Filipino chessers told to 'bring home the lechon'

"I am convinced, the way one plays chess always reflects the player's personality. If something defines his character, then it will also define his way of playing."
--Vladimir Kramnik

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- Some of the strongest chess players in the Philippines today are now based here and are making waves in various tournaments participated by the world's best.
In fact, the Philippines can form two chess teams in the Olympiad from their lineup.

Camelo "Jun" Galinea, godfather and founder of Elmhurst Chess Club in Queens, identified these talented Filipino chessers as FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat and blitz phenom Rainer Labay, National Master Mario Rebano, Anthony Gallon, Vincent Umayan, Bert "Ejhay" Labuac, Albert Riviera, Mike Adarlo, Cesar Apalla, Gilbert Gonzales, Leo Buencocillo, Gerry Gamaro, Gerson Caballero, Manuel Jurado, Jan Vincent, Paragua (brother of GM Mark Paragua).
GM Paragua and GM Oliver Barbosa are also based here as chess lecturers in Manhattan.

NM Mario Rebano

Galinea have egged the Filipinos "to bring home the lechon (roasted pig)" when the 45th Annual World Open unwraps at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown in Pennsylvania from June 29-July 4, 2017.
"I have not lost hopes on these talented chess players," Galinea said. "Watch them in the World Open as they eat alive some grandmasters."

Riviera

He and impresario Bien Villanueva are pinning their hopes on Salimbagat, Labay, and Rebano, three of the highest-rated Pinoy woodpushers who will play in the open category against the world's most powerful grandmasters.

Gallon

Salimbagat (FIDE Rating 2269), a former Scout Ranger and 2009 Winter Chessfest champion, was the highest Pinoy finsher in the 2016 World Open won by GM Gabor Papp.
He notched 5 points along with Labay (FIDE Rating 2197), a chess coach and one of the fastest blitz players today in New York, in nine rounds Swiss System.

Galinea and Jurado

Former female Shell champion Precious "Grace" Tambasin will join the other male woodpushers in the Under2200, Under1800, Under16, Under1400, and Under1200 categories.

Umayan

The event has a $225,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. FIDE norms can also be obtained in Open Section.