In a stunning display of skill, determination, and resilience, eight-year-old Marius Constante emerged as the star of the 2025 Philippine Children’s Chess Championship, sweeping all his matches to capture his first-ever national title in the Under-8 Boys division.
The tournament was held from June 10 to 13, 2025, at Gmall of Cebu in Cebu City and followed a five-round Swiss System format, organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
Constante, an incoming Grade 3 pupil from Novaliches, Quezon City, entered the tournament as the top seed and lived up to expectations by delivering a flawless 5-0 record. His perfect score edged out second seed Zeus Mael Bernil, who finished with four points. Stefhen Anchita, Phil Rholand Templonuevo, Chezy Sage Knyckxon Tee, and Mikhail Paul Nathan Leyco tied for third to sixth places with 3.5 points each.
“I am very happy and super grateful to the Lord because He gave me this victory,” said Constante, who is coached by Arena Grandmaster Jose Rafael “Jojo” Legaspi and FIDE Master Noel Dela Cruz.
Constante’s path to the championship was impressive. He opened with a win over Kyle Ahmar Impas in Round 1, followed by victories against Franz Mikhael Demure, Phil Rholand Templonuevo, Magnus Mikhail Barba, and finally Stefhen Anchita in the deciding round.
His proud mother, Mary Ann Zabanal Constante, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the mentors who guided her son throughout his training.
“Thank you Sir Jose Rafael ‘Jojo’ Legaspi and Coach Noel Dela Cruz for providing utmost support to Marius. With their guidance and preparation, he was able to perform well in the tournaments,” she said.
Prior to his Cebu triumph, the young Constante finished eighth overall at the Metropolitan Chess Club Standard Chess Tournament, held over two days at Starmall Complex, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. There, he tallied 5.0 points from five wins and two losses in seven rounds, competing under the watch of former Olympian WNM Mila Emperado, who hosted the event.
