Dismal Performance on My Chess Tournament Competitions

After a long layoff on over the board (OTB) chess competition I found this signage at Hulong Duhat Court in Malabon that says "There will be a chess tournament on August 30, 2009." So I immediately joined the competition without preparation (again). The good thing about this tournament was that my twin brother (who's in Makati for a training) joined me. You must know how it felt to play with someone who's giving some motivation. I was also appeased with the support I got from my wife and kids who stayed in the tournament hall to give me some energy and needs.

The first challenge was the simultaneous event that fitted IM Barlow Nadera against 22 players. I joined that event. I had a good position and had been thinking that I could at least salvage a draw. But I missed strong lines after I succumb to follow his fast moves (I suffered that sad fate also in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur when I found out that my opponent [Basilio Pandan] had 1 minute left on his time clock. A lesson I didn't learn, err...

The next challenge was the tournament. My first game ended in a draw, though I could have won it, rustiness took its toll against me. I felt my old form during the 2nd and 3rd games, I demolished my opponents convincingly. It was unfortunate to lose a drawish position on my 4th game, I'm so sad to experience that (but I felt the joy in losing, that I always wanted to come back and win). I won the 5th game in a controversial manner. I was about to move when a sudden push at my back got me conscious. I didn't know that my opponent left his Queen en prise, so I immediately took it and my opponent hastily resigned after saying words that I got help from my colleague. But the truth, I was just galloping for moves and my first choice was the rook move and not the Queen takes. Games 6 and 7 ended in fighting draws. Though in game 6 I could have won had not I hesitated to dare in making a very simple but effective move. Game 7 was a very difficult game, at stake on this game was the "Top Navotas Player" award. My opponent kept seeing good move after good move. We were down to the last 1 1/2 minutes of time control and I spotted a drawing chances and I grabbed it. What a relief! A very nice feeling, really. Though, I missed the award I obtained a personal victory of not stumbling during tough games.

My score was a modest 4.5/7 on 2 wins, 3 draws, and a solitary loss.

Travel to Iloilo City

Had my trip to Iloilo City and stayed there for 3 long days. I worked with my colleagues from DepEd and had a great time dealing with teachers, principals, and supervisors. Our group was tasked to search for potential textbook evaluators on MSEP, EPP, TLE, Filipino, and Values Education subjects.

I returned to Manila at about 4:30 this afternoon and after taking my things at the baggage carousel I immediately went out of the NAIA Airport only to be stalled by long lines at the gate. So, I fall in line using the first queue but this certain group (with some tools) from the 2nd line encroached on our path so I told myself "why the guard inspected their baggage(s) first" which one of them overheard. So a little confrontation ensued and of course I stood firm and told this guy who confronted me that they came from the 2nd line, etc. Hmnn...I wasted my 10 precious minutes there.

Please press this link for the pictures...

Travel to DepEd RELC-San Fernando, La Union

I had a worthy experiences at San Fernando City. I met so many interesting people. La Union was a very important place for me. I will not forget that special incident some years ago. The people at DepEd regional office had been very helpful in transmitting some important documents to JICA Office that helped me in getting an international scholarship.

This week's visit wasn't different I really felt that I have never been away from home and I enjoyed every minute of my stay here.

To see some highlights of the activities please press this link >>>