Filipino and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. is set to compete in two major international tournaments — the Penang Chess Festival in Malaysia and the Bois-Colombes Chess Master International in France — as he continues to chase higher world rankings and bring honor to the Philippines.
Bernardino, accompanied by his playing coach, Atty. Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera, who is also an Executive Chess Champion, will first see action in the Penang Chess Festival scheduled from December 18 to 23, 2025, in Penang, Malaysia.
The 48-year-old chess veteran — also known for his work as a sportswriter and radio commentator — aims to improve on his 7th overall finish in last year’s edition of the tournament.
After Malaysia, Bernardino will represent the Philippines in the XXII Bois-Colombes Chess Master International Tournament, to be held at the Complexe Sportif Smirlian in Bois-Colombes, France, from December 26 to 30, 2025.
His overseas campaigns are made possible through the support of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Director Imelda Arcilla Papin, ALC Group of Companies Chairman and CEO D. Edgard Cabangon, Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Aguilar-Abalos, Congresswoman Alexandria “Queenie” Pahati-Gonzales, sportsman Marlon Manalo, and Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera.
“I hope to do well in these events in Malaysia and France,” said Bernardino, expressing optimism about his upcoming stints.
Bernardino heads to the international stage fresh from his victory at the Moonroast Coffee Rapid Open Chess Tournament held last Sunday in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.
He also captured the 2024 Laos International Chess Open title held at the Parkson Naga Mall in Vientiane City, Laos, further cementing his reputation as one of the Philippines’ most consistent chess masters.
A product of Rizal Technological University, Bernardino was once the top player for Barangay Malamig and represented the RTU chess team during his college years in the mid-1990s.
