ASIA’s first GM Eugene Torre will make the ceremonial moves to usher the start of the 2nd Gov.Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival scheduled July 9-10 at the AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

Torre, widely considered as the country’s greatest chess player for more than five decades now, will be joined by Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, Mayor Henry “Indy” Oaminal Jr. and Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal during the colorful opening ceremony.

Hosted by the Asenso Misamis Occidental Fiderated Chess Association (AMOFCA) in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, 2nd Congressional District Office and Local Government Unit of Ozamis, the two-day event is being held in celebration of the 76th Ozamiz City Charter Anniversary and the Feast of Nuestra Sra. dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpang

Leading the cast of participants are GM Darwin Laylo, defending champion IM Joel Pimentel, IMs Daniel Quizon, Rolando Nolte, Rico Mascarinas, Kim Steven Yap, Michael Concio, Jr. Eric Labog, and Ronald Bancod, FM Vince Alaan and Roel Abelgas

and players from Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga and neighboring cities and municipalities.

AMOFCA president AGM Rey Urbiztondo said a total of P355,000 in cash prizes and medals will be given away to the winners of the FIDE rapid-rated tournament .

The champion in the Open category will bring home the top prize of P50,000, while the runner-up up and third placer will pocket P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

The fourth up to the 20th placers will also receive cash prizes.

The winners in the High School/Under-17 and Elementary/Under-13 cateogries will receive P30,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.

Special category winners uch as Top Senior (60-above), Top Junior (20-below), Top Lady (Open), Top Lady (17-under) and Top Lady (13-under) will be given P3,000 each.

The tournament is a fitting follow-up to the first Gov. Oaminal 8-in-1 chess championship held last Nov. 10-12 at the Ozamiz City Auditorium.

“Ozamiz City, through Gov. Oaminal, is again ready to welcome the country’s leading chess players and participants to the second edition of the Gov. Oaminal chess tournament,” said Urbiztondo, also the team owner of Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP).

“Ozamiz, which is noted for its stunning travel destinations and delectable food offerings. is ready. This will also serve as a good avenue for promoting grassroots development and recognition of chess competitions in the country,” added Urbiztondo.

Last year, Urbiztondo noted that live streaming alone for the three-day event had already gained more than 4 million viewers after only few days based on reports by No.1 Filipino chess YouTuber IM Roderick “Kamatyas” Nava and Koronadal-based Biyaherong Arbiter AIM Mark John Centillo.

Registration fees are P500 in the Open and P300 in the High School and Elementary categories.

There will be an NCFP subsidized registration fee for the first 100 registrants Misamis, 50 from Mindanao and 10 each from the Visayas and Luzon.

For registration, cal/text Urbiztondo at 0999-999-0374 or email at [email protected].