The 8th Speed-Chess IIEE-Bayanihan Knockout Armageddon Tournament (SIKAT) is set to take place in Pakil, Laguna on Nov. 9, 2024.
This exciting event is organized by 2020 IIEE National President Rod Pecolera, whose roots are deeply tied to the town.
Pecolera aims to share his passion for chess and engineering services with the local community, stating, “Chess is the right direction for the youth and commoners in the community of Pakil.”
The SIKAT tournament has a history of prestigious champions, including FIDE Masters Noel Dela Cruz and Christian Gian Karlo Arca, National Masters Marlon Bernardino and Kevin Arquero, and Sherwin Tiu.
These champions, along with the runner-ups from previous editions, will face off once again in the Armageddon Battle of Champions (ABC) during the Philippine Sports Expo, to be held from November 28-30, 2024, at SMX MOA, in conjunction with the 49th IIEE National Convention.
As part of the event, a 20-board simultaneous chess exhibition will feature Grandmaster Daniel Quizon, alongside U.S. National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr., recent champion of the Laos tournament.
Adding to the excitement, actor Jao Mapa will play a one-on-one chess match against Pecolera, also known as “Direk Rowell” for his resemblance to actor Rowell Santiago.
In other chess news, during the 2nd conference of Season 4 of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), the IIEE-PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe secured a 12-9 victory over Arriba Iriga. The Simba’s Tribe lineup included National Masters Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. and Nicomedes Alisangco, along with players Jellie Ann Magro, Danilo Ponay, Norman Madriaga, and twin brothers Francis and Freddie Talaboc.
