By Danilo P. Padua, PhD
In the 1970’s, chess has its boom age in the Philippines. That was the time when the first Filipino chess grandmaster (GM) title was awarded to Mr. Eugene Torre. He was of course also the first Asian chess GM.
During the period, there was a frenzy of several important chess tournaments participated in by masters organized in Baguio. This culminated in the World Chess Championship held in the city in 1978, with the protagonists, Anatoly Karpov, the reigning champion and Viktor Korchnoi, the challenger. This further inflamed the fervor for chess in the Philippines, including in Baguio.
The chess euphoria however gradually died down after the championship match won by Karpov. Chess has never been as hot since. However, some strong tournaments plus the lesser types, continued to be organized in the city. I, myself, was participant to some, including the then Buklod-Bayan competitions that selected finalists for the national championship. I will not tell here anymore that I never reached the national finals!
Some players honed their chess skills early on in the city because of such tourneys. A good example was the late Andronico Yap, who was a UB student and became an international master (IM). He was the first Asian junior to have beaten a Russian GM-champion at that-in the person of GM Josif Dorfman. Yap was being groomed as the next Filipino GM but unfortunately, he got drowned in an accident before attaining such title.
Then chess tournaments slowly vanished from the Baguio firmament. Sponsors drifted into other sports. Despite that there were still strong woodpushers developed in the city. But it could have been more with titles to boot.
I am at a loss as to why strong tournaments got scarce or vanished altogether. Maybe, it’s not only about sponsors shifting to other sports. A major part of it perhaps is due to the kind of leadership within the governing National Chess Federation of the Philippines? Well, it all started when chess was still represented by the then Philippine Chess Federation officials who were unable to discern red from green. What they personally wanted then was the rule. That’s why NCFP was organized and supplanted PCF.
What they are doing at the national level must be redirected, refocused, and recalibrated. While they are trying to do that, there are others who are now doing their share of resuscitating chess in various places like in Baguio.
It’s truly a breathe of fresh air that Anchorwheel, a resto in the city is organizing a series of tournaments for kids, senior citizens, and master level players. Thanks to its officials led by Madam Venus who conceptualized the sports activities, and who sought the help of Mr. Danny Kilip to plan and implement the same.
One kiddie tournament had already been completed, another for unrated players (targeting especially the 14 year-olds and above bracket), and 2 tourneys for the SCs.
What is astonishing is that, SCs from other places as far as Ilocos and Metro Manila, joined the tournaments indicating a dearth of chess competitions in many other places.
In the 2nd SC tourney last Feb 8, only 3 among the top ten placers are from Baguio. The rest came from Pangasinan, N.Ecija, Muntinlupa, and Pampanga. There are more tournaments being lined up such as the open tournament (open to all, including masters) dedicated for the Panagbenga festivities, to be held on Feb 22 at Anchorwheel, 2F Kiltepan Bldng, Naguilian Road, Baguio city.
The competitions are usually held on Saturdays.
Organizers are happy to note that kids, through their parents, have sought chess coaching for a minimal fee. Their numbers are gradually increasing. From these, we will probably see more kids and young people developing into strong players who could represent Baguio in national and even international competitions. To the organizers, you deserve our salute.**
