THE Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) — the first and only professional chess league in the country — hopes to build one big, happy chess family not only in the Philippines but the whole world.

And to achieve this dream, PCAP is set to hold more chess tournaments and other chess-related activities that will connect the Filipino chess players to players all over the world.

Speaking at the “Usapang Sports on Air” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS), PCAP Vice-Chairman Ariel Potot of Cordova Dagami Warriors said the addition of foreign players in the coming PCAP Second Conference also known as GM Wesley So Cup is expected to raise the level of competition in the unique play-for-pay chess tournament.

“All 24 PCAP member-teams, led by All-Filipino Cup champion Laguna Heroes, will field one foreign player each in the coming Wesley So Cup,” said Potot, who attended the weekly session with PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Chua and New York City-based GM Mark Paragua.

“This will give more opportunities for our players to test their mettle against foreign players. Magagaling din yun mga foreigners na inaasahan nating magiging imports ng mga teams natin,” added Potot during the weekly public service program sponsored by the Philippinesports Commission (PSC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

Potot, who is also set to see action for the South All Stars in the coming PCAP All-Star Game on May 2, lauded Chairman Chua and PCAP president-commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria for laying the groundwork for the country’s first professional chess league patterned after the PBA.

“I commend Chairman Mike and Commissioner Paul. Maganda itong sinimulan nila kaya masaya ako na nakasali ako dito. This is a good role model. Madami pang mga magagandang mangyayaring mga activities sa PCAP. Madaming bago at exciting na format pa na gagawin,” Potot told editors and reporters of TOPS.

“Ang akala ng iba, madali lang ang chess. Pero mahirap din. Kung ang basketball sa body, ang chess sa mind. Kailangan din na in good physical condition lagi. Para ka ding nagbuhat ng weigths dahil nakakapagod. It’s really mind-boggling.”

But he claimed chess is a lot easier now with the availability of chess software and online lessons.

“Unlike dati nun panahon nila GM Eugene at GM Mark, mas madali ngayon na maglaro ng chess at mag-aspire na maging GM. Chess information, chess books and tutorials are now readily available online,” claimed Potot.

Asked about any plan for expansion of PCAP in the coming years, Potot admitted the officers have prepared short-term and long-term goals.

“Right now, we want to solidify our roster of 24 members. Sila yun magsisilbing role models. But we are also planning to invite more cities and provinces in the future.”

Meanwhile, Chua and Potot also announced the composition of the All-Star teams.

The complete line-ups:

North
Top-rated players — GM Darwin Laylo (Pasig Pirates), GM Roland Salvador (Pasig), GM Eugene Torre (Rizal Towers), GM Rogelio Barcenila, Jr. (Laguna Heroes), GM Julio Catalino Sadorra (Manila Indios Bravos), Oliver Barbosa (San Juan Predators), Austin Jacob Literatus (Laguna), IM Paulo Bersamina (Caloocan Load Manna Knights), IM Rolando Nolte (Rizal) and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia (Caloocan).
Female– Shercila Cua (Pasig), Jan Jodilyn Fronda (San Juan), Michaela Concio (Quezon City Simba’s Tribe) and Karen Jean Enriquez (Laguna).
Senior– Rudy Ibanez (Pasig), Ricardo de Guzman (San Juan), Cris Ramayrat (Manila).
Homegrown — Cromwell Sabado (Pasig), Ferdinand Palermo (Pasig), John Paul Gomez (Laguna), Genghis Imperial (Manila), Deniel Causo (Manila) and Mari Joseph Turqueza (Manila).

South.
Top-rated players — Mark Paragua (Camarines Eagles), Rogelio Antonio, Jr. (Iloilo Kisela Knights), Ellan Asuela (Camarines), Nelson Mariano III (Negros Kingsmen), Merben Roque (Cordova Dagami Warriors), Chito Garma (Zamboanga Sultans), Erwin Retanal (Cebu Machers), Randy Segarra (Negros), Catherine Perena-Secopito (Palawan Queen’s Gambits) and Vince Alaan (Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates).
Female — Cherry Ann Mejia (Iloil), Bernadette Galas (Cordov), Rowelyn Joy Acedo (Negros).
Senior– Carlo Lorena (Camarines), Mario Mangubat (Cordova), Rico Mascarinas (Toledo City Trojans).
Homegown –Ronald Llavanes (Camarines), Virgen Gil Ruaya (Camarines), Joel Pimentel (Negros), Zulfikar Sali (Zamboanga), Jason Badal (Negros), Ariel Potot (Cordova) and Mikee Charlene Suede (Palawan).