Philippine Chess

[Pinoychess]

John Ray Batucan eyes Palaro gold

By Marianne Saberon-Abalayan

NEWLY crowned 2008 National Age-Group Chess Championships boys under-12 titlist John Ray Batucan of Davao City vowed to win the gold medal in the elementary boys chess team event of the Palarong Pambansa slated April 20 to 26 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

"Ga-expect ko nga mag-champion mi sa Palaro kauban sa akong teammate nga si Austin Jacob Literatus (I expect to become champion again together with my teammate in the Palaro)," said the 11-year-old Batucan.

Literatus wasn't able to compete in the just concluded national chessfest, but Batucan said he is confident his Palaro partner will also give his best to win gold for the boys team for the Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa).

"Maayo man siya (Literatus). Sige man pud mi mag-draw sa mga dula namo. Kumpiyansa ko nga mudaug mi kay kusog pud siya nga player (He's good. We have been drawing our previous matches. I'm confident we will win because he's a very strong player)," Batucan said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao in an interview at the SDD-CMO.

Batucan said he was expecting to win in the national age group. "Nag-pray man ko. Nagtuo ko nga mag-champion nako kay ikatulong dula na nako to sa national age-group tong niagi. Nakatabang pud akong mga pag-apil sa mga dula. Focus ko sa akong training gamit ang computer (I prayed and believed I'd become champion in my third stint in the meet. My participation in tournaments and focus in training using the computer helped me to win)," he said.

Batucan placed fourth in the boys' under-10 event of the national age group in 2006 and then finished ninth in the boys' under-12 in 2007.

He won six matches and drew his matches with Vince Angelo Medina in Round 5 of Calabarzon, Giovanni Mejia of the National Capital Region, and Luc Mikhail Loja in the final round of the nine-round Swiss System format competition sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Batucan, along with Davao player Rowelyn Joy Acedo, girls' under-12 runner-up, will also form part of the Philippine team that will compete in the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships in Denang, Vietnman.

[Pinoychess]

John Ray Batucan - 2008 National Age Group Chess Champion in Under 12 Category -Boys

Rowelyn Joy Acedo - 2nd Runner Up in 2008 National Age Group in Under 12 Category -Girls

Young Davao bets earn Vietnam chess stint

by Marianne Saberon-Abalayan

DAVAO City's John Ray Batucan and Rowelyn Joy Acedo won slots to the Asean Age-Group Championships in Denang, Vietnam after emerging champion and runner-up, respectively, in their events at the close of in the 2008 National Age-Group Chess Championships at the Kaban ng Hiyas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

Batucan tallied 7.7 points to beat Christian Nanola (seven points) and Vince Angelo Medina (6.5) in the boys' under 12 category of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Acedo, a standout of Jose Maria College, beat two other 5.0 scorers -- Ma. Ysabelle Joyce Semillano and Crissa Canada -- via the tiebreak. She finished behind Jean champion Karen Enriquez, who had six points.

Davao's Dhona Yngayo got a share of the fifth to seventh spots with 4.5 points.

Batucan received P5,000 cash prize, while Acedo got P3,000. Both players, who also received trophies, will represent the country in the Vietnam meet slated June 11 and 20.

Another Davao woodpusher, Mary Israel Palero, landed at the fourth spot with 4.5 points in the girls' under 16, qualified to a playoff for a slot in the World Junior Festival to be held also in Vietnam.

Jerwell Andoy tied for the second to fifth place with fellow 6.5 scorers Richelieu Iii Salcedo, Leo Daylo Jr., and Michael Joseph Pagaran in the boys' under 18 event that was topped by Karl Victor Ochoa.

University of Mindanao's National Prisaa Meet player Adrian Dimakiling, who earned six points, tied for 12th to 14th while 4.5 scorer Jester Andoy tied for 21st to 27th in the same division.

Davao's National Age-Group first-timer Lloyd Matthew Resma got four points to share eighth to 14th slots in the boys under-eight while Eric Yngayo Jr. registered three points for a share of the 17th to 22nd places.

John Gerard Acedo, elder brother of Rowelyn, came out with 5.5 points for a share of the 13th to 16th places in the boys' under 14, while Nikki Rica Yngayo earned 3.5 to share 17th to 21st places in the girls' under 14.

[Pinoychess]

Davao City Council honors 11-year old Dabawenyo chess champ

by Rico Biliran

DAVAO CITY - Eleven-year-old John Ray Batucan took the spotlight of the city council's 14th regular session on Tuesday as it honored his remarkable feat in the recently concluded National Age-Group Chess Championships played April 1 to 5 in Mandaluyong City.

Batucan, who topped the boys 12-under division against 55 contenders from all over the country, shook hands with the lawmakers after Councilor Karlo Bello commended him in his privilege speech.

Playing inspired and determined to bring home the crown, Batucan tallied 7.5 points in the nine-round Swiss system format event.

The victory gave the young chesser from barangay Daliao Toril the right to represent the country in the Asean Age Group Championships on June 10-20 in Denang, Vietnam.

Accompanied by his taxi driver-father, Neptali, John Ray presented the trophy to the city council where 25 of the 26 councilors were present.

“I would like to thank you for your support and I hope you will still support me when I represent the country in Vietnam for the Asean Age-Group championships,” said Batucan, a Grade 5 student at the Don Juan Sr. Central Elementary School.

In his privilege speech, Bello asked the city council "to provide the same support and courtesy given to individuals who give honor to the city".

Confident of getting positive response from his colleagues, Bello added: "In advance, I would like to express my gratitude for giving financial assistance" to Batucan who also carried the region's colors in the Palarong Pambansa come in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.”

Councilor Danny Dayanghirang said the Vietnam-bound Batucan can also ask for financial assistance from the office of the city mayor.

Batucan's participation in the National Age-group championships was bankrolled by Bello, Vice Mayor Sara Duterte and the City Sports Development Division under Christopher "Bong" Go.

"We are very thankful to Councilor Bello, Vice Mayor Duterte and to the city sports (office) for giving support to him (John Ray) when he competed in Mandaluyong. Without them, my son could not go there and join the tournament," said Neptali Batucan, John Ray's father.

Last January, Association of Barangay Captains President Paolo Z. Duterte rewarded Smith Billy Cartera with P30,000 for winning three bronze medals in the Asean Para Games held in December 2007 in Thailand.

Other councilors followed the young Duterte’s gesture and chipped in P18,000.

Cartera presented his three bronze medals he won in table tennis on wheels to members of the City Council.

[Pinoychess]

John Ray Batucan: From Toril to Vietnam

by Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan

WHO would ever think that this 11-year-old from Barangay Daliao, Toril, Davao City will represent the country to the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships in Danang, Vietnam from June 8 to 19.

John Ray Batucan, RR to his family and friends, is set to make his international debut in the Vietnam Fide (World Chess Federation)-rated tournament that is expected to gather the best youth woodpushers in Southeast Asia.

He gained a slot for the Vietnam joust after emerging under-12 boys division champion in the 2008 Age-Group Chess Championship held at the Bulwagan Kaban ng Hiyas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila on April 1 to 6, 2008.

But RR's dream to compete abroad might be foiled due to funding problems.

"Hapi ko nga naka-champion ug magdula sa Vietnam pero murag dili ko madayon kay wala may money akong papa (I'm happy to become champion and get to play in Vietnam but I might not make it because we have no money to spend for my trip)," he said in a text message to Sun.Star Davao Saturday.

RR is the youngest son of Neptali Batucan Jr., a taxi driver, and Marilyn Belleza Batucan, a teacher.

With his Vietnam stint still uncertain, let me tell you why this young ace from Toril deserves to play in the Southeast Asia age-group chess spectacle.

He started pushing chess pieces at the age of eight.

"My father motivated me to play chess. He encouraged me then and he continues to inspire me to be the best that I can be in this sport"" he said.

An incoming Grade 5 student at the Don Juan dela Cruz Central Elementary School, this boy wonder first competed in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Day Chess Tournament on December 16 and 17, 2005 in Barangay Matina, 74-A where he bagged the runner-up honors in the kiddies under-16 event.

The next day, December 18, he redeemed himself by winning his first championship trophy during the Youth Day Chess Tournament under-18 event in Barangay Daliao, Toril.

He recalled, "I was so happy that time. I gained self-confidence with that victory."

The year 2006 was even more colorful for RR. He triumphed anew as junior under-18 champion in the Araw ng Barangay Daliao Chess Tournament on Valentine's Day.
He then clinched back-to-back titles in the San Vicente Fiesta Celebration Chess Tournament kiddies under-14 held April 6 and 7 in Toril and in the first leg of the BKCC-NCFP Kiddies Chess Tournament kiddies under-14 on April 8 at the Blue Knight Chess Club along Bonifacio St.

BKCC club director Ronnie Tabudlong shared, "I first met John Ray in July 2005. His father introduced me to him in a visit at my club. His father wanted him to be a member of my chess club. Right there and then, John Ray registered for the first BKCC tournament."

He said RR is a silent type of person and a humble player. He added, "I've been observing his games and I could see that he will have a bright future in chess because of his natural talent and his determination to win."

Tabudlong said RR pays attention to his mistakes and is very much eager to learn.

"I decided to give him a lot of chess playing software program compact disks for his personal training at home. His mother bought him a desktop computer for his training. His parents are very supportive of him," he said.

Still very much a child, RR tested the waters in the men's world. He competed in the class B open event of the Araw ng Barangay Bago Gallera in Talomo on April 22 and 23. He landed at the third spot among dozens of adult players. He also placed third in the kiddies under-14 BKCC-Pro Kiddies Chess Tournament on Labor Day.

His first exposure into the Big City was during the 2006 National Age-Group Chess Championships held at the St. Francis Square, Mandaluyong City on May 21 to 25 where he pocketed the bronze medal in the boys under-10 category.

From there, he saw action in seven more tournaments in 2006 including title victories in the Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Kadayawan Age-Group Chess Tournament in August, Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) Meet and in the Tagum City Parochial Fiesta in November, Chadric Builders Christmas Open & Kiddies Chess Tournament at the NCCC Mall and SK Tournament in Barangay Matina.

A second runner-up finish in the BKCC under-14 chess competition ushered RR's campaign in 2007.

He also placed third in the kiddies under-14 of the Araw ng Daliao Chess Tournament on February 14 before topping the Engineer Allan Diez Chess Tournament kiddies under-14 on February 27.

He represented Davao City during the Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet on March 21 to 23 in Pantukan, Compostela Valley and won the gold medal in elementary boys board 2. That feat got him a slot to the Palarong Pambansa in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

At his second stint in the National Age-Group Chess Championships, RR played in the boys under-12 for the first time. He placed ninth.

But he didn't stop from that debacle. He persevered to improve his skill and bounced back with 10 more titles to his name.

He reigned in the BKCC under-14 Tournament, Kabasan Festival 2007 under-14 in the Island Garden City of Samal, 2007 Kiddies Chess Championship dubbed "Battle of Chess Achievers" at the Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao Open Age-Group Chess Championships under -12, RRD Kadayawan 2007 Chess Tournament, BKCC Chess under-16 at the Market Basket in Lanang, DCAA Meet, First Leo Avila Chess Tournament under-16, 2nd Leo Avila Chess Tournament under-16 and Pamaskong Handog ni Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Chess Tournament.

This year, he copped the boys elementary gold in the Davraa Meet held in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental before flying to Puerto Princesa City last month for the 2008 Palarong Pambansa where his tandem with Austin Jacob Literatus placed fourth in the team event.

He also ruled the Futures Chess Tournament.

And with the looming challenge that awaits him in Vietnam, RR's belief that "There is no glory without sacrifice" will certainly pave the way for him to conquer the odds there.

"Going to Vietnam is my biggest contribution as a Filipino because I'm competing there not for myself but for the country," he said.

As part of his preparations, he said he trains everyday. More so now that it's summer break. But on regular school season, he said, "I train everyday, one hour before I go to bed because I attend classes during the day. During weekends, I spend more time in training."

His dreams as an athlete are to become a grand master like Filipino child genius Wesley So and to be a world champion like Bobby Fisher.

Considering all RR's achievements, he does deserve to play in Vietnam. This rare opportunity is just too good to pass. Any help from kind-hearted souls are most welcome.

[Pinoychess]

Batucan, Acedo head Primovit chess cast

by MLSA

VIETNAM-bound John Ray Batucan and Rowelyn Joy Acedo led 29 other early registrants for the 2008 Primovit and Gaisano South Citimall Rapid Age-Group Chess Championship on June 27 and 28 at the GS Citimall.

Batucan, who won the boys under-12 title, and Acedo, who was runner-up in under-12 girls, of the National Age-Group Chess Championships in April will compete in the Primovit event as part of their preparations for the Asean Age-Group Championships in Danang, Vietnam slated June 11 to 16.

Batucan, who hails from Toril, will be joined by his elder brother, Neptali, while the brother of Acedo, John Gerard, of Buhangin will also see action in the seven-round Swiss System format chessfest.

Aside from the Don Juan dela Cruz Elementary School's Batucan siblings and Austin Jacob Literatus and Jose Maria College's Acedo siblings, nine players will come from the University of Mindanao.

They are Alvin Acas, Denzyl Amar, sisters May and Meryl Micayabas, John Carl Aunso, Adrian Dimakiling, Adrian Alain Mosqueda, Anthony Llanos and Noelyn Enriquez.

Others who signed up were Panabo National High School's Clark Kent Anabieza, Precious International School's Lloyd Matthew Resma, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School's Zsuzsa Grace Tabudlong, Rheymondwil Mirantes, Dona Pilar Learning Center's Borinaga Borinaga, James Rhey Bantugan and Gino Auncion, Montserrat Camp School's Marc Isaac Bernadas; Stella Maris Academy's Patrick and Josev Omar Aquino, Assumption College of Davao's Ralph Jay Villanueva, San Isidro Elementary School's Junelle Calunia and Alfred Zamora, SPED-Bangkal's Cloyd John Oria and Ademar Toleran, Davao City National High School's Romulo Ricardo and Gabriel Angelo Suarez.

Registration is still going on at the Blue Knight Chess Club (BKCC), 86-1, Bonifacio St., Davao City.

Interested players will have to purchase Primovit vitamins worth P170 for registration on or before June 26 in the meet that features the 12-under, 14-under, 16-under and 18-under divisions.

The category champions will each pocket P3,500 cash prize each while the runners-up will go home with P2,000 apiece.

[Pinoychess]

9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008
Richielieu Salcedo, John Ray Batucan still undefeated

by Marlon Bernardino

DANANG, VIETNAM---Richielieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City toppled Vietnamese Tran Tanh Tu after 51 moves of a Sicilian Defense to seize the lead in the Boys' 18 and under with 4.5 points after five games of play in the Asean Age Group Chess Championships here at the Danang Hotel.

John Ray B. Batucan of Davao City tied with Vietnamese, Lu Chan Hung with 4.5 pts after 5th round in the Boys' 12 and under.

In the boys' 10 and under, Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City stuns Daryl Unix Samantila of Singalong, Manila after 29 moves of an English Opening to remain in the medal race with 3.5 points.

Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur suffered back to back loses to stuck at 3.0 points in the Boys' 8 and under

Cheradee Chardine Camacho defeated Vietnamese Le Hoai Bao Duyen to raise her total 4.0 points and share the lead with no.7 seed Phan Nguyen Mai Chi, no. 2 seed Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and Nguyen Thao Han of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, NM Edmundo Legaspi suffered his first lost at the hands of FM Ignatius Leong of Singapore after 61 moves of an Owens Defense to remain at 3.0 points in the fourth round of Senior Division of the 50-year-old and under.

Davao's John Ray Batucan keeps RP flag soaring high

by Marianne Saberon-Abalayan

PHILIPPINE flags flew high in the country Thursday as Filipinos celebrated their 110th Independence Day.

In Vietnam, the Philippine flag is soaring even higher, all because of a young and determined kid from Davao City yearning to make his country proud.

John Ray Batucan, the 11-year-old fifth grader from Don Juan dela Cruz Elementary School in Toril, crushed 12th seed Che Quoc Huu of Vietnam in the fifth round of the 9th Asea Age-Group Chess Championships in Danang, Vietnam.

The win over Huu gave Batucan 4.5 points and a share of the lead with another Vietnam player Lu Chan Hung in the boy's 12-under category.

Batucan, who was supported by various private individuals in his campaign, also beat fellow Filipino Medina Vince Angelo in the third round and drew with Candidate Master Lee Huu Thai of Vietnam in the fourth round. The Davao player has four wins and a draw in five matches thus far.

Another Davao bet, Rowelyn Joy Acedo, also remained in contention in the girl's 12-under category after five rounds.

Blue Knight Chess Club (BKCC) director Ronnie Tabudlong, when asked about his two members, said Batucan and Acedo are very strong when they are playing white.

"That's where they're very good at. But they are also competitive in black," Tabudlong said.

Le Thuan Minh, also of Vietnam, is occupying the third spot with 4.5 while Vo Hoai Thuong and Le Huu Thai are sharing the fourth and fifth places with identical 3.5 points.

The 22nd-seed Acedo of Jose Maria College, who will turn 12 years old on June 26, dropped from fifth to eighth place with three points. She halved the point with No. 4 Chau Thi Yen Quyen in the fifth round.

Acedo, who hails from Buhangin, upset No. 9 Ho Nguyen Min Phuc in Round 3 but fell at the hands of No. 3 WCM Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Tra in the next round.

Top-seed Woman's Fide Master (WFM) Pham Hong Minh of Vietnam secured the top spot with perfect five points.

[Pinoychess]

John Ray Batucan - 2008 ASEAN and Philippine Age Group Chess Champion in Under 12 Category -Boys

Asean Age Group Chess Championships
JOHN RAY BATUCAN POCKETS GOLD MEDAL

by Marlon Bernardino

DANANG-VIETNAM---John Ray Batucan of Davao City made a quick draw against Tran Tuan Minh of Vietnam in the ninth and final round to dominates the Boys' 12 and under at the conclusion yesterday of Standard play in the on-going Asean Age Group Chess Championships here at the Danang Hotel.

Batucan finished with 7.5 points in nine outings to give the Philippines second gold medal after National Master Edmundo Legaspi topped the Senior Division on Friday.

The country's 3rd gold medal courtesy of Batucan, Vince Angelo Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Karl Angelo Perez of San Pablo, Laguna who topped the Team event in Boys' 12 and under.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is very happy when he learned Batucan impressive showing.

" Ito ang nagpapatunay na maraming mga kabataan natin hindi lang sa parte ng Metro Manila, Luzon at Visayas maging sa Mindanao kailangan lamang silang suportahan at mabigyan ng break sa local at international tournament," said Pichay, who is schedule to arrive here yesterday.

RP head coach and former Istanbul Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is optimistic that the Philippines can win more medals in the rapid and blitz format.

" Tiyak y'an, inaasahan natin, d'yan tayo sa rapid at blitz babawi para makapag0uwi ng maraming medal at makuha ang over-all championships trophy na matagal ng pinaghaharian ng Vietnam," said IM Datu.

Back home, NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto congratulates Batucan's feat.

"Magandang balita ito sa mga Taga Mindanao at mga Taga Davao na unang nagbigay ng gold medal sa ating bansa sa Asean Age Group ay nagmula sa Taga Davao, nagbunga din ang grass root program naming dito at salamat sa suporta ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay, mayor (Rodrigo) Duterte at PSC chair (Butch) Ramirez at sa iba," said Infiesto.

Ateneo de Manila University incoming second-year-high school student Jan Emmanuel Garcia, on the other hand bagged the silver medal in the Boys' 14 and under after notching 7.0 points. He drew with Yeap Eng Chiam of Malaysia in 46 moves of a Pirc Defense.

In the Boys' 8 and under, Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa of Calumpit, Bulacan split the point with Hoang Tan Duc of Vietnam to receive the silver medal after accumulating 6.5 points.

Ochoa along Haince Patrick de Leon of Marist School and Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City who combined total 16.5 points to pocket the silver medal in the Team event.

In the Boys' 16 and under, Alcon John Datu of University of the East beat Duong Thuong Cong of Vietnam in 36 moves of a Queen's Pawn Game to score 6.5 points and pocket silver medal.

Datu, who hails from Quezon City together with Narquingden Reyes of QC and Loren Brigham Laceste of La Union also won silver medal in the Team event.

In the distaff side, Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina City, Rowelyn Acedo of Davao City and Maria Ysabelle Semillano of Muntilupa City won the silver medal in the Girls' 12 and under

Other Silver Medal in the Team Play U-14 headed by Jodilyn Fronda of Manila, Cherry Ann Mejia of Pasig, and Judith Pineda of Olongapo City.

In the Girls' 16 and under, Jedara Docena of Bohol, Akiko Chairmaine Suede of Makati and Christy Lamiel Bernales of Quezon City also won silver medal even the teaming up of Kimberly Jane Cunanan of Angeles, Pampanga, Lovelyn Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Ronna Reginer Senora of General Santos City bagged the silver medal in the U-18.

Individual bronze medal won by Jedara Docena who tote 6 points in the Girls' 16 and under.

Chess champion draws praises

by MLSA/CRAM

JOHN Ray Batucan drew praises from sports officials and supporters in Davao City for his conquest in the 9th Asean Age-Group Chess Championships.

"We are proud that a Dabawenyo has made a mark in youth chess. We are also happy that we are able to help him because we believe that he has something to prove not only to himself, to his family but also to his fellow young Dabawenyos," said Christopher "Bong" Go, city sports coordinator.

"We congratulate him for bringing honor to our country and to Davao City," Go added.

Engineer Enrico Vanta of the Chadric Builders Construction and Supply also admired the 11-year-old Batucan for his victory against top-rated opponents.

"This calls for a celebration. He made Davao City proud and we are happy he got the gold," said Vanta, who helped Batucan and another Davao player, Rowelyn Joy Acedo, in the Vietnam campaign.

Batucan won the gold in the boy's 12-under category after scoring 7.5 points in nine rounds. He also powered the country to the team gold with his sterling performance.

Go also thanked National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay for his support to the Davao players.

"We are thankful to him (Pichay) for giving our young players the chance to represent our country to the Asean tournament," he said.

City officials and other well meaning private individuals had donated cash to help Batucan, a student of Don Juan dela Cruz Elementary School.

For winning gold, John Ray fulfills promise to father

by Charles Raymond A. Maxey

BEFORE he left for Vietnam to compete in the 9th Asean Age-Group Chess Championships, 11-year-old John Ray Batucan of Davao City promised his father he is going to win the gold medal.

Not only did John Ray fulfill his promise, he gave his father Neptali Batucan Jr. with perhaps the greatest Father's Day gift in his life and made the entire country proud with his spectacular win in the boy's 12-under category.

Batucan finished with 7.5 points in the 9-round Swiss System format to bag the gold in the standard chess, half a point up his closest pursuer, then powered the Philippines to the team gold in a scintillating performance that had National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president praising the young boy.

What was so amazing with his accomplishment was that John Ray competed in the Vietnam tournament without his parents on his side.

Neptali Batucan Jr., a taxi driver, was supposed to accompany his son in his first international event, but financial constraints left him stranded in Manila.

John Ray's mother, Marilyn Belleza Batucan, told Sun.Star Davao his husband was asked $400 for hotel accommodations in the trip.

"We don't have that money. Where could we possibly produce that amount in an instant?" said Mrs. Batucan, a school teacher.

Faced with this problem, the Batucans were left in dire straits as none of them could accompany his son in his very first trip outside of the country.

But, there was one thing Mrs. Batucan remembered before John Ray left. His son had promised his father to bring home the gold.

Mom cries upon hearing son's Vietnam conquest

by Marianne Saberon-Abalayan

MARILYN Belleza Batucan, a teacher at the Doña Carmen Deña National High School, cried upon hearing the news that his son, John Ray, captured two gold medals in the 9th Asean Age-Group Chess Championships at the Danang Hotel, Vietnam Saturday.

Mrs. Batucan received this writer's phone call with calm when she was asked what she can say about her son's accomplishment in Vietnam.

"Dili pa man sigurado nga champion na gyud siya. Wala pa man nigawas ang resulta sa website. Ganina pa gani ko ug pinaabot kay i-text pud nako akong bana nga nag-stay karon sa PSC dorm kay wala siya makauban sa Vietnam (I'm not sure if he won. The results didn't appear in the website yet. I've been waiting for the results so I can also inform my husband who is staying in Manila)," Batucan said.

But when Sun.Star Davao confirmed to her that his son did win the gold in the boys 12-under individual and team events, her voice quivered as she broke into tears.

"Ha? Diay ka? Salamat Ginoo. Blessing gyud na sa Ginoo. Pasensiya kana, nakahilak ko. Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay maski wala madayon ug larga akong bana para ubanan akong anak sa Vietnam, gidungog gihapon niya among mga pag-ampo (What? Really? Thank God. That's really a blessing from God. Pardon me to have cried. I'm just so thankful that my son won even if my husband wasn't able to accompany him. God really answered our prayers)," she said.

Batucan said her husband Neptali Batucan Jr. could have also made it to Vietnam as they have raised money from sponsorships for his plane ticket. It was the first championship John Ray won without his father on his side.

"He was asked $400 for his Hotel accommodations but we don't have that money. Where could we possibly produce that amount in an instant? My husband is a taxi driver and I'm a teacher. We also spent hard-earned money for the enrolment of our kids, especially now that we have a college student," Mrs. Batucan said the vernacular.

"It was really difficult for us to let him go without anyone of us accompanying him in Vietnam. He's our youngest son. He's just 11 years old. But I remember what RR (John Ray) told his dad while in Manila,`Promise nako nimo Pa, mag champion ko (I promise you Pa I'll become a champion). And thank God it really happened," she said.

The ever-supportive father, according to Marilyn, comforted John Ray before he left.

"He reminded our son to always trust God no matter what happens. When you trust God, what you ask for in prayer will be given to you. That's what we did as his parents. I always pray here while his father also does the same there in Manila."

She also said it was his husband who encouraged their sons to play chess in the hope that they could avail of varsity scholarships in college.

"We could not afford to send all our children to college. I'm glad that my husband really thought of that that's why he introduced the kids to chess. He is very supportive of our children's sport. He's always there although at times he overlooks that we also have needs here at home," Mrs. Batucan said.

After the Vietnam stint, however, the young Batucan is set to compete in the World Youth Chess qualifying in Tagaytay.

But, his mother is not sure if they could send RR, as his son is fondly called, to Tagaytay to compete again.

"Where could we ask for help again? It's not easy asking people money just to help our son. I don't know if we could go through so much trouble all over again. It's embarrassing," Mrs. Batucan said.

She, however, maintained that they will entrust their cares to God as He can meet their needs.

RR will arrive from Vietnam on June 18 and will come home to Davao on June 20.

[Pinoychess]

9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008
SALCEDO, BATUCAN WILL SPEARHEAD AGAIN RP BID'S IN RAPID PLAY

by Marlon Bernardino

DANANG, VIETNAM---AFTER getting a needed rest in "free day" yesterday, Richelieu Salcedo and John Ray Batucan will spearhead again team Philippines at the start of Rapid play of the on-going Asean Age Group Chess Championships here at the Danang Hotel.

" May laban po tayo sa rapid at blitz play kasi ito ang forte natin, pero s'yempre mabigat din ang Vietnam at Singapore," said the 17-year-old Rizal Technological University (RTU) student Salcedo, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City. Fondly called "Jongjong" in local chess circuit, Salcedo gave the country's fourth gold medal after winning the Boys' 18 and under in the Standard individual play.

" Malaking tulong din rest day ngayon (kahapon) kasi nakakapagod din talaga eh," added Salcedo.

" Gagawin ko lamang ang best ko po," added the 11-year-old Batucan, a son of a taxi driver from Toril, Davao who clinch RP's second gold medal after topping the Boys' 12 and under on Saturday. The country bagged its third gold medal when Batucan, Vince Angelo Medina and Karl Angelo Perez topped the boys team event in the same age group.

National Master Edmundo Legaspi, the head of Philippine Delegation topped the Seniors Division on Friday to pocket RP's first gold medal added: " Malaking moral support sa mga bata ang pagdating ngayon ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay, timing na timing ang kanyang pagdating," said Legaspi, also member of the NCFP board of director. Fide delegate Casto "Toti" Abundo also arrived yesterday.

Former Istanbul Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is the head coach assisted by NM Rudy Ibanez in this Vietnam Chess Campaign which funded by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

Pichay for his part said " Naniniwala ako sa mga batang ito, dito sisibol ang susunod na Wesley So ng Pilipinas, kaya full support tayo sa mga pangarap nila, "Pichay, referring to Wesley So, at 14, is the currently world's youngest GM.

Other young players also expect to give good fight for the Filipinos were Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Karl and Karyle Ochoa, Paolo Bersamina, Mark Prince Aquino, Leo Daylo Jr., Narquingden Reyes, John Alcon Datu, Jan Nigel Galan, among others. Meanwhile, Doha Asiad bet Jedara Docena will lead the distaff side together with Kimberly Jane Cunanan, Rona Senora, Lovelyn Medina Juidth Pineda, Samantha Glo Revita, Rowelyn Acedo among others.

In the Asean Master Chess Circuit being held coincided the Asean Age Group Chess Championships, FM Roderick Nava of Carmona, Cavite needed to score 1.5 points in the last three remaining round to clinch his first IM norm while unrated David Elorta needed to score 2.0 points for his second IM norm. The pride of San Andres, Bukid, Manila Elorta earned his first IM norm in the 2007 Pichay International Open Chess Championships.

[Pinoychess]

9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008
RP's NEWEST FIDE MASTER JOHN RAY BATUCAN IN GOOD START IN RAPID PLAY

by Marlon Bernardino

DANANG, VIETNAM---Newly-installed Fide Master John Ray Batucan of Davao City post back to back wins to lead the Filipinos campaign at the start of the Rapid play of 9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008 here at the Danang Hotel, yesterday.

The 11-year-old Batucan, a son of a taxi driver from Toril, Davao defeated Samuel Lieu and Nicholas Chew of Singapore to score 2.0 points in the Boys' 12 and under and create a six-way tie along with third round opponent Tran Thanh Tung, Nguyen Hung Cong, Le Hui Thai and Lu Chan Hung of Vietnam and Low Jun Ket of Malaysia.

"Sana manalo po ulit ako ditto sa Rapid play para makapag-ambag po ulit tayo ng medal sa bansa," said Batucan, who clinch RP's second gold medal after topping the Boys' 12 and under on Saturday in the Standard play. With the feat, Batucan earned an outright Fide Master title according to tournament arbiter Thomas Hoe.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. said "Malayo ang mararating ng batang'iyan (John Ray Batucan), makikita mo sa kanya 'yung determinasyong manalo. Inaasahan din natin na magpapakita siya ng magandang performance dito sa Rapid at Blitz event,"

" Y'an ang magandang resulta ng age group event sa Davao at dapat nating pasalamatan si NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto, na aktibong nagpapalaro sa Davao at Mindanao maging si NA Ronnie Tabudlong," said Pichay.