Laylo, Dableo face tough competition in Sta. Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge on Feb. 2
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 20 Jan 2025
Grandmaster Darwin Laylo and Grandmaster candidate Ronald Dableo expect rough sailing in the 2025 Sta. Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge where they will be meeting a tough line of competitors on February 2, 2025, Sunday at the ICI College, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
“It will be very tough matches against the Bulacan players. Not to be outdone are players from the nearby provinces as well coming from Metro Manila,” said Laylo.
“We are expecting tough matches but we will try our best,” said Dableo who needed to raise his elo rating of 2363 to 2500 to become the country's newest grandmaster. He already has three GM norms.
Laylo and Dableo, both 1-2 punch of San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila during their College days are coaches of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines chess team champion University of Santo Tomas.
Other woodpushers joining the competition are NM Mar Aviel Carredo, Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, Allan Gabriel and Gllasea Ann Hilario, Robi Ocampo, Faith Louise Dorupa, Ardy Kyron Jose, Mark Louell Renales and Enzio Pungutan.
According to tournament director Normel De Jesus, the 1 day tournament is divided into 2 divisions. The 2300 and below FIDE rating as of December 2024 (titled players may join) and the 17 years old and under (regardless of rating and title).
This event is being held in cooperation with 2025 Sta. Maria Town Fiesta Committee headed by President Engr. Annabel Mauricio-Roldan and in partnership with University of Santo Tomas (UST) Chess Team, NORI Chess Club and Bulacan 6th District Congressman Salvador "Ador" A. Pleyto.
The champion here in the 2300 and below FIDE rating as of December 2024 will run away with the lion’s share of P10,000. The second to fifth placers will receive P5,000, P3,000, P2,000, and P1,500, respectively. The sixth to eight will receive P800 each while the 9th to 10th will claim P500 apiece.
The Top Sta. Maria, Top Lady, Top College and Top 50 Above will likewise receive cash prizes.
The top four 17 years old and under will earn P4,000, P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000 , the 5th to 8th placers will go home P500 each while the 9th to 10th placers will receive P300 apiece.
The Top Sta. Maria and the Youngest Player will receive cash prizes.
Registration fee is P400 for the 2300 and below FIDE rating as of December 2024 while P300 for the 17 years old and under.
For inquiries, contact messenger/fb Normel R. De Jesus, contact no. 09057918089.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
Thu, 19 Feb 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
Thu, 19 Feb 2026BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
Thu, 19 Feb 202675 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
Thu, 19 Feb 20264 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Thu, 19 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
Wed, 18 Feb 2026A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 18 Feb 2026PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
Wed, 18 Feb 2026CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
Wed, 18 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
Wed, 18 Feb 2026Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026