ChessExplorer PH

Finals Match and Battle for 3rd WR BUGHOUSE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 MICE CENTER Quezon City

WR BUGHOUSE QUARTERFINALS

REMEMBER THE NAME: JODIEL CHLOE BANAWA

She is only five years old, but Jodiel Chloe Banawa of Alicia, Isabela is already giving Philippine chess fans plenty of reasons to remember her name.

The little chess wonder first made her breakthrough at the NCFP National Age Group Chess Championships in Olongapo last June.

Competing against the best young players in the country, Chloe took gold in the Standard Chess competition in her age category, earning her a place in the Philippine delegation to the 24th ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship in Singapore.

But what caught the attention was that Chloe wasn't just good at the long game.

In Olongapo, she also showed that she could handle the pressure and speed of the faster time controls. For a five-year-old, that kind of composure and versatility was already something special.

Then came Singapore.

And Chloe simply continued what she started in Olongapo.

Gold. Gold. Gold.

The young Banawa swept the different formats she played in the ASEAN+ championship, showing a consistency that had her family beaming with pride.

For her father and coach, International Master Joel Banawa, the medals are a reward for the countless hours of training that have gone into developing his daughter's game.

The training has been demanding. The discipline has been serious. But now, the results are beginning to speak for themselves.

First, a national championship.

Then, a place on the Philippine team.

And now, international gold.

Not bad for a five-year-old from Alicia, Isabela.

Chloe's story is still very much in its early chapters. There will be tougher opponents, bigger tournaments and much harder battles ahead.

But if her performances in Olongapo and Singapore are any indication, Philippine chess may have found a very special young talent.

She may be only five, but she is already making her moves.

And perhaps one day, we'll look back at these early victories and say:

This was where it all began.

🇵🇭 Jodiel Chloe Banawa — remember the name.

𝐏𝐂𝐀𝐏 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐨 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟑𝐱𝟑 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐳 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!

In partnership with Estancia, GAB, and OCM. PCAP brings you an exciting 3x3 Rapid & Blitz Chess Tournament.

Gather your team of 3 and battle for the ₱50,000 grand prize!

Date: August 29–30, 2026 (Saturday–Sunday)
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Bridgeway, Estancia Main Wing, Pasig
Eligibility: 2000 average rating and below only

𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐄
₱2,000/team — Online Registration
₱2,500/team — Onsite Registration

Ready to compete? Register your team through the Google Form:
https://forms.gle/cordWbFmAPX8v9qZ8

Bring your best 3. Play fast. Think faster. Fight for the championship!

₱400,000 ON THE LINE!

The 2026 Philippine National Women’s Invitational Chess Championship is officially ON!
Huge thanks to Hon. Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro and the PSC-NCFP for kicking off this epic battle in Alicia, Isabela. With a whopping ₱100,000 going to the sole Queen of the board, the stakes have never been higher!
📅 Aug 30 – Sept 4 | 📍 Alicia, Isabela

Princess Miracle Cabus tied for first place in the Women’s PSC-NCFP Selection National Chess Championship 2026 – Luzon Leg, held at the Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, from August 21–23.

The 13-year-old Grade 8 student of Pedro Guevara National High School finished with an impressive 4.5/6 points, matching the score of Zafirah Jahly Toreña of Calamba City. After the tiebreaks, Princess settled for the silver medal, while Toreña claimed the championship title.

More importantly, Princess, Zafirah Jahly, and 14 other qualifiers will advance to the next stage of the National Games.

Congratulations, Princess!

Bronze for the Philippines! 🇵🇭

The Philippines’ WCM Nika Juris Nicolas secured 3rd place and the bronze medal at the 10th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Hainan, China.

Nika, who is one of the players representing the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) delegation, competed in the Girls U14 Rapid Chess category and finished behind China’s Peishan Li and Yiyi Tong.

Congratulations, Nika‼️.

🏆🇵🇭 CHAMPION!

**FM Julius Joseph de Ramos conquers the 32nd Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival 2026 – Corporate Individual Event!

A stellar international victory that puts the **Philippines in the spotlight! 🇵🇭

Congratulations, FM Julius!
What a way to make the country proud! 🇵🇭