Wednesday, March 4, 2009
First-day Videos
Three rounds were played on the first day, while the final four rounds will be played on March 6 (Friday) starting at 2 pm.
Player's Meeting just before the start of round 1.
Start of round 1. Featured game: FM Antonio Molina Sr. (white) vs. Danny Ambing on board 1.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
48 players vie for top prizes (updated with round 4 pairings)

A total of 48 players from the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Iran, Nepal and New Zealand are now competing in the 2nd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament, organised by the Filipino Chess Players League and presented by the Philippine Home Development Mutual Fund, or more popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund, in cooperation with Reef Mall. The final four rounds of the tournament will be held on Friday (March 6, 2009) also at Reef Mall starting at 2 pm.
Marvin Marcos scored a big upset win with the black pieces over Filipino compatriot and top-seeded Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr. in the third round on Friday to grab a share of the lead with three others.
Marcos succeeded in launching a fatal kingside attack with his queen and rooks to score the full point and remain unbeaten with three points. Also in the lead with perfect slates are Rolenson Loyola, who defeated Rocky Pabalan in the third round, Rey Joy Bartolay, who outplayed Marcelo Payoket, and Gilbert Taopa, who beat Carlos Villarias.
Erstwhile co-leaders Santhosh P and Johnny P, both of India, dropped to joint second place with 2.5 points each after the two players drew their third-round encounter. Also with 2.5 points are Filipino Larry Dolor and Pakistan’s Mohammad Zhamir.
Please find below: list of participants, standings after round three, and pairings/results for rounds 1, 2, 3 and 4.
List of participants (click to enlarge)

Standings after Round 3 (click to enlarge)

Pairings/Results
Round 4 (click to enlarge)

Round 3 (click to enlarge)

Round 2 (click to enlarge)

Round 1 (click to enlarge)

Photos, videos and other updates coming up shortly....
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Pag-IBIG Fund to set up satellite office during tournament
This will thus be an excellent opportunity for chess players and non-competitors alike, particularly those who are planning to pursue housing projects in the Philippines, to explore their options.
Pag-IBIG Fund also set up a similar booth during last year's inaugural Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament, during which the Pag-IBIG Fund staff entertained a large number of OFWs who signed up for membership.
The 2nd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament will be held on two successive Fridays (February 27 and March 6, 2009) at Reef Mall in Dubai, from 2 pm onwards. Open to all Pinoy expats and other nationalities, the tournament will award cash prizes to the top 10 players and to special category winners.
The tournament is still open for registration. For particulars, contact:
Jobannie (050-4674887), Willy (050-4263862), Tony (056-6047010)
Or visit the tournament website:
http://pagibigchess.blogspot.com/
Complete details about the tournament may also be found here.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Invitation to join 2nd Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament
It's all systems go for the 2nd Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament. Mr. Gerry Lababo, the Pag-IBIG Fund Representative to the UAE, said that Pag-IBIG Fund senior executives in Manila were impressed with the success of the inaugural event last year, paving the way for the much anticipated second edition.
The tournament, organised by the Filipino Chess Players League-UAE, will be held on two successive Fridays (February 27 and March 6, 2009) at Reef Mall in Dubai and is open to all chess enthusiasts in the UAE.
Concurrently, FCPL announced that the annual FCPL general assembly and election will be held on March 6, prior to the start of the games on the tournament's final play date. Filipino expat chess enthusiasts are urged to attend the election as attendees will be given special privileges and will have a chance to win special prizes during the awarding ceremony.
Pertinent details regarding the tournament (prizes, registration fees, schedule etc) are found below or view a printable version here.
Invitation to the 2nd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament
Reef Mall,
February 27 and March 6, 2009
I. INVITATION
The Filipino Chess Players League (FCPL)-UAE and Pag-IBIG Fund, in cooperation with Reef Mall, are pleased to invite all Filipino chess players in the UAE to the 2nd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament, which will be held at Reef Mall in
The top 10 finishers along with different category winners will receive cash prizes. Trophies and medals will also be given away to the top three winners.
Concurrently, the FCPL annual assembly and elections will also be held during the event.
Please see below complete schedule.
II. ORGANISER
The 2nd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament is organized by the Filipino Chess Players League (FCPL)-UAE.
III. SCHEDULE
2nd Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament
| Date | Day | Time | Round | Event |
| February 27 | Friday | 2:30 pm | | Briefing / Opening Ceremony |
| February 27 | Friday | 3 pm | 1st | |
| February 27 | Friday | 4 pm | 2nd | |
| February 27 | Friday | 5 pm | 3rd | |
| February 27 | Friday | 6 pm | 4th | |
| March 6 | Friday | 2 pm | | FCPL Election |
| March 6 | Friday | 3 pm | 5th | |
| March 6 | Friday | 4 pm | 6th | |
| March 6 | Friday | 5 pm | 7th | |
| March 6 | Friday | 7 pm | | Awarding ceremony / Induction of new FCPL officer |
IV. VENUE
The tournament will be held at the lobby of Reef Mall in
V. PARTICIPATION
The tournament is open to all Filipino expats in the UAE and to other nationalities.
VI. TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS
Tournament will follow the Fide Rules and the rules and regulations stipulated in this invitation.
Tournament Format: 7 Rounds, Swiss System.
Time Control: 20 minutes plus additional 5 seconds per move from move one.
Tie Breaks System: The tie break system will apply for cash prizes and trophies.
a) The result of their particular game, if applicable.
b) Bucholz
c) Median Bucholz
d) Progressive
e) Drawing of lots
VII. PRIZES
Top 10
Guaranteed cash prizes will be given to the top 10 players, including Dh750 for the tournament champion. Players eligible for multiple cash prizes may only claim the prize with higher value.
Champion will receive trophy, while runners-up will bring home medals.
Special Prizes
Filipino players who will participate in the elections to be held before the start of the games on March 6 are eligible for the special rating category prizes (based on FCPL standard rating).
Top Under 1900
Top Under 1800
Top Unrated
VII. REGISTRATION
Registration fee: Dh50
VIII. CONTACT DETAILS
Website: http://pagibigchess.blogspot.com
Email: fcpldubai@gmail.com
Phone: Jobannie (050-4674887), Willy (050-4263862), Tony (056-6047010)