(974) 3rd TOURNEY OF THE YEAR -- THE 2015 PALAU RAPID CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP (TBN-July 20, 2015)

CHESS AND MUSIC PART 8 (The Beginning of Chess in Palau and Kyle)

            Roberto’s Chess and Music students are 1. Geaury Ken Pastrana 2. Mohammad Manik Hossain 3. Jasmine Yano 4. Paquito Suringa, Jr. 5. Ethan Nate Meyar 6. Dichem Tmetchul 7. Ultei Angelie Surangel and the latest one-- 8. Brandon Kyle Lagmay Soriano. A book will be written in the future with title “CHESS AND MUSIC –PERFECT COMBINATION” ‘The Beginning of Chess in Palau’ By Roberto Hernandez.                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

         3rd TOURNEY OF THE YEAR--

      THE 2015 PALAU RAPID CHESS

                    CHAMPIONSHIP

JUST A WEEK after the successful 2015 Unrated Chess Tournament has concluded, the 3^rd tournament organized by Palau Chess Federation will commence on Sunday, July 19 at Bethlehem Park—the 2015 Palau Rapid Chess Championship.

                The Open division is a 9-round Swiss system event to give chance to unrated and lower rated players play against Palau top chess players: NMs Roberto Hernandez, Cyril Montel, Jr. and Tito Cabunagan; CM Bernardo Garcia, Jeff Balbalosa, Dennis Gonzales and Paquito ‘Pax’ Suringa, Jr. In this division, the players have to play at least 2 games a week.

                The Women’s Division is a double round-robin event. It will be a test to surprise 3^rd place finisher  in the Unrated tourney Joan Gemota, to try her mettle against the top 3 women chess players of Palau: WNM Angelica Parrado, Baby Edna Mission and Gladys Anne Paloma. Roberto informed Joan that Palau is short of women chess players and she might make it to Palau Women’s Team to the 2016 World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan on Sept. 17-30.

                The Junior Division is also a double round-robin affair with the Sisior sisters leading the way and a preparation for their participation in the 2015 World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad in Mongolia in Aug. Destiny, Angelil and Kyarii Sisior will be joined by their parents Angie and Harvey Sisior for another milestone in Palau chess history.

                Registration fee is $15.00 for members, $17.00 for non-members or $20.00 for non-members for an automatic membership which Arnolfo Inres, the Unrated champion, prefers, for a saving of $3.00. The I. D. of Palau chess players have been distributed by Jeff, who will miss this event because he is having a vacation. He will teach Roberto how to use the Swiss Perfect software to continue the event in his absence. That system makes the Swiss system events easier to organize and have an automatic guide for tiebreak which was used successfully in the 2015 Palau Blitz Chess Championship and the Unrated.

                In the 2015 Unrated Rapid Chess Tournament held at Bethlehem Park on Sunday, July 12, 2015, there were 7 unrated chess players, who registered, with the last one at 5pm and there is no time to play 4-round games so the organizers decided to hold it -- in one day, the next Sunday.

              The first 7 participants are 1. Koichi Matsuda, left, (Born on Feb. 10, 1944 -- tel. no. 778-9433) 2. Arnolfo Inres (Sept. 13, 1966 --Tel. 778-3287) 3. Joan Gemota (June 24, 1985 --Tel. 779-6454) 4. Pons Mahor (May 30, 1959) 5. Allan Alcid (April 13, 1964--Tel. 779-5618) 6. Johnny Carandang (Jan. 04, 1978--Tel. 778-2411) 7. Edward Artillaga (Oct. 01, 1988 Tel. 778-1143).
              The last 3 entrants are 8. Ariel Mina (Feb. 15, 1968 -- Tel. 779-8189) 9. Allan Bacuno (Nov. 18, 1979 - Tel. 488-5472) 10. Josef Karlo Moyet (Sept. 04, 1988 -- Tel. 488-4463).
              When the list of participants reached 10 entrees, the 1st round was set. Joan Gemota was fitted against Ariel Mina, who is watching the finals of a basketball game nearby. The defaulting time is just one minute and Joan earned her first win via default.
             In her game against Pons Mahor, Roberto noticed that Pons moved a pawn after Joan captured a bishop with a pawn that exposed her king for an illegal move. Since Pons didn't notify the arbiter about the illegal move and making a pawn move, Roberto explained to Joan that she has to move the king for it is under check.
             After moving her king, Pons captured a pawn with a pawn and 2 moves later, he made an illegal move (putting his queen to a dark diagonal where it is originally from a white diagonal. He said, "I think it's not the right place for a queen to be." Roberto traced where the queen came from and declared an illegal move. So Joan won another tough one via illegal move.
             In her 7th and last round game against Allan Bacuno, she is way behind materials as she has only a bishop and a king. But Allan is under extreme time pressure with 3 seconds left in his clock and when Allan's time expires, she reveled in excitement as she thought she won that game. Cyril Montel, Jr. noticed that it's not a win for her because she doesn't have enough materials to mate Allan's king. It doesn't matter as the half point is all she needed to win 3rd place for a trophy and $10.00 cash.
             Arnolfo Inres and Allan Alcid are tied for 1st place with identical 6.5 points after 7 rounds. They drew their game so the winner over the other tiebreak (Direct Encounter) can't be applied. 
             The Swiss Perfect software computed the other tiebreak and Inres emerged as champion with a trophy and $20.00 cash in which he pays for the next tournament on Sunday, July 19, the 2015 Palau Rapid Chess Championship.
              The coming event offers cash prizes of $100.00, $80.00, $60.00, $40.00 and $20.00 for the top 5 finishers in the Open division + trophies to the top 4 and medal for 5th. There are trophies and cash prize also in the women and junior divisions.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 3753: (This is a very tricky puzzle that an average player can’t solve in an hour) 1. Qc4+! Kxc4 2. e4!! (The key move! White threatens mate on 3. Na3) …Rxa4 (preventing the first mate threat…BUT) 3. Nd6 mates still.

                This week’s puzzle No. 3754: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Pages 10-11

             Volume 24

             Issue 58

             July 20, 2015 

(968) SISIOR FAMILY TO 2015 WORLD YOUTH U-16 CHESS OLYMPIAD IN MONGOLIA (TBN-July 06, 2015)

SISIOR SISTERS – OFF TO MONGOLIA

                    Destiny Sisior, left, and Angelil Sisior, middle, were exposed to chess tourney environment since 2011. Their other sister Kyarii joined in the 2013 Palau National Chess Championship and will be their teammate in the 2015 World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad in Mongolia. Their chess supportive parents will be joining them. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GOOD TIME! Show to the world that Palau chess is on the rise!                                                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

     SISIOR FAMILY TO 2015 WORLD
      YOUTH U-16 CHESS OLYMPIAD
                       IN MONGOLIA

IN THE 445^th Edition of Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez on Tia Belau Newspaper dated July 04, 2011 (Volume 20 Issue 27), the 6^th stanza read as follows:

“They are in the middle of their game when Angie Parrado arrives with a lady friend and 2 daughters who can play chess and now in Level 4 of the computer chess software “Chess Titans”. They practice at one of the vacant chess table and Roberto Hernandez can’t resist taking pictures of the girls that may become CHESS FUTURE OF PALAU especially if they will be inspired by their mom representing Palau in 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.”

In the photo of this edition, its caption reads as: “Women’s Chess Future of Palau” 

Elizalde Madrinan, right, poses with the daughters of Angie Parrado, who are now at Level 4 of playing with chess software “Chess Titans”. Parrado drew her first round match vs. Menandro ‘Boy’ Manuel while her daughters are practicing chess using tournament size chessboard and chess clock. WATCH OUT FOR THESE GIRLS!

Angie didn’t make it to 2012 World Chess Olympiad due to tight schedule and budget but made it to the 2014 WCO in Tromso, Norway together with her daughter Destiny Sisior (Board 4), Gladys Anne Paloma (Board 2), Baby Edna Mission (Board 3) and Joy Flores Whipps (Reserve/Board 5). This is the first time that Palau was able to send a team in both Open and Women.

On Aug. 19-29, 2015, the World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and it will be a family affair with Angie 3 daughters (Destiny, Angelil and Kyarii) will join after Ksau Anthony Flores Whipps, Cyrelle Ann Montel and Ultei Surangel skipped this event due to school calendar that will start a week before the Youth Olympiad.

This will be another milestone for Palau Chess with Angie being the Team Captain/Trainer while her husband Harvey Sisior will be the Head of Delegation.

While on his way for 22-day vacation in Philippines, Roberto was able to talk to Angie at the Palau International Airport. She said Destiny and Angelil are already in the Philippines for an intensive training with their relatives in the province for the preparation to this event.

And while on his way back to Palau at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on June 23, 2015, Roberto was able to talk to Joy, who is also coming back to Palau with her husband Eric, son Ksau and daughter Kayah. Roberto asked her, “Are you going to Mongolia?” It is there that she confirmed that all of them could not make it there.

One of the requirements for this event is Players who shall not have reached the age of 16, by
January 1st 2015. (Date of Birth 1999 and after) are entitled to participate. Each team
shall comprise 4 players and 1 reserve (one of whom must be a girl)
and 1 captain (or Manager, Trainer). (FIDE HB B. IV. 09. 5.) The
Organizing Committee shall provide free board and lodging (in twin
share rooms with bath and/or shower) for a team. It would be good
to promote Palau chess by participating as a World Youth Chess Team.
                                         Palau Registered Under-16 Eligible Players.
16600320    Whipps, Ksau Anthony Flores    1519
16600436    Sisior, Angelil    1452
16600517    Montel, Cyrelle Ann    1222
16600738    Tmetchul, Dichem    1145
16600444    Sisior, Destiny    1499
16600452    Whipps, Zachary Techall    1137
16601262    Sola, Robert    1341
16600789    Surangel, Moded Samantha   
16600762    Whipps, Kayah Iblai Flores    1083
16600770    Surangel, Ultei Angelei    1249
16600827    Whipps, Kylie Deureng   
16600720    Sisior, Kyarii    1122

                Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 3752: 1. Qh7+!! Kxh7 2. Ng5++ Kh8 3. Nf7 mate.

                This week’s puzzle No. 3753: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Page 9

             Volume 24

             Issue 54

             July 06, 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)

 https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2223213667651635496#editor/target=post;postID=563708009551272016;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=557;src=link

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