First Asian Grand Master Eugene Torre, whose famous lines “protect the center” led the top picks and joins Team Rizal, followed by GM Rogelio “Joey Antonio, Jr. for Team Iloilo, in the PCAP’s (Professional Chess Association of the Philippines) 1st Draft recently held at the Quezon City Sports Club.
PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua and Founding President Commissioner Paul Elauria excitedly announced that indeed it was a dream turned to goal and now a reality, as theworld’s first government-licensed Professional Chess League kicks off with 24 teams from all over the Philippines.
Highlights of the event included the video message of Fischer Random World Champion GM Wesley So: “The Filipino should play chess. Who manages to survive no matter what the world throws at him? If you train your mind with chess, you will go much farther ahead in life.”
Here is the list of Teams, Owners and Picks for the PCAP Tournament, which will be formally opened on January 2021:
Team
Rizal
Eduardo S. Madrid
GM Eugene Torre
Iloilo
Leo Sotaridona
GM Joey Antonio, Jr.
Quezon City
Danilo Ponay
Michaella Concio
Iriga
Robert Jocom
NM Glennen Artuz
Negros
Atty Jason Bandal
IM Joel Pimentel
Cordova
Ariel Potot
Edsel Montoya
Antipolo
McDaniel Ebao
and Ramel Ramilla
NM Jojo Aquino, Jr.
San Juan
Michael Angelo Ong Chua
IM Ricky de Guzman
Mindoro
Mayor Elgin Malaluan
FM David Elorta
Lapu-Lapu
Aldwin Daculan
NM Merben Roque
Surigao
Rey Urbiztodo
FM Vince Alaan
Manila
Carlota, J. Paulo
and Angela Elauria
GM Ino Sadorra
and Angela Elauria
Camarines
Engr. Jojo Buenaventura
GM Mark Paragua
Olongapo
Mr. Romy Armamento/
Dr. Gefer Imbuido
NM Gefer Imbuido
Cabuyao
Dr. Fred Paez
GM John Paul Gomez
Toledo
Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang
IM Rico Mascarinas
Cagayan
Atty. Joel Butuyan
Jake Tumaliuan
Zamboanga
Zulfikar
IM Chito Garma
General Trias
Represented by Israel Landicho
and Ederwin Estavillo
NM Marlon Bernardino
Isabela
Atty. Joel Alejandro
NM Jerome Balico
Cebu
Eduard Dela Torre
NM Elwin Retanal
Caloocan
Bong Velasco/
Arnel Batungbakal
IM Paulo Bersamina
Pasig
Represented by Coaches Rechie Tugawin
and Franco Camillo
GM Darwin Laylo
Palawan
Jorge Mitra
WIM Shania Mae Mendoza
PCAP’s 1st Draft was graced by Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra, who delivered an inspirational speech to boost the morals of the chess players and the organizers. For more updates, visit the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines’ (PCAP) official facebook and website http://philippineschess.com.
