(664) ERIC, KSAU TO WYCC IN UAE DEC. 17-29, 2013 (TBN-Dec. 09, 2013)

PRR DONATES TO PMCC MEDICAL MISSION
     Palau Royal Resort Musician Roberto Hernandez, right, hands the $500.00 check donation of PRR to Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) Brother Gilbert Navarro for its medical mission to super typhoon Yolanda survivors. The PMCC brethren are doing caroling this month every day and night around Palau to support this mission.
                                                              (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

FATHER AND SON ERIC AND KSAU TO WYCC IN UAE
     Palau Chess Federation new President Eric Ksau Whipps with his son Ksau Anthony during the final day of 2013 Palau National Chess Championship where Ksau defeated Destiny Sisior to bag the Junior plum of the event. The duo will represent Palau for the first time in the World Youth Chess Championship in Al Ain, UAE on Dec. 17-29, 2013.                                       (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


           ERIC, KSAU TO WYCC IN UAE
                         DEC. 17-29, 2013
  

THIS is the breakthrough that Palau Chess Federation is waiting to happen—to send at least one junior player to the biannual World Youth Chess Championship to be held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates on Dec. 17 (arrival)-29(departure), 2013.

                In an email to the new PCF President Eric Ksau Whipps, Mr. Casto “Toti” Abundo, the Deputy President of Asian Chess Federation, wrote on Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 1:12PM:

                Dear Mr. Whipps, We invite you and two players to participate in the World Youth Chess Championship scheduled 17-29 December 2013 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

                We shall provide you free visas, air tickets and board and lodging during your stay.

                Please we urgently need passport copies and ID photos to register for visa application.

                We shall process your visas here and send you electronic visas by email.

                Please, for more information you may visit the official site http://www.worldyouth2013.com

Regards, Casto Abundo +971 50 3544938

                Eric replied on Dec 1 at 7:06 AM:

                Hello Mr. Abundo, Thank you for the invitation. I will be able to attend the World Youth Chess Championships together with my son as I have gotten approval from my work and will get from his school tomorrow.

                We are excited and looking forward to attending and participating in this event. I will send you our Palau passport information before 9am.          Regards, Eric

                Here’s an email from Mr. Jan Berglund about this development:

On Sunday, December 1, 2013 6:46 PM, Jan Berglund <berglund_jan@hotmail.com> wrote:

Dear Mr. Hernandez,
      Thank you for this interesting piece of information. It is good that someone really wants to participate!
     Just so that there will be no misunderstanding:
- There is just one boy and his father going. Is that correct?
- Is there no girl, who wants to go free of charge, any age group? Ask around!

- Are there no one from any other age group, who would like to go to the cost of flight ticket and €100.-?

      The tournament regulations states, that each member federation is entitled to send one boy and one girl for each age group and two accompanying persons (One male and one female) free of charge (Local transportation, board & lodging, sight-seeing, etcetera) at the expense of the organizers, in this case the UAE Chess Federation:

       "Every National Federation can register one official player in each category (under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 years old, open and girls). This total of twelve (12) Official Players plus two (one man and one woman) accompanying officials belonging to the national federation are invited by the Organizers. A player must not have reached his 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, or 18th birthday, respectively, before January 1st of the year 2013."

       On top of that, as I e-mailed you on October 9th, in Tallinn, Estonia I was promised, that the FIDE participation fee of €100.-/official invitees plus air fare would be paid for one boy, one girl, and one accompanying person by FIDE, as we are a FIDE #5 nation (Former CACDEC nation). To sum it up, that is totally free of charge for up to 3 people and to a reduced price for another up to 11 people. Best wishes, Jan
     Roberto Hernandez offered a slot for Geaury Ken Pastrana, Ronald Mission and Cyrelle Ann Montel but they declined the offer because the date is Christmas time and there’s still some days left to finish school. Ksau Anthony Whipps, the 2013 PNCC Junior Champion, will miss 3 days in school.

                Joy Flores Whipps, Ksau’s mom, asked Roberto to give Ksau some pointers and little training before going to UAE. Roberto has given him some endgame, opening, middle game, puzzle solving lessons for 2 hours each on Thursday and Friday (Dec. 05 and 06). Their next training is on Wed., Thursday and Friday afternoon.

                Palau Delegate to 3 World Chess Olympiads Mr. Jan Berglund of Sweden, offered to coach Ksau at UAE while Palau Rating Officer Jamie Kenmure of Australia, offered the same and is excited to meet Palau Chess Federation new President.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle: 1. … Nf4+ 2. Ke4 or Ke3 Re2 3. Kxf4 Be5 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 & 10

             Volume 22

             Issue 98

             December 09, 2013 

(663) AMERICAN GIRL SINGING JAPANESE SONG "SUKIYAKI"

BEEN IN JAPAN FOR 7 YEARS
    This American girl surprised me when she sings "Sukiyaki" while I'm playing it instrumentally. She and her family (dad, mom, elder sister and youngest brother) stayed in Japan for 7 years. THAT'S WHY!
                                                 (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)



ON NOVEMBER 30, 2013, two of my morning music students have cancelled their lessons (Anthea Escobido and Shinji Otsuka).

I just watched NBA basketball and teach Dichem Tmetchul chess for 2 hours from 2-4pm.

We have many guests when I played piano at Waves Restaurant of Palau Royal Resort from 7-9pm.

I'm alternating international songs (American, Taiwanese and Japanese) because we have those guests having dinner.

When I played the Japanese song "Sukiyaki", an American girl who is getting food from the buffet stands near me and sung the lyrics of that song in Japanese.

I know the lyrics of "Sukiyaki" by heart and while playing it, I sang it with her -- the last part "Hitori bochi no yoru". Then she proceeds to their table with his dad, mom, elder sister and younger brother.

After finishing the song, I'm still amaze of how she knows the song. It's my first time to hear an American girl singing Japanese song.

Her family left one by one with her still in the rest room. She proceeded to me directly and I give her my card.

I asked her, "Can you read my name written in Japanese?" She can read my name "Roberto" easily but struggles reading my surname.  

I asked her again, "How did you learn to sing Japanese song?" She replied, "because we lived in Japan for 7 years."

I asked her if we can have a picture together. I took my Japanese song book and turn the page where the "Sukiyaki" song is located. We hold that page and 2 photos were taken. THIS IS THE 2ND ONE...

Source: Chess And Music (Perfect Combination)
             The Beginning of Chess In Palau
             By Roberto Hernandez
             December 2013
             To be published as a book in the future
   

   

(662) 2004 WORLD CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP IN TRIPOLI, LIBYA

March 2004 at FIDE website features the holding of the 2004 World Chess Championship in Tripoli, Libya on June 18-July 13, 2004.

(661) MUSIC AND ME (Dec. 05, 2013) TAIWANESE IN PINK

TAIWANESE PROPOSAL
     The Taiwanese guy, 2nd from right, proposes to the Taiwanese lady at right. To make it memorable, the other Taiwanese guy requested Roberto to play "Without You". Instead of playing it only, Roberto sang the song because he knows the lyrics of that song. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT IS UNFORGETTABLE!
                                                    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


                  TAIWANESE IN PINK 

IT WAS a very busy Thanksgiving Day for me, Nov. 28, 2013. After breakfast with my wife at 10am, I proceed to Airai State to teach Mr. Kurata at 11:30-12:30pm. 
 
I dropped by first to the store where Mohammad Manik Hossain is tending in the morning and work at Shell KB Gas Station in the afternoon.

We talked mostly about chess and when it's 11:25, I have to leave and he will give me a Diet Coke and a bunch of bananas for a dollar.

When I come at Mr. Kurata's rented house, nobody there. I knock a lot of times and call his cellphone number to check where he is. He didn't answer.

I waited at the parking area for 30 minutes while cleaning the carpets of the car. I go back to Palau Royal Resort and have a nice turkey Thanksgiving Lunch at Cafeteria.

Prepared for Moded's first solo piano recital at their residence. I brought the Yamaha guitar that James gave me last year.

It was a very nice recital/reunion of invited family members of about 20 people. Former President Tomas Remengesau, Sr., Mrs. Marylin Whipps, the family of new President of Palau Chess Federation Eric Ksau Whipps, his wife Joy Flores and son Ksau Anthony and daughter; Casmere Remengesau and some more.

Joy talked to me about having their piano tuned and maybe some lessons to her daughter by me.

I joined Moded in playing the 2nd half of "When The Saints Go Marching In". Ultei played piano while Moded played the recorder to the song "Amazing Grace". Guitar by Ultei to the song "He's Got The Whole World In His Hand". I sang in the last 2 songs--"How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" and "Puff The Magic Dragon".

Moded gave me a very nice, healthy dessert of fresh strawberry, cereals and berries knowing that I'm diabetic.

Took a 2-hour nap before another special Thanksgiving Dinner at Cafeteria. When I play piano at Waves Restaurant for 2 hours, there are many guests (Japanese, Taiwanese, Americans, Filipinos and Palauans, including former Senator Alfonso Diaz).

There is also a long table of Americans to my right. When I saw former Senator Alfonso Diaz with a Filipina, I started playing Palauan songs. 30 minutes later, he comes to me and gave me $5.00 tip and said, "I like your version of instrumental Palauan songs. That's why I come here often."

I thought that I may not have a chance to take a picture of him so I took this shot with the $5.00 bill:

  
    Before going home, an American guy from long table gave me $5.00 tip and minutes later, an American couple from the same table gave me $3.00 tip.

At 9:00 pm, before going to Breeze Bar, I talked to Mr. Diaz to have a photo session with him to replace my photos with former Palau President Johnson Toribiong.

 During their conversation, the recording of at least 10 Palauan instrumental songs by Roberto was renewed. This time, it will not be for sale because it's very easy to copy it. But Mr. Diaz is willing to pay Roberto the same amount as in 2005--($500.00).

THE FOLLOWING IS THE DETAILED VERBAL AGREEMENT ABOUT THIS:

   

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 Tmetchul, 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 Aimilik 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 Palau presidential election, Vice President then Tommy Remengesau, Jr. 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


AFTER THE PICTORIAL AND TALKING, I PROCEED AT BREEZE BAR. MR. DIAZ SAID THEY WILL PROCEED THERE LATER.

When I started to play keyboard at Breeze Bar at 9:00pm, there is a group of Taiwanese (6) at one table and they're all wearing pink t-shirts.

I played a Taiwanese song and after that, a young Taiwanese guy (with eyeglass) asked me to play "Without You" by Nilsson dedicated to the couple in which the guy has just proposed to her.

Instead of playing it instrumental, I sang the song because I know the lyrics of that song by heart since 1980's.

The couple danced with my song while the guy who requested the song harmonized with me. He can sing the 2nd voice of the song which is not ordinary for a young Taiwanese guy although he struggles with pronunciation.

That guy gave a round of drinks to the other table of Taiwanese guests. One of them, a lady, comes to me and gave me $5.00 tip in 1-dollar bill.

That guy also introduced me to his father and mother and his girlfriend. I said, "your parents are young. I thought they're your brother and sister."

When I play Hotel California, he harmonized with me again and when I playing the instrumental, I let him use the pitch bend to make a really nice distortion electric guitar sound. His girlfriend and the couple enjoyed our "performance".

He gave me tips which I have no time to look how much it is. After securing my stuff, I looked at it in the store room--it's $20.00! Very rare for a young Taiwanese that I get that amount.   

I asked for a group picture with them before going home. They happily posed for 2 shots. This is the second shot:

     

While I'm walking to punch out, I saw them all together near the pool and they have some more "good timing" when 2 of them were pushed to the swimming pool and they all laughed while some guests get disturb by the noise at 11:00 pm.


Source: Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
            The Beginning Of Chess In Palau
            By Roberto Hernandez
            To be published as a book in the future
  
    

 

(660) PHOTOS (2006 Ambassador Marino Rapid Chess Tournament)

From left to right, Felix Lapitan of Palau Royal Resort vs. Manny Nedic; Dennis Gonzales, Jose Omega vs. Craig Dittrich in his first ever tournament in Palau.                      (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Val Vidar, left, vs. Francis 'Sno' Temaungil, the former President of Palau Chess Federation (2005-2012).
                                                         (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Cyril Montel, Jr., left, ponders his next move against Koror State Legal Counsel Craig Dittrich, who prefers longer time control.                                                               (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

UNRATED DIVISION CLASHES.  Val Vidar vs. Nazarion Rodriguez, Jr., reporter of Palau Horizon and Vincent Vergara vs. former junior champ Jayrome Soriano. Vergara's son is watching the games with Gene Pastrana, middle. All the games but one were played at Philippine Embassy office.
                                                 (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

 Vincent Vergara vs. Jayrome Soriano. They're fighting it out for the title and 1st runner-up plum. Vergara prevails and pocketed $75.00 and a glass trophy courtesy of Manny Kimpo of Pinoy Express. Jayrome settled for $50.00
                                                    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Manny Nedic, left, vs. Joel Azana; Women's division participants Minda Roa, 2nd from left, is up against Juvy Bulan while eventual champion Ma. Florida Hernandez, middle is watching.

Joel Azana, right, against Cyril Montel, Jr.; Francis 'Sno' Temaungil, left, vs. Val Vidar.
                                       (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Koror State Legal Counsel Craig Dittrich in deep thought against an undetermined opponent. He's got his baptism of fire in this tournament. He did better in the succeeding events.
                                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

 Pinoy Express Remittance Manager Manny Kimp and his son JB against Francis 'Sno' Temaungil. TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE!                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

 Joel Azana, left, is up against Palauan bet Morton Sawaichi, who is using his cellphone while playing an official game. Only in Palau that it is allowed. The 3 women contestants are posing at the start of the game between Ma. Florida Hernandez and Minda Roa while Juvy Bulan looks on.
                                                             (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

The only game that was not played at Philippine Embassy office is the Craig Dittrich, left, vs. Gene Pastrana game that was played at Jean's Boutique and Store.
                                                (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Val Vidar of Palau Pacific Resort, left, clashes with Palau Horizon reporter Nazario Rodriguez, Jr. in the unrated division of the inaugural Ambassador Marino Rapid Chess tournament held at Philippine Embassy office.                                    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Joel Azana is talking to Manny Nedic while practicing with woman player Minda Roa. Ma. Florida Hernandez subdued Juvy Bulan in their own playoff for the title/trophy and $75.00 cash prize.
                                                          (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

2003 Junior Champion Jayrome Soriano, left, drubbed Francis 'Sno' Temaungil in this 2nd week action.                                                                     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)



                    AWARDING CEREMONY 

THE AWARDEES: left to right - Cyril Montel, Jr. (3rd, rated division); Jose Omega - Co-champion (rated); Val Vidar (3rd unrated division); Roberto Hernandez (Co-champion - rated); Francis 'Sno' Temaungil (6th-unrated); Ambassador Ramoncito Marino; Manny Kimpo (4th-unrated); his son JB; Consul Tony Y. Reyes. Sitting (l-r)  -- Jayrome Soriano (2nd-unrated); Geaury Ken Pastrana (Champion -Juniors); Juvy Bulan (1st runner-up -women).
    The mother of Ken (Aurora) didn't do a good job shooting this photo. MORE FEET THAN HEADS!
                                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Junior Division Champ Geaury Ken Pastrana receiving his $75.00 cash prize from Ambassador Ramoncito Marino, who sponsored a total of $1,000.00 for the event under his name.
                                                         (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Manny Kimpo, 2nd from left, finished tied for 3rd place with Val Vidar so they split the $25.00 cash prize.
                                                    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

 Val Vidar receiving his $12.50 cash prize (tied with Manny Kimpo) from Ambassador Marino.

Jayrome Soriano receiving his $50.00 cash prize.

Unrated division champ Vincent Vergara getting his $75.00 cash prize from the number one supporter of chess in Palau --Ambassador Ramoncito Marino.                       (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Jess Toldoya, 2nd from left, splits the $25.00 cash prize with Gene Pastrana for finishing tied at 5th place.                                                                 (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)



 
Roberto Hernandez, left, and Jose Omega finished tied at 1st place with identical 9-1 win-loss slate. They split the $300.00 cash prize (1st-$200.00, 2nd-$100.00) and played one rapid chess playoff for the trophy. And the winner is............

JOSE OMEGA RECEIVING THE BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED GLASS TROPHY DONATED BY MANNY KIMPO OF PINOY EXPRESS REMITTANCE.
                                             (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Women's division champ Flor Hernandez is working during the awarding ceremony. Her trophy was given to her at Dragon Tei Japanese Restaurant and have this picture taken with the members of Knights And Rooks Chess Club poster as background.                                    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Source: History of Chess In Palau;
             Chess And Music (Perfect Combination)
             The Beginning of Chess In Palau
             By Roberto Hernandez
             December 2013
             To be published as a book in the future
  

(659)PAZ NGIRATECHEKII -- CANCER SURVIVOR (TBN-Dec. 02, 2013)

2ND BOUT WITH CANCER
     Paz Ngiratechekii, right, practices chess with Ma. Florida Hernandez at Bethlehem Park last Sunday, Nov. 24. The 67-year-old Palau Red Cross Volunteer is fighting another bout with cancer and seeking financial help from good Samaritans. Roberto Hernandez suggested to her to seek God's help through corporate prayers by the brethren of Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch).     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


        PAZ NGIRATECHEKII  --
          CANCER SURVIVOR 
 

Palau has only 3 FIDE rated women chess players –Woman National Master Angelica Parrado, Baby Edna Mission and 67-year-old Paz Ngiratechekii. The three have become the core of Palau Chess Team to participate in the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway on Aug. 01-14, 2014.

                The numbers of women chess players increased after the holding of 2013 Rapid Chess Tournament held at Tito Cabunagan’s residence and at Bethlehem Park (Semifinal and Final) with Tito’s wife Lilibeth, Joy Flores Whipps, Gladys Anne Paloma and Leizl Michael of Palau Royal Resort joining the bandwagon of interested players.

                With the great potential showed during the event where she defeated Palau top women player twice, Gladys was offered to be the Board 2 player of Palau Women’s Team. Mission will be assigned at Board 3, Whipps at Board 4, Elizabeth Manuel at reserve and Lilibeth as Team Captain.

                Paz was not included because she didn’t show any improvement in her game and might be a liability instead of an asset to the team. Her inclusion to the team became more improbable with the acceptance of Senator Mlib Tmetchul to be the Head of Delegation and the Team Captain of Women’s Team given to Palau Chess Federation new President Eric Ksau Whipps.

                Another addition to the women’s team is Sen. Mlib’s daughter Dichem, who is undertaking serious chess training with Roberto Hernandez for a possible substitution if at least 2 members withdraw with Lilibeth as first choice.

                When Roberto had a general medical check-up on Nov. 20, 2013 at Belau Medical Clinic, he met Paz there and she showed Roberto a Medical Abstract as follows:

                “This is the case of Tavas, Paz 66 years old female, Filipina with hospital number 35785 who was seen at the OPD Surgical Clinic with a chief complain of right breast mass last Sept. 17, 2013. The said breast mass was noted a month earlier. Soon after the OPD consult the visiting Interventional Radiologist from Manila, Dr. Velasco performed a core needle breast mass biopsy which revealed an invasive ductal carcinoma. Now the patient is advised to have a cancer surgery for the said breast condition with adjutant chemotherapy off island.

                This medical report is issued upon request of the patient for whatsoever purpose this may serve her. Prepared by:  Christian Karyl F. Donesa, M. D. General Surgeon, Belau National Hospital”.

                THE FOLLOWING IS THE SOLICITATION LETTER OF PAZ NGIRATECHEKII:

     Greetings and Alii! I hope this letter finds you in good health and in good spirit. I am Paz Ngiratechekii, 67 years old, Philippine national who has been residing in Palau for almost 27 years. I was married to Akiwo Ngiratechekii for 15 years and have been a widow for 12 years.

     I’m writing this letter in seeking your financial assistance in helping me pay for my medical treatments that I must undergo for my illness. A SURGICAL PATHOLOGY REPORT shows that I have a Right Breast Mass, Core Needle Biopsy: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

     I have been a cancer survivor for 10 years now. Back in 2003, I was diagnosed with an ovarian cancer in which I have a successful hysterectomy treatment back in the Philippines. This included a 3 months follow-up for a full one year term. The treatment and follow-up was a success and I was completely treated and was cancer free but it came with a high price in which I had to pay with all my life savings account.

     When I heard the news again last month, I was devastated and now it has become a financial burden for me to afford the treatment that I must endure and the challenges ahead.

     At this time, my only source of income is through my late husband’s pension of $339.14. I’m using this income for my own living expenses—bills, electricity, telephone and food. At times it is not enough to cover all of my expenses but I do manage and sacrifice all the time.

     I seek for your in kind financial assistance in helping me pay for the cost of my medical treatment that I must undergo to save my life. Your assistance will help me greatly. Thank you very much.

     Poor Samaritan, Paz de Luna Tavas Ngiratechekii.

      Roberto suggested to Paz to attend the services of Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4^th Watch) Palau Locale where she attended the 4^th Watchers Service on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013. She proceeded with Roberto to the Bethlehem Park and had some photo session with Roberto’s wife Flor playing chess.

     Paz attended Morning Devotion on Friday, Nov. 29 and felt relief from dry cough. She felt better after the brethren prayed for her. She attended also the Prayer Meeting that night.

    GOD IS THE BEST DOCTOR, HEALER AND PROVIDER.

    Paz is still optimistic about going to Norway’s 2014 World Chess Olympiad after she is healed by God.

 Solution to last week’s puzzle: 1. …Rxh2+! 2. Kxh2 Rh4+! 3.Bxh4 Qg2 mate. If 3. Kg1 then 3…Qxg3 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 & 10
              Volume 22
              Issue 96
              December 02, 2013 

 

FALLEN HUT.  This hut is one of the many structures that Typhoon Haiyan has destroyed. The final round of the 2013 Palau National Chess championship was held there. Instead of building a new one, authorities just put up a tent temporarily. The cost of damage by Typhoon Haiyan in Palau is $5.9 million.                           (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)