Just barely an hour away from the venue, the feeling of anxiety became stronger. Not aware of what the place looks like, where are we going to stay, the accessibility of the place and the venue itself became a guessing game in our mind. It is actually our second time to play outside of Metro Manila. This kiddie chess player learns to be a traveler at an early age. But different venues offer different experiences.
The worst so far is to be faced by these scenarios:
Free accommodation. Oh it`s good, at least it lessens someone`s expenses. BUT where?
- School rooms – Imagine a school room with fewer windows covered, no door lock, common CR, less water, mosquitoes and crickets.
- Beddings – no mattress, either you sleep on the cold cemented or bare wood flooring.
- Water to drink – Hope there is a supply of mineral water for the players. Some people do not adapt well to the water supply from other places.
Charged it all to experience, as they said. There are some few traveler tips I learned from the internet and would like to share this with you:
Question to be asked to the organizers. Do I need to bring bedding, sheet, sleeping bag or towel?
And here are some pack items to bring:
1. Meal Kit – instant oatmeal, instant coffee, milo, Some tiny and readymade meal that you can trust. Or bring a breakfast 'tools' bag containing: boiler, two mugs, pairs of spoons and fork, microwavable plastic canisters that can be used as plates.
2. Med Kit ** - anti-inflammatory medicine, paracetamol, anti-biotic, and oral re hydration salts (glucost) medicines and 'OFF' lotion.
3. Toiletry Kit ** - organizer for small things such as toothbrush, soap, shampoos and other miscellaneous toiletries, etc.
4. Repair Kit – tapes, needle, thread, scissors, clothespins - stuff breaks and this little kit will fix most of it..
NOTE: Better put it inside a zip lock plastic bag **
5. A tiny LCD pocket light can be used to light stairways and walking paths at night, as a night light to find the bathroom.
6. The other item is an inflatable neck cushion.
7. Lightweight sheet
8. Towel
9. Alcohol and/or hand-sanitizing wipes.
10.Zip lock bags or plastic bags of various sizes.
I didn`t had the chance to play a game with this FilAm chess prodigy. They said they were in a hurry to meet Wesley So. It could have been a nice game since we both belong to the 10-under category.
Another well organized event by National Association of Philippine Chess Arbiters (NAPCA). 
