UST ENGINEERING CHESS TEAM PREVAILS

By Marlon Bernardino, SportsManila.net

The "UST Engineering" Chess Team won the first ever UST Kiddies Chess Championship that was made possible through the generosity of the UST alumni of MERALCO held in celebration of UST's Quadrecentennial Year. Engineering was represented by former members of the Philippine Team who played in the annual ASEAN Primary Schools Sports Olympiad, namely Daryl Samantila of Adamson University, Felipe Magdalaga of Gatlabayan MemorialHigh School, Shania Mendoza of International Montessori School, and Rhal Sol Cruz, Jr. of La Salle. These young Olympians willingly participated in this noble event so that they can share their experience with promising chess players from public schools.

Tied for 2nd and 3rd place were Science and Commerce, with the former winning via the tie-breaks. Science was composed of Michail Alcantara, Mark Villarante, Philip Buhat, and Narciso Gravillo, all are students of Ramon Magsaysay High School while Commerce has 2010 Shell Active Chess Grand-Finalist Jose Castro, 2011 Mandaluyong Meet Champion Michael Lirazan of Pleasant Hills Elementary School, 2009 Tahanan Walang Hagdanan Kiddies Bronze medalist Jefferson Saltorio of Rodriguez Integrated School and 2010 MERALCO Summer Workshop silver medalist Jose Lirazan of Bonifacio Integrated School. Castro, Samantila and Magdalaga won the individual honors by placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively while the Top 3 Grade School Honors went to Samantila, Sol Cruz and Arvin John Serban of Sumulong Elementary School. "Maraming-maraming salamat po sa MERALCO at sa UST sa pagbibigay sa amin ng ganitong pagkakataon na makasali sa chess tournament ng walang registration fee, at libre pagkain pa po!" said Magdalaga. "Salamat po sa mga UST alumni ng MERALCO. malaking tulong po sa mag-e-ensayo namin ang mga ganitong tournament at sana ay huwag po kayong magsawa sa pag-sponsor." added Castro. "The UST alumni of MERALCO will always be supportive of projects that promotes concern for those who have less in life, either through chess or in any outreach project. This is our simple way of showing our gratitude to our Father." said Ms. Kato Llagas of MERALCO's Customer Process.