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 the world’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 for the PCAP Tournament, which will be formally opened on January 2021 :
Team
Rizal
Owner: Eduardo S. Madrid
Pick : GM Eugene Torre
Iloilo
Owner: Leo Sotaridona
Pick : GM Joey Antonio, Jr.
Quezon City
Owner: Danilo Ponay
Pick : Michaella Concio
Iriga
Owner: Robert Jocom
Pick : NM Glennen Artuz
Negros
Owner: Atty. Jason Bandal
Pick : IM Joel Pimentel
Cordova
Owner: Ariel Potot
Pick : Edsel Montoya
Antipolo
Owner: McDaniel Ebao and Ramel Ramilla
Pick : NM Jojo Aquino, Jr.
San Juan
Owner: Michael Angelo Ong Chua
Pick : IM Ricky de Guzman
Mindoro
Owner: Mayor Elgin Malaluan
Pick : FM David Elorta
Lapu-Lapu
Owner: Aldwin Daculan
Pick : NM Merben Roque
Surigao
Owner: Rey Urbiztodo
Pick : FM Vince Alaan
Manila
Owner: Carlota, J. Paulo and Angela Elauria
Pick : GM Ino Sadorra
Camarines
Owner: Engr. Jojo Buenaventura
Pick : GM Mark Paragua
Olongapo
Owner: Mr. Romy Armamento/Dr Gefer Imbuido
Pick : NM Gefer Imbuido
Cabuyao
Owner: Dr. Fred Paez
Pick : GM John Paul Gomez
Toledo
Owner: Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang
Pick : IM Rico Macarinas
Cagayan
Owner: Atty. Joel Butuyan
Pick : Jake Tumaliuan
Zamboanga
Owner: Zulfikar
Pick : IM Chito Garma
General Trias
Owner: Represented by Israel Landicho and Ederwin Estavillo
Pick : NM Marlon Bernardino
Isabela
Owner: Atty. Joel Alejandro
Pick : NM Jerome Balico
Cebu
Owner: Eduard Dela Torre
Pick : NM Elwin Retanal
Caloocan
Owner: Bong Velasco/ Arnel Batungbakal
Pick : IM Paulo Bersamina
Pasig
Owner: Represented by Coaches Rechie Tugawin and Franco Camillo
Pick : GM Darwin Laylo
Palawan
Owner: Jorge Mitra
Pick : 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 official the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines’ ( PCAP) official Facebook and website http://philippineschess.com.