...the puzzle collector

Filipina retiree awarded Guinness World Record for biggest jigsaw puzzle collection

 

By ROEHL NIÑO BAUTISTA,

GMA News

November 29, 2012

 

 

 

TAGAYTAY CITY— The Guinness World Record for the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles has officially been broken by Gina Gil Lacuna, a Filipina.

A 3D puzzle of the Sydney Opera House sits in front of a Mayan Pyramid replica. On the foreground is a 3D model of the Tokyo skyline. Gina Gil-Lacuna collects various kinds of puzzles, often exploring forms beyond the standard 2D jigsaws. Photos by Roehl Niño Bautista

 

Lacuna surpassed the record previously held by Brazil's Luiza Figueiredo, who reigned for two years, when officials certified her on Thursday.

With 1,028 puzzles in her collection, Lacuna, a retired businesswoman, was hailed as the new title holder through the size of her collection, which eclipsed the old record five fold.

“I started doing puzzles when I got to Hong Kong 26 years ago,” said Lacuna, who solved a 5000-piece Disney set for her son, Gino. “Doing puzzles is not easy, that’s why I don’t get any help!”

All of her completed puzzles are housed at the Puzzle Mansion in Tagaytay. They range from mural-sized classic paintings and custom-made photos to toy-like wooden figures and miniature replicas of cities.

“According to doctors, working on difficult jigsaw puzzles exercises the brain,” said Lacuna in an earlier press release. “The more you work your brain, the better off your mind will be.”

An upcoming addition to her collection is an almost 32,000-piece puzzle measuring 17 feet tall and 6 feet wide: a Keith Haring Double Retrospect set, believed to be the biggest in existence today.

Gina Gil Lacuna (left) is officially awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest puzzle collection by adjudicator Seyda Subasi Gemici of Turkey.

“I want to finish that by February next year,” Lacuna told visitors at the awarding ceremony at the Puzzle Mansion.

Lacuna’s discipline has impressed Guinness World Records Adjudicator Seyda Subasi Gemici of Turkey. She allots three to four hours each day to work on her puzzles, finishing one to five of them at a time.

“She is strict in following her own rules, and I like people like her,” said Gemici, who is on her fifth assignment for Guinness in the Philippines. - KDM, GMA News

...the world's biggest fashion show

Philippines holds world's biggest fashion show

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

11/30/2012

 

MANILA, Philippines -- A fashion show held Thursday night in Makati City became the Philippines' 8th Guinness world record this year.

Coinciding with the launch of "a new Glorietta," the popular Makati mall set out to beat the current world record for "Most People Modeling on a Catwalk" through a fashion show dubbed "Move to the Vibe of Glorietta."

"The current record is 1,967 people modeling on the catwalk, and that is now held in Turkey, and that was just broken in May this year," Kirsty Bennett, adjudicator of the Guinness Book of World Records, told ABS-CBN News moments before the Glorietta fashion show broke the world record.

More than 2,000 professional and amateur models gathered at the event held at the new Glorietta Palm Drive. They showcased brands such as Bench, Penshoppe, Stores Specialists Inc., Mango, Folded & Hung and Lacoste.

Models waiting for their turn (rappler.com)

 

Models lined up backstage (rappler.com)

While waiting for Bennett's announcement (rappler.com)

 A screen on stage showed the count of the individual models who walked the five ramps. By the end of the show, the participating models numbered 2,255, beating a record earlier set by Turkey.

OFFICIALLY AMAZING. The Philippines now holds the Guinness World Record for the most number of people walking on a catwalk. All photos by Edric Chen (rappler.com)

The event turned festive -- confetti showered those in attendance -- as Bennett officially conferred the record.

Victoty toast (rappler.com)

9 world records in 2012

Nine Guinness world records have been set in the Philippines in 2012 alone.

In March, Camarines Sur scored the world record for most number of mangroves planted in one hour. The world record for the most number of consecutive haircuts by a team was set in Valenzuela City in May.

The saltwater crocodile named Lolong, meanwhile, was named by Guinness as the largest of its kind in captivity in the world in July. In the same month, the religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo scored three Guinness records for the country -- the largest dental health check, the most number of blood pressure readings taken in eight hours, and the biggest number of blood glucose level tests conducted in eight hours.

Early this month, Filipino Herbert Chavez made his way to the 2013 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest collection of Superman memorabilia.

On Thursday, another world record -- the Philippines' ninth this year -- was announced to have been set by Gina Gil Lacuna of Tagaytay City.

Her collection of 1,028 different puzzles was recognized by Guinness as being the world's largest.

...the sweet spot to export

PHL in 'sweet spot' to expand exports into EU — DFA Usec

 

 

September 20, 2012

GMA News

 

 

The country's improvement in the 2012 global competitiveness ranking could facilitate the expansion of exports to the European markets, a Department of Trade and Industry official said.

"Looking at our macro-economic fundamentals and increased ranking in international competitiveness surveys, we can say that we are in a sweet spot to grow and expand [in] markets like the EU," Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal said during the Philippines–EU Trade Policy Consultations on Thursday.

The recent global competitiveness survey showed the Philippines jumped 10 notches higher from 75 last year to 65 this year.

Cristobal also said there is a need to diversify the country's exports and not rely solely on electronics.

"Electronics, our key export product to the EU, is mostly FDI [foreign direct investment]-driven. While we see growth of non-electronics exports to the EU [4 percent] and agriculture products [20 percent], we also recognize the need to diversify our exports and product offerings while attracting more investments," Cristobal said.

He said the DTI is also working on the formulation of sound industry development policies to increase the competitiveness of Philippine industries in FTA markets.

Currently, the Philippines has free trade agreements with the ASEAN, Japan, China, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Cristobal said the analysis and recommendations on a potential Philippine-EU FTA are vital inputs to crafting trade policies, negotiating positions and industry development.

In 2010, Philippine exports to the EU registered its highest growth at 34 percent. Among ASEAN countries, the Philippines was the sixth top exporter to the EU.

The DTI had been actively doing "Doing Business in Free Trade Areas" seminars nationwide to inform businessmen, particularly local exporters, on the benefits of the FTAs the country has entered into.

Among the issues usually tackled in the previous consultations were tariff rate quotas, need for technical assistance to enter a particular market, foregone revenues in FTAs, impact of trade agreements in employment, issues on the movement of natural persons, and the need for better information dissemination about FTAs.

"Since last year, we have held stakeholder consultations on the Japan-Philippines Economic Agreement [JPEPA] and Philippine-EU FTA in key cities and provinces nationwide," Cristobal said.

Among these cities were Cebu, Davao, Manila, General Santos, and Southern Luzon (Tagaytay).

The consultations brought together stakeholders from government, civil society groups, academe, and the private sector. — BM, GMA News

...the largest LED factories

Laguna LED factory to be one of the world's biggest 

June 19, 2012

GMA News

The Japan Environment Technology Development Co., Ltd., or JENTED, is eyeing to build a $200 million light-emitting diode light factory in Laguna by the end of the year. When built, it will be one of the world’s largest LED factories in the world, with an annual production capacity of around one million LED lights.

Furthermore, JENTED and its Philippine partner, Tagaytay Mountain Peak Corporation, said that the factory will put the Philippines in the map of high technology in the lighting industry.

JENTED Executive Director Yoshiyuki Ikeda said that they are bullish on the prospects of the LED lighting business not only in the Philippines but also in the US, Europe and Asia where they plan to export their products.

They said the timeline for plant construction is in December this year as soon as they have finalized site arrangements.

According to JENTED Country Representative Rod Cabrera said, “Our lighting system is much lighter than other brands, has longer lifespan that than the average LED lighting system in the market and is user-friendly, meaning it doesn’t require an electrician for its installation.” — DVM, GMA News

...the magical getaways

Time For A Getaway

By Pierra C. Labrador
Yahoo! Southeast Asia
30 November 2011

There are many romantic destinations in the country, including Palawan's magical lagoons and limestone coves

There's nothing like going on a romantic vacation to enjoy quality time, celebrate a special relationship milestone, or even rekindle the sparks with your loved one. And with the wealth of lovely local destinations, you don't even have to go too far!

Here are four highly recommended Philippine destinations for a romantic getaway.

1. Tagaytay

When you need a quick breather from Manila, Tagaytay is the place to go. Favorite date places include the idyllic Sonya's Garden (mostly vegetarian dishes, so carnivores be warned), the elegant Antonio's for an extra special occasion (call to make a reservation at mobile 0918 899 2666), or Buon Giorno at the Cliffhouse Tagaytay complex (reserve the Opium Bed—a popular spot to pop the question!).

Escape toTagaytay for a quick getaway

For an overnight stay, choose from the luxe Discovery Country Suites, the chic The Boutique Bed & Breakfast, the tranquil T House, the quaint Sonya's Bed & Breakfast, or the family favorite Taal Vista Lodge. If you're into wellness, enjoy a cleansing weekend with your sweetheart at the Nurture Spa Village (though you might want to skip the colonics and go straight to the couple's massage).

2. Baguio

There's something about cool weather that just makes you want to snuggle. If you haven't been back to Baguio since childhood, it's time to traverse the zig-zag road with your significant other. Don't be thrown off by the giant SM mall and the throng of people flooding Session Road; promise, your favorite quaint nooks and crannies still exist, as well as some charming new spots.

 

The wooden boats await tourists at the Burnham Lagoon

 

Stroll along Burnham Park, order a cup of hot chocolate at Café By The Ruins, have a photo op and shop for souvenirs at Mines View Park, browse some good reads while having coffee or beer at the literary haven Mt. Cloud Bookshop. Relatively new spots to discover include the must-see BenCab museum, Hill Station Tapas Bar & Restaurant, and Mother's Garden for lovers of flowers and organic food. Stay at the cozy, newly-refurbished Casa Vallejo boutique hotel or the stately yet homey The Manor at Camp John Hay. And don't forget to take home the famous Palaganas Bakery raisin bread at 99 Scout Barrio, just beyond Camp John Hay's Loakan gate.

3. Bohol

Touted as the "quiet Boracay," Bohol offers lovely white-sand beaches, famous tourist spots, heritage sites, and hospitable people. Most of the beach-front resorts are located in Panglao, including the exclusive Eskaya, the charming Amorita, and the good old Bohol Beach Club.

Find white sand beaches in the province of Bohol

Visit the Baclayon Tourist Information and Activity Center and go on a dolphin-watching tour. When in Bohol, you must also do the tourist round—have a kooky photo op at the Chocolate Hills, be serenaded while enjoying the Loboc River Cruise, visit adorable endangered creatures at Corella tarsier sanctuary, and visit historic churches, including the Baclayon Church, where, if you squint hard enough, you can make out the image of Padre Pio that has mysteriously formed on its outer wall (the island of Bohol is quite small, so you can do all these in a day). And, for a romantic date, treat yourselves to the spa at the hilltop Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa, then indulge in its decadent European cuisine, fine wine and rare cigars.

4. Palawan

For the ultimate romantic getaway, head off to Palawan. Even jaded jetsetters are awed by the breathtaking beauty of its dramatic limestone cliffs, virgin islands, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently declared one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World."

Palawan is quite large, however, so you'll have to decide what kind of getaway you want. Honda Bay and Sabang Island are known for their diving and island hopping tours, and Coron for their wreck diving, but for honeymooners, it's El Nido hands down. There are affordable accommodations in town, but if you're going to go for broke, choose from the posh Lagen or the charming coastal village-inspired Miniloc island resorts (elnidoresorts.com). Both set in gorgeous limestone coves against lush forests. Don't miss kayaking in the magical lagoons for an unforgettable experience.

...the lakes beautiful

12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

By Beth Collins
Yahoo! Travel

These 12 lakes go to all the right extremes—highest, deepest, clearest—and showcase nature at its most spectacular. Soak up the views from a boat, a cable car, a trailhead, or a castle tower.

Malawi

Lake Malawi

Home to 1,000 species of fish—estimated to be more than anyplace on earth—Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa) is Africa's third largest lake at 363 miles long and up to about 50 miles wide in spots. Located in a depression 2,300 feet below sea level, it's positioned at the crossroads of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, and supports hundreds of local villages with its rich underwater stock (which is, unfortunately, gradually being depleted due to over-fishing). The lake's southern portion—as well as a bordering nub of wildlife-rich land, Cape Maclear—represents the world's first freshwater national park; it was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. A star of the waters here is the mbuna, a native freshwater fish known for eating directly from people's hands. Bring your snorkel gear—as beautiful as the scenery is, the best part about Lake Malawi is what's swimming beneath you in the crystal clear water.

Nearby: Cape Maclear, located within Lake Malawi National Park, is a perfect base for exploring the area.



Lake Malawi is positioend at the crossroads
of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania and
supports hundreds of local villages with its
rich underwater stock.

Photo: Ian Cumming/age fotostock

Alberta, Canada

Peyto Lake

Alberta's Lake Louise is the famous one, on all the postcards and posters. But Louise's sister lake 29 miles north along Icefields Parkway, a two-laner that winds 142 miles through the Canadian Rockies, is even more picturesque. Thanks to glacial rock flour that flows in when the ice and snow melt every summer, the waters of Banff National Park's Peyto Lake are a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora. For the most dramatic views of the 1.7-mile-long stunner, encircled with dense forest and craggy mountain peaks, pull into the lot at Bow Summit, the parkway's highest point, and follow the steep hike to the overlook.

Nearby: The town of Banff, the heart of the park, is 62 miles south of Peyto Lake.

In the Canadian province of Alberta, Peyto Lake lies amid the Canadian Rockies. Its waters pop with a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora.

Photo: Courtesy Travel Alberta

Oregon

Crater Lake

Thousands of years ago, the top of a 12,000-foot-high volcano in the Cascade Range exploded. The massive pit left behind became known as Crater Lake, the centerpiece of a national park in southern Oregon that displays nature at its rawest and most powerful. Forests of towering evergreens and 2,000-foot-high cliffs surround the lake, where extraordinarily deep waters—at 1,943 feet, it's the deepest lake in the United States—yield an intense sapphire-blue hue. If winter hiking and cross-country skiing aren't your thing, wait until early July to visit, when the roads have been plowed and the trails cleared. Rim Drive, a 33-mile road that encircles the lake, has picture-perfect views from all sides. For a closer look, follow the mile-long Cleetwood Cove Trail to the shore. Brace yourself before diving in: The water temperature rarely rises above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nearby: The laid-back mountain town of Bend, 112 miles away, makes a nice home base for a Crater Lake day trip.

The extraordinarily deep waters of Crater Lake yield an intense sapphire-blue hue.

Photo: Tim McGuire/Corbis

Philippines

Taal Lake

This dangerous beauty, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two distinct claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines, with a depth of 564 feet. It is also home to one of the world's smallest but most active volcanoes, the Taal Volcano, which sits within its waters on the island of Luzon. The lake itself was formed when a larger volcanic crater here collapsed; now seismologists spend a lot of time monitoring this spot for tremors, and sending out frequent eruption warnings through the country's Department of Tourism. Plenty of tour groups offer trips to the natural wonder—in spite of the fact that it has been declared a permanent danger zone. A safer way to see the volcano is by taking a drive along the Tagaytay-Taal ridge in nearby Tagaytay City.

Nearby: Adjacent Tagaytay City offers some well-priced accommodations, in addition to the best views of the lake.

Taal Lake, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines at 564 feet deep, and it is home to one of the world's smallest, but most active, volcanoes.

Photo: Courtesy Luca Tettoni/Corbis

Guatemala

Lake Atitlán

Nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala, Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) rests at the foot of three massive conical volcanoes. Small Mayan villages line its shores, which are set off by steep hills draped with oak and pine trees and nearly 800 plant species. There's no single, must-see view of the lake, so try several vantage points: from up high on Highway 1; from the town of Panajachel, the buzzing market hub that juts out into the water; or aboard a lancha, one of the many small boats that ferry visitors from village to village. We're saddened to note that the lake has built up high levels of blue-green algae over the years (in October and November 2009, a film of green scum began briefly marring its surface; since then there have been ambitious efforts to solve the problem).

Nearby: Panajachel is about 2.5 hours by car from Guatemala City.

A fisherman on Lake Atitlán, nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala.

Photo: Frans Lemmens/Corbis

Scotland

Loch Lomond

With a backdrop of windswept rolling hills and medieval castles, Loch Lomond feels like it's straight out of a Victorian romance novel. The 24-mile-long lake is dotted with islands, some so small that they disappear when the water levels are high, and others large enough to be (sparsely) inhabited. Most ferries stop at the largest island, Inchmurrin (population 11), so visitors can get a look at the remains of a 7th-century monastery and the 14th century Lennox Castle, used often as a hunting lodge for kings.

Nearby: The lake is 24 miles north of Glasgow and 66 west of Edinburgh.

A broad view of Scotland's Loch Lomond, with Balloch Castle in the foreground.

Photo: Skyscan/Corbis

Italy

Lake Garda

If the shape of Italy is a couture boot, think of the imprint of Lake Garda as a design from the funky sister line—long and skinny at the top, opening up toward the bottom. Garda is the country's largest lake and one of the most popular vacation spots among Italians. The southern shore is home to hot springs, resort towns with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels, and most of Garda's 28 miles of serene, pebbly beaches. To the north are the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, a magnet for hikers and bicyclists who want to test their endurance. In Malcesine, an adorable speck of a town with cobblestoned streets and a medieval castle, you can board a cable car up to Mount Baldo for one of the best aerial views of the lake.

Nearby: Lake Garda is about halfway between Milan (89 miles away) and Venice (109 miles away), but to get the full, relaxing effect, stay in one of the south shore's many small towns.

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake. The southern shore is home to hot springs and resort towns laced with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels.

Photo: Svenja-Foto/Corbis

France

Lake Annecy

This alpine lake in the heart of the French Alps is a looker, but don't expect to spend your visit gazing over the water in quiet reflection. Lake Annecy is all about activity—particularly in August, when Paris shuts down and the French take extended holidays. Sailors, kayakers, and water-skiers crisscross the water; bikers and hikers hit surrounding nature trails; and refugees from the city fill the outdoor tables at the lakeside restaurants and bars. Repeat visitors know to plan their trip for the first Saturday of August, when a staggering, nearly two-hour-long fireworks display illuminates the water.

Nearby: The closest major city isGeneva, 30 miles north, in Switzerland, but most people stay right on the lake.

Lake Annecy meanders past eight miles of nature reserves, waterfront villages, and soaring peaks in the heart of the French Alps.

Photo: A. Gerard/courtesy Annecy Tourisme

Croatia

Plitvice Lakes

These 16 blue-green lakes, hidden by thick vegetation and connected by hundreds of waterfalls, could be the set for the next Jurassic Park. For adventure as well as killer views, start at one of the lower lakes and work your way up following the sturdy wooden planks that turn what could be a treacherous trek into a fun hike. Take a detour along the 10-minute loop that leads to the region's tallest fall, 230-foot-high Veliki Slap ("Big Waterfall"), a breadth of streaming white water that collects in turquoise pools. While hiking, keep your eyes peeled for deer, wildcats, boars, wolves, and bears—a more likely sighting than a T. rex.

Nearby: There are four hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park, but most people drive in for the day from Zagreb, about 2 hours by car.

Croatia's 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes are connected by hundreds of waterfalls. The waters are amazingly clear. Walk on well-maintained wooden planks to get to the edge.

Photo: 29cm/Flickr

Kenya

Lake Nakuru

The water is blue enough, and the backdrop—grasslands and rocky hillsides—has the makings of a nice photo, but neither is what sets this lake in central Kenya apart. The real draw here is the mass of pink on Nakuru's edges. Flamingos are one of the few species that can withstand the lake's hostile conditions—the water has so much sodium carbonate that it burns nearly everything that touches it —and they flock to the lake en masse. There can be as many as a million birds feeding on algae in the shallows at one time, wading side by side.

Nearby: The lake is in the heart of Lake Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary for black-and-white rhinos, three hours by car from Nairobi.

An African buffalo wades along the shoreline of Kenya's Lake Nakuru. In the background, flamingos feed in the shallow lake.

Photo: Martin Harvey/Corbis

New Zealand

Lake Matheson

Alternately known as Mirror Lake, this South Island lake is famous for its reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Visiting just after dawn is ideal, when the water is at its calmest and mirror images are impossibly perfect. The lake itself is well worth exploring, too. Park near the Clearwater River suspension bridge and follow the 1-mile loop past kahikatea and rimu trees, which have extra-tall trunks and fanciful bushy tops and look like something from a Dr. Seuss book.

Nearby: Fox Glacier township, a village that serves as a base camp for trekkers, is three miles east of the lake.

Lake Matheson in New Zealand is also known as Mirror Lake—for good reason.

Photo: Hugh van Noorden/go_wild/Flickr

 

Slovenia

Lake Bled

Why not get to the good stuff right away? To take in this Slovenian lake's most breathtaking vista, head immediately to Bled Castle, at the edge of a sheer, 460-foot-high cliff. You'll see mountains in every direction—the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range—and below, the Alpine lake and its main attraction, Bled Island, a tiny forested circle that's home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption and its prominent baroque clock tower. Down on the lake's shore, board a pletna boat (similar to a gondola) to the island. Be sure to ring the church bell and make a wish before returning to the mainland. Mountains shield the water from icy northern winds, so Lake Bled is warm, relatively speaking (79 degrees Fahrenheit). If that's still too chilly, head to the lake's northern section, where three hotels have built pools around natural thermal springs.

Nearby: The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is an easy 35 miles away.

At Slovenia's Lake Bled, you'll see mountains in every direction, including the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range.

Photo: Walter Bibikow/JAI/Corbis

...the chess master to World Cup

Paragua books trip to World Cup (The Philippine Star) May 31, 2011

  

GM Mark Paragua| Zoom

MANILA, Philippines - Three-time Olympiad veteran GM Mark Paragua beat IM Wei Ming Goh of Singapore in the final round to finish second in the Asian Zone 3.3 Chess Championships and clinch the last berth in this year’s World Cup.

Paragua outwitted Goh in 35 moves of the Sicilian and wound up with 6.5 points in the nine-round tournament topped by Indonesian GM Susanto Megaranto at the Tagaytay International Convention Center in Tagaytay yesterday.

Paragua, 27, actually finished tied with top seed Zhang Zhong of Singapore and compatriot IM Richard Bitoon but took the second and last World Cup berth with a superior tiebreak score.

Megaranto downed GM Joey Antonio to emerge the solo champion with seven points in the event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with the Tagaytay City government.

Megaranto’s win over Antonio came exactly 12 hours after he stopped erstwhile leader GM Darwin Laylo in the penultimate round.

“I’m very happy to make it to the World Cup again. It’s been a long time since I last played there,” said Paragua, who earlier escaped with a hard-fought draw with Zhang in the eighth round.

Paragua made it to the 2004 World Cup in Tripoli, Libya, losing to GM Viktor Bologan of Moldova, 1.5-.5, Russia in the first round.

In 2006, he defeated GM Sergei Movsesian of Armenia, 1.5-.5, in the first round but lost to GM Alexei Dreev of Russia in the blitz playoffs, 6-5, in the second round.

Zhang foiled Laylo, while Bitoon crushed GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam for joint second.

Newly crowned Asian Youth 16-under gold medalist Jan Emmanuel Garcia settled for a draw with IM Nguyen Huyn Monh of Vietnam, while IM Rolando Nolte beat GM Cerdas Barus of Indonesia for joint fifth with six points.

Garcia also earned an outright IM title based on his exceptional showing.

The 16-year-old Ateneo student also won over Wei Ming Goh of Singapore in the eighth round.

In women’s play, WIM Beverly Mendoza drew with Hoang Thi Nhu of Vietnam to emerge as the highest-placed Filipina player at 11th with 5.5 points after the tiebreak.

Mendoza finished a full point behind top seed IM Li Ruofan of Singapore and WGM Hoang Thi Bao of Vietnam.

...the PH Chess capital

Tagaytay to represent country in Asian Cities Chess bash

 

 

04/20/2011

GMANews.tv

 

Former champion Tagaytay will be one the teams to watch when the 17th Asian Cities chess team championship comes off the wraps on Good Friday, April 22 at the Kartika Chandra Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Led by grandmasters Wesley So and Rogelio Antonio. Jr. , the Filipinos will seek the prestigious title which they first won during the 14th edition held in Manila in 2002.

Joining the multi-titled Tagaytay team are GMs John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo.

So, Antonio, Gomez and Laylo formed the Philippine team, which bagged the silver medal in the last Asian games in Guangzhou, China behind host China and ahead of such powerhouse Asian teams as India, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Uzbekistan.

The NCFP is supposed to send a second team composed of GM Mark Paragua, and IMs Richard Bitoon, Oliver Barbosa and Ronald Dableo, but backed out due to problems with the players’ travel documents.

In Jakarta, Tagaytay expects to figure prominently against defending champion Tehran, three-time winner Pavlodar and two-time titlist and host Jakarta.

Tehran, which will be bannered by Iran’s top GM Ehsan Ghaemmaghami, bagged the title in the 16th edition held in Beirut two years ago.

Three other Indonesian teams seeing action and they are Tarakan, Palembang and Pekanbaru.

The event is organized by Asian Chess Federation in cooperation with the Indonesia Youth and Sports Ministry, headed by Minister Andi Mallarangeng and Indonesia Chess Federation, led by president Hashim Djojohadikusumo. - RCJ, GMA News