CHESS champion GM Wesley So is honored to be a part of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), the country’s first and only professional chess league, and its member-teams.

In his inspirational message, So said he was humbled that PCAP named the tournament the SGM Wesley So Cup and that he will always cherish to be associated with the first government licensed professional chess league in the world.

The 28-year-old champion from Bacoor, Cavite, who moved to the United States in 2014, said he expects foreign players-imports to have memorable experience playing chess with his kababayans.

So also thanked PCAP and its officers, led by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria and Chairman Michael Angelo Chua “for helping Philippine chess which will always have a special place in my heart.”

So’s s full message:

“To my dear Kababayans and friends from many parts of the world, a good and blessed day to all of you!

It is a pleasure to once again be part of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines’ upcoming tournament. For this conference, players come not only from different cities and provinces all over our country, but the 24 teams are privileged to be reinforced by foreign masters. I sincerely hope our foreign friends will have a memorable experience playing chess with Filipinos!

I am humbled that PCAP named this tournament the SGM Wesley So Cup. Being associated with the first government licensed professional chess league in the world is an honor I deeply cherish.

Let me wish all the players, teams, and game officials of PCAP another great conference. I thank all of you for helping Philippine chess which will always have a special place in my heart. Your hard work serves as an inspiration to everyone, but most especially to our youth. With the proper opportunities and programs, I am hopeful that Filipino players will once again occupy the upper echelons of international chess, where they rightfully belong.

Maraming Salamat po. May the Lord continue to Bless us.”

So’s inspirational message was read by Fiscal Robert Jocom of Iriga City.

Meanwhile, PCAP presented awards to several outstanding individuals before the start of the Second Conference sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.

Honored were:

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. of Iloilo Kisela Knights — Best Player of the Conference.

WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda of San Juan Predators — All-Filipino Finals MVP.

NA Christian Javier — Most Reliable Arbiter.

NA Antonio Laureano — Best Arbiter.

NA Raniel Pascual — Most Professional Arbiter.

Ferdie Reyes, Jr. — Best Game fficial.

Ed Andaya/ People’s Tonight — Special Award for PCAP Media Partner. By Ed Andaya