1st GM norm for Barbosa

Barbosa claims first GM norm in Asian chess tilt
Cebu Daily News First
Posted 08:49:00 05/11/2011

FILIPINO International Master (IM) Oliver Barbosa drew his 9th and final round match against former Asian Junior Champion Indian GM Abhijit Kunte yesterday to earn his first GM norm at the close of the 10th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships in Mashhad, Iran.

Earlier, it was reported that Barbosa needs to win his final round match to earn a GM norm, but National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero Pichay Jr. clarified that the Filipino was able to earn his first GM norm despite a 9th round draw because he faced higher-ranked foes in the final two rounds.

Barbosa (ELO 2506) ended his campaign with 5.0 points to finish in a tie for 13th to 21st place with Kunte, GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly and GM Sethuraman SP of India, compatriot GM John Paul Gomez, GM Wen Yang of China, GM Anuar Ismagambetov of Kazakhstan, GM Cao Sang of Vietnam and former world champion and top seed GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan.

Barbosa collected a total performance rating (TPR) of 2606.

GM Wesley So, country's top player with an ELO rating of 2667, drew his final round match with GM Parimarjan Negi of India to tally 5.5 points and share 9th to 12th spots with Negi, GM Zhao Jun and GM Zhou Weiqi of China.

More here.

Barbosa near GM norm

Barbosa beats Iranian, nears GM norm
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/08/2011 5:57 PM | Updated as of 05/08/2011 5:57 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino International Master (IM) Oliver Barbosa defeated Iranian IM Alavi Sayed Javad in the 6th round to boost his chance to gain a first Grandmaster (GM) norm in the Asian Continental Individual chess championship in Mashhad, Iran on Saturday.

With the win, Barbosa maintained a share of the 13th place with 3.5 points along with compatriot GMs Wesley So, Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez.

Other 13th placers are GM Anuar Ismagambetov of Kazakhstan, GM Zhou Weiqi of China, IM Yang Kaiqi and Lu Shanglei of China and GM Rustam Kasimdhanov of Uzbekistan.

So split the point with IM Shyam Sundar M of India, while Paragua settled a truce with IM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi of India. Gomez toppled FM Pourramezanali Amirreza of Iran.

Barbosa needed to score at least 5.5 points in 9 outings to get his first GM norm, according to National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

Meanwhile, the NCFP mourns the death of its executive director Wilfredo "Kuya Willy" Abalos.

Abalos passed away on Sunday, according to his best friend Ilann Perez.

His body lies in state at St. Peter’s Chapel in Quezon City. – By Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

So remains top PH player

So, Antonio still top PH chess players

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 05/03/2011 4:24 PM | Updated as of 05/03/2011 6:44 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Grandmasters (GM) Wesley So and Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. remains the country’s top chess players, according to the World Chess Federation’s (FIDE) Rating List as of May.

So, a chess prodigy from Cavite, remained among the Top 100 chess players of the world with an ELO rating of 2667.

The 12-time national open champion Antonio who hails from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, on the other hand, accumulated ELO rating of 2589.

"Nais kong sundan ang yapak nina Wesley at Mark na mabuwag ang 2600 ELO-barrier," he said.

So shared places with GM Luke Mc Shane of England for world's No.74 and 75 in the latest World ranking list, while Antonio was ranked world's no.253.

So also ranked no. 4 in the World’s Top Junior chess players.

“Target kong maabot ang 2700 ELO-mark,” said So, before his departure for Masshad, Iran to compete in the 10th Asian Individual chess championships at the Hotel Pardisan.

Joining them in the list of top-ranked Philippine players are:

• No.3 GM Mark Paragua (2542);
• No.4 GM Joseph Sanchez (2539);
• No.5 and No.6 GM Roland Salvador (2538) and GM John Paul Gomez (2538);
• No.7 GM Darwin Laylo (2516);
• No.8 IM Oliver Barbosa (2506);
• No.9 IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2498); and
• No.10 GM Eugene Torre (2495).

Meantime, Indian Super GM Viswanathan Anand occupied no.1 spot in the World’s Top 100 accumulating 2817 points.

Hungarian Super GM Judit Polgar dominated the distaff side with 2699.

Italian Super GM Fabiano Caruana (2714) and Chinese Super GM Yifan You (2612) both led the World’s Top Junior and Top 20 Girls list, respectively. – Report by Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys make bid in Asian Individual Championship

Grandmaster So, 5 other Pinoys make bid in Asian Individual chessfest

05/01/2011 | 11:40 PM

Grandmaster Wesley So faces another major test when he opens his bid in the 10 th Asian Individual chess championships at the Hotel Pardisan in Masshad, Iran, on May 2-10.

So, the country’s highest-rated player in history with an ELO of 2667, will be one of six Filipino players seeing action in the prestigious competition being held to determine the region’s four representatives to the 2011 World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia later this year.

The 16-year-old Filipino champion is seeded fourth in the men’s tournament behind GMs Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan (ELO 2687), Krishnan Sasikiran of India (ELO 2682) and Bu Xiangzhi of China (ELO 2677).

The other Filipino players vying for the title and the US$6,000 prize are GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr. (ELO 2589), Mark Paragua (ELO 2547), John Paul Gomez (ELO 2538), and Darwin Laylo (ELO 2516), and International Master Oliver Barbosa (ELO 2506).

Except for Paragua and Barbosa, the four other Filipino players are fresh from competing in the Asian Cities chess championship in Jakarta, Indonesia where they finished in a tie for fourth place.

More here.

Tagaytay finished 4th

Tagaytay ends up 4th in Asian Cities Chess

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 04/29/2011 5:51 PM | Updated as of 04/29/2011 5:51 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Tagaytay (Philippines) settled a 2-2 draw against Tehran (Iran) in the 9th and final round to finish in a tie for 4th to 7th place in the conclusion of the Asian Cities Chess Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday.

Grandmaster (GM) Wesley So drew with GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami on Board 1; GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. split the point with GM Elshan Moradiabadi on Board 2; GM John Paul Gomez halved the point with GM Morteza Mahjoob on Board 3; and GM Darwin Laylo also drew with International Master (IM) Asghar Golizadeh on Board 4.

The Tagaytay team sent by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr. notched a total of 11 match points.

The team eventually took 4th place after winning the tie break points against Palembang (Indonesia), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Mashhad (Iran).

Former champion Tehran took solo 3rd with 13 match points.

Top seed Shi Jiazhuang (China) won the overall title with 18 match points while Astana (Kazakhstan) nabbed 2nd place with 15 match points. – By Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Slow start for Tagaytay

Slow start for Tagaytay

Published : Sunday, April 24, 2011 00:00

Article Views : 20

JAKARTA, Indonesia-- Win some, lose some for Tagaytay.

Led by GM Wesley So and Rogelio Antonio Jr., second seed Tagaytay whipped Tarakan (Indonesia), 4-0, in the first round but dropped a shocking 1.5-2.5 decision to Palembang (Indonesia) the following round at the start of the 17th Asian Cities chess team championship at the Kartika Chandra Hotel here Saturday.

So typified the Filipinos’ rollercoaster start in the prestigious, week-long competition which attracted 24 teams from 15 countries. winning over WGM Irine Kharisma Sukandar of Tarakan in the first round Friday but losing to little-known FM Rudin Hamdani of Palembang in the second round Saturday.

So, the highest-rated player here with an ELO of 2667, had an easy win over Sukandar (ELO 2354) but surprisingly struggled against Hamdani (ELO 2368) in the second round.

Antonio swept his first two assignments over WFM Aulia Medina of Tarakan and IM Taufik Halay of Palembang to lead the Filipinos’ bid to win the title which they last won during the 14th edition in Manila in 2002.

GM John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo also failed to get going in the second round despite winning their opening-day assignments against the all-female team from Tarakan.

Gomez demolished WFM Monica Sihite of Tarakan in the first round but was held to a draw by IM Tirto of Palembang, while Laylo crushed WFM Citra Dewi of Tarakan but lost to untitled Hakiki Kaisar of Palembang.

Full article here.

So-led Team Tagaytay wins

So-led Team Tagaytay wins in Asian Cities Chess

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 04/23/2011 9:45 PM | Updated as of 04/23/2011 9:45 PM

MANILA, Philippines -- The Tagaytay Team started strong in the 17th Asian Cities Chess Championship, pulling off a 4-0 victory against the 13th seeded, all-women Tarakan team at the Kartika Chandra Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on Good Friday.

The Tagaytay Team, composed of Grandmasters (GMs) Wesley So, Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo, swept their Indonesian rivals on the opening day.

This put the 2nd-seeded Filipinos among the early leaders in the event organized by Asian Chess Federation in cooperation with the Indonesia Youth and Sports Ministry.

The 17-year-old So dumped Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Irine Kharisma Sukandar on Board 1 to usher in the Filipinos’ rampage.

Antonio, the 12-time National Open champion, trounced Woman Fide Master (WFM) Warda Aulia Medina on Board 2.

The Biñan, Laguna ace Gomez nipped WFM Chelsie Monica Sihite on Board 3, while Laylo crushed WFM Aa Dewi Citra on Board 4.

"So far, so good, we are looking forward to another banner year for the Philippine chess team," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

"Let's hope and pray that Tagaytay can bring home again the coveted title they first won in 2002," he said.

Full article here.

Moving up

GMs So, Antonio, Salvador hike FIDE rating points
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 10:25:00 01/01/2011

GRANDMASTERS Wesley So, Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and Roland Salvador are the biggest gainers in the latest Philippine-World Chess Federation (RP-FIDE) rankings, which will be officially released today.

So, the Bacoor-based whiz kid collected 4 more points to tally 2673 Elo rating points from his previous 2669 total.

So’s rating was boosted by the 4 points he garnered in the 2010 Spice Cup Fall Double Round Robin in Lubbock, Texas last October.

“I would like to break the 2700 Elo barrier and step into the 2800,” said So in an interview at the opening of the Young Knights Chess League in Ortigas. His highest rating was 2674 in July 2010.

Antonio, of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and a 12-time national open champion, climbed to 2589 from his previous 2573 rating to come closer to his quest of barging the elite circle of Super GMs or those with Elo ratings of 2600 and up.

Salvador, the former Rizal Technological University (RTU) standout, moved to solo third place among PH chessers with a new Elo rating of 2533 from 2527, thanks mainly to his magnificent performance last November where he won a tough tournament in Italy.

“My aim is to increase my Elo rating to 2550 next year,” said Salvador, who decided to return to Manila after a six-year campaign in Europe. “I would like to thank Chairman (Prospero) Pichay for his undying support to Philippine chess,” he added.

Salvador paid a courtesy call to Pichay last Tuesday at the LWUA office where the latter gave him a laptop computer plus pocket money, hotel accommodation and round trip tickets for Vietnam for a top chess meet there next month.

Other Pinoy chessers with top rankings include GM Darwwin Laylo (2527 minus 11.5), GM John Paul Gomez (2522 plus 5), GM Joseph Sanchez (2517 minus 1.5), GM Mark Paragua (2509 plus 11.7), GM Eugene Torre (2484 plus 10.7), IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2473 plus 10.4), IM Richard Bitoon (2461) and IM Oliver Barbosa (2451 plus 10).

Because the Elo rating points is set to change on January 1, 2011, the the final rankings will be No.4 is Gomez (2527), No.5 is Paragua (2521), No.6 and 7 are Laylo and Sanchez (2515), No.8 Torre (2495), No.9 Sadorra (2483), No.10 and 11 are Bitoon and Barbosa (2461).

Correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO

Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net

So finished with a perfect score of 6 points

So captures Young Knights chess title
January 1, 2011, 4:23pm

MANILA, Philippines — Grandmaster Wesley So beat FIDE Master Julius Joseph de Ramos in the sixth and final round to rule the just-ended Young Knights League at Eton Cyberpod Corinthian, EDSA corner Ortigas Ave., Pasig City.

So finished with a perfect score of 6 points to bring home the P20,000 top prize in the event organized by Metropolitan Chess Club (MCC) for past and present students of the Milo Checkmate program.

GM Ronald Dableo and National Master Leo Carlos tied for second place with 5 points while FM Emmanuel Garcia, Mari Joseph Turqueza and NM Jake dela Cruz shared fourth 4 points each.

Bunched in seventh spot were Samson Lim and NM Emmanuel Emperado with 3.5 points while the 3-pointers were FM Julius de Ramos; Vic Neil Villanueva; Timothy John So Kua; Miguel Lahoz; Kristain Paulo Cristobal; Claudio Olar Jr; Angelo Ray Macaraig; Jan Nigel Galan; Christian Flores; Mark Nazario; Gabriel Layugan; Alfonso Ramos and Eugene de Ramos.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph

Barbosa shined at ASEAN

Pinoy IM Barbosa shares top honors in Asean chess tilt
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 09:15:00 12/31/2010

FILIPINO International Master (IM) Oliver Barbosa defeated Singaporean Fide Master (FM) Timothy Chan in the final round yesterday to finish in a two-way tie for first place with topseed Grandmaster (GM) Zurab Azmaiparashvili of Georgia at the conclusion of the 1st ASEAN Chess Championships in Singapore.

However, Barbosa had to settle for second place after losing the title to the Georgian GM in the tiebreak.

Barbosa and Azmaiparashvili both tallied 6.5 points in the nine-round Swiss system tournament, but the latter was awarded the championship with a superior quotient of 48.5 points against the Filipino’s 46.5 points.

Azmaiparashvili, the tournament favorite who is playing under the Singaporean flag, drew his last match against Vietnamese GM Sang Cao.

Indon GM Susanto Megaranto took solo third place with 6.0 points after settling for a draw with another Filipino GM John Paul Gomez.

Gomez, the pride of Binan, Laguna, collected 5.5 points, the same output of countryman IM Richard Bitoon, Cao, GM Dao Thien Hai, IM Nguyen Van Huy, and FM Nguyen Doc Hoa of Vietnam.

The Filipinos’ campaign here in Singapore is bankrolled by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President/ Chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

Correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO

Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net

Aiming for ASEAN title

Bitoon, Barbosa fortify ASEAN chess title bids
12/28/2010 08:33 PM

Filipino International Masters (IM) Richard Bitoon and Oliver Barbosa recorded a win and a draw, respectively, to fortify their respective title bids in the 1st ASEAN Open Chess Championship in Singapore.

Bitoon defeated FIDE Master (FM) Nguyen Duc Hoa of Vietnam while Barbosa battled Grandmaster (GM) and tournament third seed Susanto Mergaranto of Indonesia to a draw to rise to a share of second to sixth places in the tournament that serves as part of the annual 7th Singapore International Chess Festival.

Bitoon, a 2010 Khanty-Mansiysk Chess Olympiad veteran, subdued Hoa while playing the white pieces to raise his record to three points behind two wins and two draws. Barbosa also posted three points.

Joining Bitoon and Barbosa from second to sixth places are GM Dao Thien Hai and IM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam, and Megaranto. They are half a point behind top seed GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili of Georgia going into the fifth round.

Azmaiparashvili, who now plays for Singapore, outduelled GM John Paul Gomez of the Philippines to take the lead with 3.5 points on three wins and one draw.

Full article here.

Young Knights Chess League

Wesley heads MCC cast
December 25, 2010, 8:11pm

MANILA, Philippines — Grandmaster Wesley So has confirmed his participation in the premier section of the Young Knights Chess League slated Dec. 29-30 at Eton Cyberpod Corinthian, Bldg. 2, located at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Ave. across Robinson Galeria in Pasig City.

The tournament, which is exclusively for Milo Checkmate students who have attended the program since it was offered last 1990, is divided into three divisions, namely: Open/Advance (for titled players and untitled players), Intermediate/Beginner (for players whose ratings are below 1800) and the Preparatory (for Preps 1, 2 and 3).

It also offers two choices of schedule: two-day competition from Dec. 29-30 and the one-day affair set on Dec. 30 at 10 a.m.

At stake is a total pot of P90,000 with the champion in the Open getting P20,000, P4,500 in the Intermediate/Beginner and P2,500 in the Preparatory.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph

RP Dream Team

08:55 PM, December 16, 2010
Chess Piece -- By Bobby Ang
Dream team?

With the Philippines’ successful showing in the 2010 Asian Games Team Championship, I have read several posts declaring GMs Wesley So, Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo as our "dream team."

This is a discussion which is repeated over and over again every time we come out with a good performance. GM Torre has been in so many of our national teams -- would you like to read about his opinion here? He considers the 1974 Nice Olympiad squad as the true "dream team" of the Philippines. Due to the popularity of the article I wrote last week which gave an excerpt from the aborted Torre book, I have decided to share another one, in GM Torre’s own words.

1974 PHILIPPINE CHAMPIONSHIP

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Center

March 15 -- April 11, 1974

1. IM Eugenio Torre, 15.5/19

2. IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, 13.5/19

3-4. IM Renato Naranja, Rosendo Balinas, Jr, 12.0/19

5-6. Ramon Lontoc, Jr, Glenn Bordonada, 11.5/19

7. Roberto Kaimo, 11.0/19

8-11. Roger Abella, Roger dela Vega, Glicerio Badilles, Rico Mascarinas, 10.0/19

12-13. Edgar de Castro, Julian Lobigas, 9.0/19

14-15. Vic Torre, Rafaelito Maninang, 8.5/19

16. Susano Aguilar, 8.0/19

17. Cesar Caturla, 7.5/19

18. Mariano Acosta, 6.5/19

19. Edwin Edillon, 5.0/19

20. Roberto Lopez, 1.0/19

(by way of history, the top 6 placers of the 1974 championship was the basis for the formation of the Nice Olympiad team)

The 29-year-old Bob Kaimo was among the leaders for much of the tournament and was very unlucky to finish just half a point out of the cutoff. I sort of empathized with him because he showed great determination to make the team and even quit his job with Elizalde & Co. to prepare for the tournament. He was also one of the better-known local players. At around this time Mr. Campomanes had been hosting a TV chess show Chess with the Masters, and its highlight was a competition among National Masters where after the game the winner or sometimes even both players are asked to give their comments, and during the TV broadcast these insights would be spliced together with the actual game for the audience’s benefit. This was a great idea, of course, and Willie Monta won the first edition. In the second year, when the idea had already caught on and became quite popular it was Bob Kaimo’s time to win.

Sadly, this was the closest Bobby ever got to representing his country in the Olympiad team. Soon after he left for the United States and has not competed here again.

The top six were named to the "Philippine Dream Team" which was to represent the country in the Nice Olympiad. We had a real mix of veterans and youth players. Glenn Bordonada represented the up-and-comers. In the 1973 National Students Championship he had tied for runner-up honors with Cesar Caturla and Lito Maninang behind winner Rico Mascarinas. These four were seeded to play in the final round, and here it was Bordonada (three-time UP Champion) who pushed ahead and made the team.

Full article here.

So, Gomez head Inter-Cities bidders

So, Gomez head Inter-Cities bidders
Wednesday, 08 December 2010 20:30

THREE members of the Philippine team which bagged the silver medal in the recent Asian Games chess team competitions in Guangzhou, China led the list of players in the coming National Inter-Cities and Municipalities chess team championship scheduled Dec. 18-19 at the People’s Astrodome in Dagupan City.

GMs Wesley So, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo will play top board for their respective teams during the two-day team competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with the Dagupan City government.

So will carry the banner of Makati, which will be supported by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino.

Gomez will play for Quezon City, which will carry the banner of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)-A., while Laylo will carry the fight for Mandaluyong City.

“The entry of the three national players, who made the country proud in the recent Asian Games, will add luster to the season-ending tournament,” said NCFP president/chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay. “It will be a good weekend for chess in Dagupan City.”

The two other national team members -- GMs Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and Eugene Torre -- have not made themselves available yet.

Aside from Makati, Quezon City and Mandaluyong, more than 30 other cities and municipalities from various parts of the country have already confirmed their participation in the tournament, which offers a guaranteed cash prize of P70,000 to the champion.

Among the early registrants are Angeles City, Bacolod, Bataan, Binangonan, Bulacan, Cabanatuan, Camarines Sur, Cavite City-1, Cavite City-2, Davao, Laoag, Quezon City-B, Quezon City-C, Quezon City-PNP, La Union-1, La Union-2, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Naga, Nueva Ecija, Pasay, Pasig, Palawan, Tagaytay, Tuguegarao, Valenzuela and Vigan.

The team managers meeting is set at 10 a.m. on Dec. 18, while the opening ceremony is scheduled at 1 p.m. on the same day.

The champion in the prestigious, season-ending tournament will bring home the top prize of of P70,000 and trophy.

The runner-up and the third placer will receive P50,000 and P30,000, respectively.

The fourth up to the 10th placers will get P25,000, P20,000, P10,000, P8,000, P7,000, P6,000 and P5,000, respectively.

For inquiries, call NCFP secretariat at tel. 02-3817224 or call or text NCFP executive/event director Willie Abalos at cell. 0929-2266210 or Ilann Perez at cell. 0905-3269576 or Ms. Ana Mendoza of Dagupan City Mayor’s Office at cell . 0923-5127886 or 0939-3617282.

Special thanks to Ed Andaya for the information.

http://www.journal.com.ph

Earning Silver

Chess silver provides Pinoys final day luster
By Gerry Carpio
(The Philippine Star)
Updated November 27, 2010 12:00 AM

GUANGZHOU – The national chess players provided the last medal of the Philippine contingent – a silver – following a .5-3.5 loss to world No. 3 China but the medal was not enough to keep the Philippines at 17th place at the close of the XVI Asian Games.

GM Wesley So drew with GM Wang Yue on the top board to provide the half-point for Team Phl as GM John Paul Gomez took the board 2 assignment and bowed to Wang Hao and GMs Darwin Laylo and Eugene Torre lost to Zhou Jianchao and Ni Hua, respectively.

China’s gold medal win in the team event was its 182nd, one short of the 183 mustered by the Chinese contingent when Beijing hosted the quadrennial event 20 years ago.

Here is the full article.

China wins

Asiad: RP men's chess team finishes 2nd
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 11/26/2010 9:25 PM Updated as of 11/26/2010 9:25 PM

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine men's chess team settled for silver in the 16th Asian Games on Friday after clashing with China in the finals of the chess tournament.

The scores were 0.5-3.5 in favor of the Chinese squad in the 9th and final round of the tournament held at the Guangzhou Chess Institute.

Filipino grandmaster (GM) Wesley So split the point with GM Wang Yue while his Filipino team mates lost their matches.

GM John Paul Gomez bowed to GM Wang Hao, GM Darwin Laylo lost to GM Zhou Jianchao, and GM Eugene Torre got beaten by GM Ni Hua.

The Philippine team reached the finals by beating second-seed India, 2.5-1.5 on Thursday night.

As of posting, the Philippines had a total of 16 medals: 3 golds, 4 silvers and 9 bronzes.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Travel Special: Best Beach Getaway - Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is a paradise for certified sun worshipers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live on this haven.

Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan, a province on the Visayas island known for its colorful Ati-Atihan festival.

Boracay's thousand hectares boast of all the elements of a tropical heaven - crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy and diverse marine life.

Boracay has three little communities - Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manoc-Manoc in the south, Hilly elevations of upto 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapac and Manoc-Manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages and may sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles.

The culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Chinese, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai - are all fused into the native cuisine. Truly Boracay has become the premiere destination of beach lovers around the globe.

Water Fun:
The Beaches beckons for some serious swimming, or just wading by the shore. For more active vacationers, wind surfing and parasailing gears are readily available. Go sailing with the help of locals acutely attuned to the rhythms of the sea.

Beach Combing:
There are over a dozen beaches dotting the islands. White beach, Diniwid, Alinghai Beach, Manoc-manoc beach, and Cagban Beach, among others. Work on your tan, read a book, relax and have a massage. White Beach probably the most famous stretch in the country features bright, fine sand and clear shallow waters.

Nightlife.
Spend the last hours of the day at any of Boracay's bars and discos. Beer in hand, you can dance on the sand with a few brilliant fireflies. If this seems too rowdy for your taste, take a stroll on the moonlit beach.

Bat Caves:
Explore the bat caves of Yapak, preferably with an experienced guide and take photos of these night creatures.

Kar-Tir Seashell Museum:
Located at the village of Ilig iligan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of seashells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles, and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines.

Here is more on Boracay:

Travel Thursday: Palawan

Known as the Philippines' last frontier, Palawan has managed to preserve its fascinatingly natural habitat through the years. Situated in the North of Mindoro and north of Malaysia's Sabah Islands, Palawan is the country's largest province spanning 1.5 million hectares. An ideal breeding ground for tropical flora and fauna, Palawan has more than a thousand islands and islets where monkeys, squirrels, bear cats, and zebras thrive with wild tropical plants and corals.

Palawan's population follows the same pattern. The province has attracted people of all backgrounds and it is said that today's Palawenos are a fusion of 81 different cultural groups. Foreigners, too, have grown to love this quiet province.

Palawan consists of about 1,769 islands: The Calamian group to the north, The Cuyo Islands to the northwest, and the Balabac-Bugsuk group to the southwest. For the laid back trip, Honda Bay is an ideal destination. From there, you can take your pick of your own little hideaway from Cowrie Island and Pandan, to La Isla Bonita and Isla de Nagusuan.

Wildlife. Calauit Island is 3, 700 hectare game preserve and a wildlife sanctuary alive with indigenous species and African wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. Sea turtles, sea cows, and a variety of marine life nestle on its shores.

Underground River. Beneath the St. Paul Mountain lies a quiet underground river which snakes for about eight kilometers before opening up into a clear lagoon flowing into the South China Sea. The Park also features the exciting Monkey Trail with its series of wooden paths to the forest.

Tabon Caves. The oldest known habitation site in the Southeast Asia, the Tabon Caves, unearthed a skull that dates back to 22,000 years ago.

Beacher. Visit the Balsahan or Tagbarung Swimming Resorts, Kalis Point, or better yet, get a taste of El Nido. El Nido features black marble caves, tabletop corals, fantastic marine life, and the requisite white sand beach. Named after the swallow's nest which proliferates in its mountain caves. El Nido also features one of the most delicious samplings of the freshest seafood in the land.

Archaeological Hunts. Go down Cuyo Islands and visit the Cuyo Spanish Church Fort with its massive ten meter high and wide walls. The Archeologists have also unearthed stone age tools, Chinese burial jars, and ancient ornaments in Palawan's numerous caves.

Here is more of the beautiful province of Palawan:

This is just one of the reasons as to why the Philippines has been tagged as one of the top adventure places to go to by National Geographic. More to come to do keep coming back :)

Travel Thursday: Elicon House Cebu

I was asked by a friend to look around the internet for a nice and comfortable place to stay in while they will be Cebu City, Philippines. So I let my fingers do the walking and I found this rather cool place called Elicon House.

I would love to talk more about it but I would rather that you read it from the source of someone that has stayed in the house and tried their services.

But for quick reference here are their contact details:
Elicon House
P. Del Rosario Street, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Phone: (032) 255-0300
(032) 255-0400
(032) 253-9189
Sun: 0922-8228644
Globe: 0916-4263443
Fax: (032) 253-0367
E-mail: elicon@mayflowerhotelsandproperties.com

To view the review of this rest house in Cebu simply click this link: Elicon House

As a special treat for those that are planning to visit this Island in the South of Luzon here are some quick facts:

Often called the Queen City of the South and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines , Cebu is the country's oldest city. Exploring Cebu City , one encounters a rich historic past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured through the centuries from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the cross on Cebu 's shore. Time has been kind to Cebu . From Zubu, the busy trading port in 1521, it has evolved into a highly urbanized metropolitan center which now serves as focal point of growth and development in Southern Philippines.

Cebu has at least nine economic zones that offer to cut bureaucratic red tape by providing a much easier system for investors, plus incentives.

Cebu is number one because of good fiscal management: it ranks highest among the countrys provinces in terms of assets and cash in bank.

Most importantly, Cebu ranks number one because of the current unity that has never before been seen in any province: unity among elected officials, unity among business groups, unity among its people, and unity between the private and public sectors.

There are many universities and other educational institutions that serve as magnet to students from other provinces, a major factor of a highly skilled and efficient workforce in Cebu.

Overall, Cebu continues to excel and investors are drawn to Cebu because of the culture of professionalism and craftsmanship among its people, the vast highly skilled manpower resources resilient amid trying times, its fair weather, relative peace and business-friendly atmosphere.

Here is a video that I found on Youtube that talks more about the Exotic Island of the Philippines:

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Puerto Galera

I love going to the beach and laying lazily on the sands enjoying the sun as I try to get a good tan sipping a nice cold cocktail and getting a back massage at the same time. That is my idea of a get away. The coolest thing is, I don't really have to spend that much to do that and neither do I have to go far. That is what Puerto Galera has to offer its visitors and of course much more. So for today I am featuring the coolest island getaway that is just a few hours away from Manila to tease you just a bit more. :)

Puerto Galera or port for galleons is a small town on the northeast coast of the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Though a quiet little town, it is a popular summer destination in the country. People come here from all over the country and the rest of the world for its wonderful beaches and fun water activities. Others also come here for its nearby forests, waterfalls, and dive spots.

The little town has always been a trading haven even during the pre-Spanish era. Evidence of this comes from artifacts from Thailand, Vietnam, and China dating way back into the 10th to 15th centuries. The Spanish took advantage of its natural harbor and used it for trade. The town soon became the government seat of the whole Mindoro Island. In December of 1927, Puerto Galera was turned into an independent municipality through a congressional act.

The Puerto Galera's weather is like the rest of the country. The months from March all the way to May are hot summer months. June to October are the rainy months, which are accompanied by tropical storms. The rest of the year is favorably cool, making the months from December to May the peak season for tourists.

Activities

Scuba diving is a big hit since the submarine ecosystem here is fantastic. Dive shops in Puerto Galera offer beginner courses for those who want to take their first steps or first dips. Other water sports you can try include windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing.

If you want to get out of the tropical cool waters for a change, then you can go hiking, shooting at the gun range, paint ball games, and off road motorcycling. But, if you want to spend a quiet day enjoying the beautiful panoramic views then go to Ponderosa Golf Club.

Resorts and Hotels

There are a lot of places to get a room and board in Puerto Galera. Since it is a popular tourist destination, you are sure to find accommodations according to your budget or need.

Some of the places you might like to see are Sabang Beach, White Beach, Lalaguna Beach, and Palangan. Of course, you'll also find lodgings elsewhere like in the bay area for instance where it is more peaceful. But, if you're always in the mood to party at night, then the funfare of Puerto Galera's nightlife is in Sabang Beach and White Beach.

Some places to take note of on Sabang Beach include the following: Villa Sabang Beach Resort, Captain Gregg's, Big Apple, Tropicana Private Fortress, and Coral Cove. If you prefer to stay at the Small and Big Lalaguna Beach then try Portofino Beach Resort, Lalaguna Beach Club and Dive Center, Deep Blue Sea, and El Galleon Resort and Hotel.

Apartelle de Francesca is a nice place to stay where accommodations are reasonable and is located at the center of White Beach. If you're in the Palangan area you might want to check out Encenada Beach Resort and Tanawin Bay Resort.

Dining

If you're looking for romantic dinners, a varied international menu, wonderful weekend barbecues then head to Puerto Galera Yacht Club. If you want to slow down from all the partying or perhaps try something Mexican then you should go for Badladz Restaurant. Still staying away from the rowdy crowds, Captain Gregg's is a great place to escape while enjoying idyllic mornings and sumptuous evening barbecues. If you would love to get a cup of coffee after a wild night then Portofino Cafe has everything you need. It's also a great place to grab a snack and enjoy friendly service.
The Big Apple Dive Resort has a Floating Bar that offers wonderful shakes, made-to-order sandwiches, and a great panoramic view of Sabang's waterfront. If you're looking for fine dining then move on to El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel, which usually has a guest chef flaunting his best crafts.

Getting to Puerto Galera

To go to Puerto Galera from any city or place in Manila, you would first have to drive to the port at Batangas City. You will then have to go by boat to the Sabang Beach in Mindoro. From there, you have several beaches to choose from. You can opt to go to Coco Beach, White Beach, Tamaraw Beach or the Big and Small Lalaguna; although, you can also always opt to stay in Sabang Beach. Regardless of where you choose to go, you will certainly enjoy the beaches of Puerto Galera.

Here is a cool video I found that just shows you a little bit more of this island summer getaway: