

              Pages 0 & 13

              Volume 21

              Issue 57

              August 20, 2012

(246) SENATOR MLIB TO 2014 NORWAY CHESS OLYMPIAD?

    

TEAMMATES AT 2014 CHESS OLYMPIAD?

Jeff Balbalosa, right, has committed to be a team member of 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway. His probable teammates are Bernard Garcia, left, and Roberto Hernandez, standing left. In the middle is Joselito Marcos of Papua New Guinea and Paquito Suringa, Jr.
INSET: Senator Mlib Tmetchtul -- first Palauan to make it.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

*INSET PHOTO OF SENATOR MLIB from Tia Belau files.




        SENATOR MLIB TO 2014 NORWAY
                  CHESS OLYMPIAD?

THIS MIGHT be the biggest break that Palau chess is needed to jumpstart its progress and popularity.

In his casual conversation with Senator Mlib Tmetuchl, Roberto Hernandez suggested to him of being a member of Palau Chess team’s delegation to the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway in November.

The Senator, his wife Dixie, Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Marino, his wife Issa and a Filipino lawyer have a dinner at Waves Restaurant of Palau Royal Resort on Saturday, July 14, 2012.

Hernandez played piano music to them and other guests (more or less 100) till 9:00 pm. He proceeded to Breeze Bar for another 2 hours and they said to him that they will follow him there for more talks and drinks.

At 11:00 pm, before punching out, Hernandez talks to them. Most of their conversation is about chess and about Palau’s chess team that will participate in the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.

Ambassador Marino suggested having Senator Mlib be as one of the member of Palau Chess Team to 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Norway. The idea has elicited a smile from the Senator. Ambassador Marino added that it will be the first time that a Palauan will be included in a Palau Chess team competing outside Palau.

In the 2009 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship in Australia, Hernandez represented Palau by himself. In the 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Russia, Hernandez, Tito Cabunagan, Australian Jamie Kenmure and Swedish Jan Berglund had represented Palau.

This time, Hernandez, Menandro Manuel, Bernard Garcia, Elizabeth Manuel, Jan Berglund, Jamie Kenmure and Mohammad Manik Hossain are headed to Istanbul, Turkey in Aug. 27-Sept. 10, 2012 with Manik still waiting for his employer, Uchel Tmechtul, brother of Senator Mlib, to give him permission to go to Istanbul.

Senator Mlib said he will talk to Uchel about it. Hernandez called Manik but he said Uchel and his family are currently in Hawaii for holiday. They will be back on the first week of August and it might be the crucial time for Manik to get Turkish visa.

The perfect position for Senator Mlib in the 2014 WCO is the Head of Delegation, who don’t need to be a good chess player to be one. The 2^nd best position for him is the Team Captain of Palau Women’s Team and the 3^rd is as reserve player of men’s (open) team.

While working on his documents for Turkish visa application at the Philippine Embassy office, Hernandez met Paz Ngiratechekii, a 65-year old retired lady and the grandmother of Michael Jordan (MJ) Ngiratechekii, who participated in 2003 Age Group Chess tournament.

She said she is interested to be in the women’s team for the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Norway. She’s been to Utah and Hawaii in the USA not for chess but for holiday.

Many will think: “Why is the Palau Chess Team (men and women) sending older delegates/participants?”

THE ANSWER IS–Because many youngsters are not yet serious about chess at this time!

This might be a wake-up call for youngsters and maybe answering the same question with: “IF THE OLDER GENERATION CAN DO IT, WHY NOT US? WE CAN DO BETTER BECAUSE WE ARE THE FUTURE OF CHESS IN PALAU!”

On July 17, 2012, Jeff Balbalosa committed to Hernandez that he wants to be in the Palau Chess Team to Norway. He’s planning way ahead which is the right attitude.

So, the following is the Palau Chess Team tentative line-up to 2014 World Chess Olympiad:

Head of Delegation – Senator Mlib Tmechtul; Delegate – Mr. Jan Berglund; Team Captain –(Men’s) – Jamie Kenmure; Team Captain – (Women’s) –Mohammad Manik Hossain; Men’s Board 1 –Menandro Manuel; Board 2—Roberto Hernandez; Board 3 –Tito Cabunagan; Board 4—Bernard Garcia and reserve—Jeff Balbalosa.

Women’s Team—Board 1 – Angie Parrado; Board 2—Elizabeth Manuel; Board 3—Paz Ngiratechekii; Board 4 and reserve are still available.

Palau top chess player Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. and other interested players should praise what Jeff did. They have to start saving at least $1,500.00 for airfare.

The 2014 World Chess Olympiad is an election year for FIDE Presidency and Hernandez might get some sponsors aside from Senator Mlib’s potentially generous sponsors.

Here are the 5 winners of “Palau Word Search”… 1. Francis Toribiong #7751484 2. Kenji D. who said he found 15“Palau” words #779-2833 3. #778-3004 4. #779-1155 5. Kevin Ngirngemeusch, #778-5836, who was the only one who claimed his prize of $1.00 and a photo session, which he refused. He thought that every Palau word found is worth a dollar so he’s expecting $13.00. I’m going to give him $8.00 if he can find all the 8 “chess” word in the same card.


Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
              Tia Belau Newspaper
              Pages 13 & 15
              Volume 21
             Issue 49
             July 23, 2012