Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre gets 11 wins and 1 draw in simultaneous games in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 Dec 2023
Santa Barbara, Pangasinan---Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre once again showed that his chess skills remain unparalleled. In the 12-board simultaneous games he did last Sunday, December 10, 2023 for the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) and Bayanihan Chess Club jointly organized the Celebrity Challenge Chess For A Cause held at Black Crust Pizza, Torre won 11 games and drew one.
GM Torre was held to a draw by Assistant Regional Election Director- COMELEC Region 1 Atty. Reddy Ceralde Balarbar.
"Before I offered a draw against Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, I thought that I was actually in a better position to salvage a win. But the idea of getting a draw against a Grandmaster was already a win for me that is why I made the offer which was accepted," said Atty. Balarbar from San Fabian, Pangasinan.
Torre, on his part, reminded the youth to always follow the three kings in life: spiritual king, mental king and physical king. "Life is like a game of chess. You always have to make the right moves and follow the rules. If you fail, you get up and try again," said Torre, who made history by becoming Asia's first grandmaster during the World Chess Olympiad in Nice. France in 1974.
Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) Former National President Engr. Allan Anthony P. Alvarez had something to say: “The Celebrity Challenge chess for a Cause has been the starting window of the organization to collaborate with Bayanihan chess club, the LGUs and other agencies hence extending the visibility of IIEE and its external branding as association that are willing to support the community thru sports development and provision of its services to brighten the streets that requires efficient lighting."
This event made possible thru effort of Bayanihan chess club and the IIEE branding team composed of Engr. Lea Pueca, Oscar Gironella, Arthur Maurera and the Fernandez (Ervin, Analyn and Eric).
Others who joined the simul games hosted by former IIEE Central Luzon regional governor Woody Erama were TV actor Jao Mapa, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan Vice Mayor Ernesto "Snooky" B.Salcedo III, Engr. Cayetano Garcia, Engr. Ronald Donasco, Engr. Raynold Roces, Engr. Daniel Malabanan, Dr. Kevin Joseph Eustaquio, Ship Captain Federico Dela Cruz, Eng Jonathan Erama Seva, Michael Aquino, and Reymund Quinto.
After the chess simul games and chess clinic for kids led by NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. with able support from IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad and CM Genghis Imperial, TV actor Jao Mapa sing along with DJ Alvaro and Hart Eulalio Ortiz in a live performance of music that the crowds enjoy.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
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