IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Feb 2026
International Master Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca and Grandmaster John Paul Gomez expect rough sailing in the Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kàlilangan Chess Festival 2026 where they will be meeting a tough line of competitors on February 23 to 27, 2026 at the Family Country Hotel, General Santos City.
Organized by Pacman Chess Association, the five-day Standard (90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment time control format) backed up by former Senator Many Pacquiao, offers 20,000 US dollars to the champion.
Among the early entries are GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen of Norway, GM Pa Iniyan of India, GM Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria, GM N R Visakh of India, GM Li Men Peng of Switzerland, GM Vitaly Sivuk of Sweden, GM Platon Galperin of Sweden, GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia, GM VS Raahul of India, GM Novendra Priasmoro of Indonesia, and GM Nguyen Doc Hoa of Vietnam.
Also joining are IM Haochen Jiang of China, IM Arif Abdul Hafiz of Indonesia, IM Jodi Azarya Setyaki of Indonesia, IM Bala Chandra Prasad Dhulipalla of India, WIM Hagawane Aakansha of India , WIM Furtado Ivana Maria of India and Emmanuel Pacquiao Sr.
The Tournament Director is Orly Ortega while Chief Arbiter IA James Infiesto is assisted by Deputy Chief Arbiter IA Michael Joseph Pagaran and FA Margie Narcilla.
"It will be a very tough match against the European players (Norway, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Sweden). Not to be outdone are players from India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines," said The Zamboanga City based Arca, who is fresh from winning the 5th Mindanao Chessmates Rapid Chess Open held at the Damosa Market Basket, Lanang, Davao City last February 3.
Meanwhile, a resolution commending and recognizing the achievement of Arca for winning gold medal in Under 18 Boys Individual Standard category, and bronze medal in individual blitz category at the 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 2025, held on July 28,2025 in Zhuhai Holiday Resort in Guandong, China.
"Thank you very much Sangguniang Panglungsod Ng Zamboanga City for the SP Resolution sponsored by City Councilor Atty. Vlad Jimenez commending our son Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca for his achievements during the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025 held in China last July 22 to 30, 2025," posted by Arman Arca, proud father of Christian in his Facebook account.
IM Arca is also a Tony Siddayao awardee of the Philippine Sportswriter Association awards night schedule on February 16, 2026 at Diamond Hotel in Manila. -Marlon Bernardino-
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