Milo Checkmate Chess Clinic and Sports Academy

ALL SYSTEMS GO! MCC 2nd Leg Standard 1800 Below Tournament is READY TO ROLL! ♟️

Get ready for an exciting weekend of competitive chess as the 2nd Leg of the MCC Standard 1800 Below Tournament officially reels off on May 16–17, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday) at the 3rd Floor, Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong City, from 10:00AM to 7:30PM.

This is your chance to test your skills, gain valuable tournament experience, and battle it out with the best rising players in the division!
📌 Registration Deadline EXTENDED until Friday, May 15!
⚠️ Due to limited entries, registration for UNRATED players is now CLOSED.

Early entries include:
Jonathan Dasig, Arnel Ellis, Ariel Doblon, Windale Tan, Travis Chua, Vincent Bryan Raagas, Gabriel Malabanan, Caleb Anthony Rosano, Charles Andrei de la Cruz, Yushua de Leon, Richande Arcenal, Crispin Matheo Quiambao, Romnick Pillos, Joel Palangdao and more!
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♟️ TOURNAMENT FORMAT
✅ 7-Round Swiss System
✅ FIDE Laws of Chess + MCC Rules apply
⏱ Time Control: 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment
⌛ Default time: 15 minutes running time after official start
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🏅 TIE-BREAK SYSTEM
1. Direct Encounter
2. Buchholz
3. Buchholz Cut-1
4. Buchholz Cut-2
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Number of Wins
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⚠️ PENALTIES
A. Illegal Moves
(Incorrect move, exposing king, king under check, capturing king, two hands, wrong promotion, pressing clock early, etc.)
📌 Penalties:
• 1st Offense – +2 minutes to opponent
• 2nd Offense – Loss of game
B. Infringements
(displacing pieces, forceful clock press, improper handling, non-recording, bullying, tapping, whistling, disturbing opponent)
📌 Penalties:
• 1st Offense – Oral warning
• 2nd Offense – +2 minutes to opponent
• 3rd Offense – Forfeiture of game
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📵 STRICT NO CELLPHONE POLICY
Use of mobile phones or electronic devices during a game is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Violation = automatic forfeiture.
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👥 SPECTATORS RULE
Non-players are not allowed inside the playing area. Players must leave the area after finishing their games and are not allowed to analyze inside the venue.
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🏛️ CHIEF ARBITER & APPEALS COMMITTEE
The MCC President, acting as Chief Arbiter, shall appoint the Chairman of Appeals. Appeals Committee consists of 3 members and 2 reserves from 5 different cities.
Appeals Procedure
Protest must be submitted in writing within 15 minutes after the relevant playing session.
Protest Fee: P2,000 (non-refundable)
Decision is final and binding.
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♟️ EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY
MCC chess clocks and chess sets are numbered based on board assignment. Players must ensure the safety of assigned set and clock.
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💰 CASH PRIZES, MEDALS & AWARDS
🏆 Champion – P7,000 + Gold Medal
🥈 Second – P4,000 + Silver Medal
🥉 Third – P2,500 + Bronze Medal
4th – P1,500 + Bronze Medal
5th – P1,500 + Bronze Medal
6th–10th – P1,200 each + Bronze Medal
🎖️ Top Category Performers – P800 each + Gold Medal
(minimum of 5 entries required per category)
Categories:
PWDs | Seniors (60+) | Adults (40–59) | Provisional Adults (21–39) | Juniors (20 & below male/female) | Kiddies (9–12) | Kiddies (8 & below)
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👔 DRESS CODE
Wear proper attire. Casual wear with long pants for men. No revealing attire please.
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📌 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• Organizer reserves the right to amend rules for the success of the event.
• Erring players may face disciplinary action and may be banned from future MCC events.
• Tournament officials’ decisions are final.
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🔥 CHESS IS BACK. THE CLOCK IS TICKING. THE BOARD IS READY.
Join us and prove that you belong among the strongest competitors of the MCC Standard 1800 Below division!
📍 May 16–17, 2026 | Starmall EDSA Shaw
♟️ Register now—slots are limited!
Prepared by:
WNM Milagros C. Emperado

International Master (IM) Chito Garma thrilled the Milo Checkmate Batch 3 enrollees as he took center stage in a simultaneous exhibition match during the program’s final evaluation held over the weekend at Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong City.

A two-time Olympian and the newly-crowned Philippine Seniors Chess Champion who recently dominated the tournament with an undefeated record, IM Garma once again displayed his mastery on the chessboard. In the first round of the simul, he posted an impressive 34 wins against only 2 losses. However, the young trainees proved they were not easily intimidated as Garma absorbed 14 losses in the second round of the one-day event organized by the Metropolitan Chess Center (MCC) and supported by MILO.

Leading the pack of giant-killers were six-year-olds John Castiel Dizon and Kai Aidem Santillano, who each scored double victories against the seasoned master. Also earning victories were Yushua de Leon, Alexavier Javin Orivida, Dwayne Tyrone Torres, Austin Trey Riguera, Alexander James Jose, Nathaniel Tamayo, Euries Xyriel Sorima, Eillene Myles Almanon, Chord Aidem Baguio, Ethan Dave Bass, Daniella Tamayo, Matthew Isaac Cases, and Yael Antonio Ramirez.

The highly-anticipated simul marked the culmination of the Milo Checkmate Batch 3 series, which aimed to assess the progress of the enrollees after completing an intensive two-week chess training program with lessons and training games.

Following the simul, the excitement continued as the young chessers competed in fun-filled rapid tournaments categorized by skill levels.

In the Intermediate 1 & 2 division, eight-year-old Alexavier Javin Orivida emerged champion with a flawless 5/5 score. Dwayne Tyrone Torres placed second with 4 wins and 1 loss, while Yushua de Leon secured third place with 3 points. Six-year-old Alonzo Posadas finished fourth with 2 wins, and Ma. Paula Tupas rounded out the top five.

In the Beginners divisions, the winners were as follows:
Beginners 2 – Group A:
1st – Austin Trey Riguera
2nd – Clay Hilary Gallo
3rd – Miguel Magsino
4th – John Castiel Dizon
5th – Kai Aidem Santillano
6th – Calvin Jame Laya

Beginners 2 – Group B:
1st – Nathaniel Tamayo
2nd – Eillene Myles Almanon
3rd – Michael Nathan Efondo
4th – Andrienette Chanel Jusay
5th – Alexander James Jose
6th – Zane Daniel Mateo

Beginners 2 – Group C:
1st – Kennon Ernest dela Cruz
2nd – Daniella Tamayo
3rd – Ethan Dave Bass
4th – Chord Aidem Baguio
5th – Euries Xyriel Sorima
6th – Cloud Daniel Leo Perdido

Beginners 1 – Group A:
1st – Euelle Xybell Sorima
2nd – Shekinah Denise dela Cruz
3rd – Eunice Francheska Olivares
4th – Zoe Aniah Bolo

Beginners 1 – Group B:
1st – Yael Antonio Ramirez
2nd – Matthew Isaac Cases
3rd – Emmanuel Ully Sorima
4th – Zachary Xavier Cunanan

All medalists received gold, silver, and bronze awards, with bronze given to third through sixth placers in each category. Special recognitions were also awarded, with six-year-old Alonzo Posadas named Most Improved Enrollee, while eight-year-old Austin Trey Riguera earned the Exemplary Display of Sportsmanship award. Both were presented with trophies for their outstanding performance.

Meanwhile, excitement continues to build as the Milo Checkmate Batch 4 Summer Series officially begins with respective opening day. Tomorrow, May 8, for Tuesdays and Fridays in BGC and Makati; May 9, for Wednesdays and Saturdays in Quezon City and Mandaluyong; and on May 10, for Thursdays and Sundays in Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Bacoor.

The coaching staff is led by WNM Mila Emperado, together with IM Ricky de Guzman, IM Mari Joseph Turqueza, FIDE Master Edgardo Garma, Candidate Master (CM) Queenie Reyes, and CM Eduardo Campos Jr.

Interested participants may enroll onsite or online. For inquiries, contact MCC at 0922-822-6319, message through its official Facebook fan page, send a Viber message, or email [email protected].

♟️🔥 Registration is NOW ONGOING for the
2nd leg MCC Fide -rated Standard! 🔥♟️

Get ready for another exciting weekend of serious competition as the 2nd Leg of the MCC Standard 1800 Below Training Games is now officially in full swing!
📅 May 16–17, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday)
🕙 10:10 AM – 7:30 PM
📍 3/F Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong City

Supported by MILO, the country’s No. 1 energy drink, this two-day chess showdown is open to all unrated and rated players, regardless of age or gender, as long as they have a valid NCFP ID and a FIDE Standard rating not exceeding 1799.

🏆💰 ₱35,000 TOTAL PRIZE POT! 💰🏆
Cash prizes, medals, and trophies are up for grabs—
with the Champion winning ₱7,000 + Champion Trophy + Gold Medal!
✨ Major cash prizes will be awarded up to 10th place, plus special consolation awards for top performers in the following categories:
🏅 PWDs
🏅 Seniors (60 & above)
🏅 Adults (40–59 yrs old)
🏅 Provisional Adult (21–39 yrs old)
🏅 Juniors (Male/Female – 20 yrs old & below)
🏅 Kiddies (9–12 yrs old)
🏅 Kiddies (8 yrs old & below)

📌 REGISTRATION DETAILS
✅ Online registration only (NO onsite registration will be accepted)
💵 Entry Fees:
• ₱400 – currently enrolled Milo Checkmate players
• ₱500 – non-enrollees
💳 Payment Options:
📍 GCash: 0922-822-6319
📍 BDO Acct #: 001480-1353-70
(Account Name: Milagros Emperado)

⏳ Deadlines:
📌 May 10 – Unrated players
📌 May 14 – Rated players

📩 How to Register:
Send the following details:
✔ Full Name
✔ Date of Birth
✔ Screenshot of proof of payment
✔ FIDE Standard Rating (if any)
Submit via:
📱 Viber / Messenger / Text
📧 Email: [email protected]
📌 FB Fan Page: Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics and Sports Academy
🌐 Download the pre-enrollment form at: mccchess.com
📌 For GCash payers, kindly send your reference number + date of payment via text to: 0922-822-6319

📞 The Rules and Regulations will be posted next week. For further, inquiries and concerns, contact:
Metropolitan Chess Center (MCC)
📱 0922-822-6319

♟️🔥 Train. Compete. Win.
Join now and prove your strength on the board—slots are limited!

♟️ MILO CHECKMATE SUMMER CLINICS UPDATES 2026 ♟️
Train. Improve. Compete. Shine this summer!
Get ready for an exciting season of chess learning and competitive fun as Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics continues its Summer Program with more training sessions, evaluations, and tournaments lined up for all aspiring chess champions!
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A. ON-GOING MILO CHECKMATE BATCH 3 CLINICS
Batch 3 summer chess clinics are currently on-going in the following venues:
📍 Trinoma, Quezon City
🗓 Wednesdays & Saturdays | ⏰ 9:00–11:15 AM
📍 3/F Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong
🗓 Wednesdays & Saturdays | ⏰ 2:00–4:15 PM
📍 BGC, Taguig
🗓 Tuesdays & Fridays | ⏰ 9:00–11:15 AM
📍 Sucat, Parañaque
🗓 Thursdays & Sundays | ⏰ 9:00–11:15 AM
📍 MCC HQ, Las Piñas
🗓 Thursdays & Sundays | ⏰ 2:00–4:15 PM
📍 New Molino, Bacoor
🗓 Thursdays & Sundays | ⏰ 2:00–4:15 PM
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B. FINAL EVALUATION – BATCH 3 SUMMER ENROLLEES
📅 May 02 (Saturday)
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 3/F Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong
All enrollees are required to:
✅ Wear their Milo Checkmate uniform
✅ Bring their own chess sets
✅ Bring notebooks and pens
Exciting Activities Include:
♟️ Simultaneous Exhibition Matches (Face-to-Face & Online)
👑 To be performed by an International Titled Player
🧠 Game Analysis & Coaching Feedback
📌 Enrollees’ games will be reviewed by two chess masters
⚡ Fun Competitive Games
♟️ Blitz and Rapid matches according to each level
🏅 Awards & Recognition
Winners in the simul matches, rapid/blitz games, and special citations will receive medals and trophies, proudly supported by MILO — the No. 1 champion energy drink in the country!
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C. BATCH 4 SUMMER OFFERINGS (May 07 – May 30)
The Batch 4 summer schedule of the Milo Checkmate year-round program begins on May 07 onwards, offering fresh training sessions across multiple locations:
📍 BGC, Taguig
🗓 Tuesdays & Fridays | ⏰ 9:00–11:15 AM
📍 Makati City
🗓 Tuesdays & Fridays | ⏰ 2:00–4:15 PM
📍 Trinoma, Quezon City
🗓 Wednesdays & Saturdays | ⏰ 9:00–11:15 AM
📍 3/F Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong
🗓 Wednesdays & Saturdays | ⏰ 2:00–4:15 PM
📍 Sucat, Parañaque
🗓 Thursdays & Sundays | ⏰ 9:00–11:15 AM
📍 MCC HQ, Las Piñas
🗓 Thursdays & Sundays | ⏰ 2:00–4:15 PM
📍 New Molino, Bacoor
🗓 Thursdays & Sundays | ⏰ 2:00–4:15 PM
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FOR MORE DETAILS
📞 Visit our website or contact MCC Organizer: 0922-822-6319
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UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS & TRAINING GAMES
♟️ 2nd Leg MCC FIDE-Rated Standard 1800 Below Tournament
📅 May 16–17
📍 Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong
♟️ MCC Standard 1800 Below Training Games – Provincial Tourneys
📍 Calapan, Mindoro – 📅 June 20–21
📍 Olongapo City – 📅 July 25–26
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🔥 This summer, level up your chess skills, face strong competition, and become part of the Milo Checkmate champion journey! ♟️🏆

♟️ MILO CHECKMATE CHESS CLINICS – SUMMER PROGRAM 2026 ♟️
Train Hard. Think Smart. Play Like a Champion!
This summer, take your chess skills to the next level with the Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics’ Summer Program 2026, starting April 14! Conducted twice a week, this intensive program is designed to maximize learning and improvement during the school break—perfect for young minds eager to grow in the game of chess.
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📍 VENUES & SCHEDULES
Tuesdays & Fridays
Apr. 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 & May 2
• BGC, Taguig – 09:00 - 11:15 AM
• Aurora Ave., Quezon City – 02:00 - 04:15 PM
• Makati – 02:00 - 04:15 PM
Wednesdays & Saturdays
Apr. 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 & May 2
• Trinoma, Quezon City – 09:00 - 11:15 AM
• Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong – 02:00 - 04:15 PM
Thursdays & Sundays
Apr. 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 & May 2
• Manila – 08:00 - 10:15 AM
• Sucat, Parañaque – 09:00 - 11:15 AM
• Las Piñas City – 02:00 - 04:15 PM
• Bacoor – 02:30 - 04:45 PM
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🌟 A PROGRAM BUILT FOR FUTURE CHAMPIONS
Patterned after the famous and former USSR chess development system, this training program aims to develop the chess talents of young children (ages 6 years old and above) into master-level strength through a formal, systematic, and proven teaching method.
Courses are available for:
✅ Beginner
✅ Intermediate
✅ Advanced
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👑 TRAIN WITH THE BEST
The coaching staff is headed by WNM Mila Emperado, together with an elite roster of top Filipino chess masters:
• IM Ricardo de Guzman
• IM Mari Joseph Turqueza
• IM Efren Bagamasbad
• FM Edgardo Garma
• CM Queenie Reyes
• CM Eduardo Campus Jr.
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🏆 36 YEARS OF PRODUCING CHAMPIONS
Now on its 36th year, and proudly supported by MILO, the Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics has produced some of the country’s finest chess legends, including:
⭐ SGM Wesley So
⭐ GM Mark Paragua
⭐ GM John Paul Gomez
⭐ GM Julio Sadorra
⭐ GM Ronald Dableo
…and many other distinguished International and National Masters, both male and female.
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📝 ENROLLMENT DETAILS
Enrollment may be done:
📌 Onsite at your chosen venue during the scheduled session dates and time slots
💻 Online - may download the pre-enrollment form at our website
📞 For further inquiries, contact Metropolitan Chess Center (MCC): 0922-822-6319

To all participants registered for the 2nd Leg of the MCC FIDE-Rated Standard 1800 Below Chess Tournament:

Good day.

We sincerely extend our deepest apologies for this unfortunate update. Due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control, we regret to inform you that the tournament scheduled on April 11–12, 2026 (10:15 AM–7:30 PM) at Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong will no longer be conducted as a FIDE-rated event.

The announced competition will still push through as scheduled, however, the event will instead be held as a non-rated tournament, open to all ages and genders, including both rated and unrated players, provided that the participant’s FIDE Standard rating does not exceed 1800.

In line with this change, the tournament will now be officially titled:
“1st MCC Standard 1800 Below Training Games.”

Please be assured that all previously announced rules and regulations, game schedules, cash prizes, consolation awards for eight categories, and medals will remain unchanged. The only adjustment is that the tournament will no longer be FIDE-rated under the revised format.

May we respectfully request each registered participant to confirm if this new tournament format is acceptable to you. Your kind understanding and continued support will be greatly appreciated.

Once again, we truly apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we sincerely hope you will still join us as we continue to promote competitive and meaningful chess games for all participants.

Thank you very much.
Mila Emperado

♟️ Get Ready for Battle! MCC FIDE-Rated Standard (U1800) Chess Tournament – 2nd Leg Starts on Saturday, April 11!

The chessboards are set, the clocks are ticking, and the excitement is building!

The 2nd Leg of the MCC FIDE-Rated Standard 1799 Below Chess Tournament officially reels off on Saturday, April 11, from 10:15 AM to 6:30 PM at Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong City.

This tournament is more than just competition—it is a proving ground for rising players, a test of discipline, and a chance to sharpen your skills in a true FIDE-rated environment. Play with courage, think with clarity, and fight for every move!
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📌 RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Eligibility
• Open to all players with FIDE Standard Rating below 1800, regardless of age or gender.
2. Starting Rank
• Based on the latest FIDE Standard Rating List.
3. Notation
• Recording moves in Algebraic Notation is mandatory throughout the game.
4. Draw Offer
• No draw offers before Black’s 30th move.
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🗓️ TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
April 11 (Saturday)
• 10:15 AM – Round 1
• 12:45 PM – Round 2
• 03:15 PM – Round 3
• 05:30 PM – Round 4
April 12 (Sunday)
• 10:15 AM – Round 5
• 12:45 PM – Round 6
• 03:15 PM – Round 7
• 06:00 PM – Awarding
• 07:00 PM – Winners’ and participants Photo Session
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📝 REGISTRATION DETAILS
A. Registration
• Online registration only.
• Download form at mccchess.com
or submit full entry details via Viber, Messenger, Text, or FB Page:
Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics and Sports Academy
B. Deadline
• Rated players: April 10 (tomorrow) before 12:00 noon
• Registration for unrated players is until today, April 09.
C. Entry Fee
• P400 – currently enrolled in Milo Checkmate Program
• P500 – non-enrollees
D. Payment Options
• GCash: 0922-822-6319
• BDO Account #: 001480-1353-70
• Account Name: Milagros Emperado
E. Proof of Payment
• Submit via Messenger/Viber/FB page.
• GCash reference number + date of payment may also be sent via text: 0922-822-6319
✅ No proof, No play.
F. Requirement
• Must have a valid NCFP ID and must be in good standing with MCC.
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♟️ TOURNAMENT FORMAT
• 7-round Swiss System
• FIDE Laws of Chess apply + MCC rules enforced
• Time control: 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment
• Defaulting time: 15 minutes after official start (running time)
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🏆 TIEBREAK SYSTEM
1. Direct Encounter (DE)
2. Buchholz (BH)
3. Buchholz Cut-1 (BH-C1)
4. Buchholz Cut-2 (BH-C2)
5. Sonneborn-Berger (SB)
6. Number of Wins (WIN) including forfeits
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⚠️ PENALTIES
Illegal Moves
Examples include:
• wrong piece movement
• exposing king to attack
• king remaining in check
• capturing opponent’s king
• using two hands
• non-replacement after pawn promotion
• pressing clock before moving
Penalties:
• 1st offense: +2 minutes to opponent
• 2nd offense: loss of game
Other Infractions
Displacing pieces, improper clock handling, non-recording of moves, disturbing acts, etc.
Penalties:
• 1st offense: oral warning
• 2nd offense: +2 minutes to opponent
• 3rd offense: forfeiture
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📵 MOBILE PHONE RULE
Use of mobile phones or electronic communication during the game is strictly prohibited.
Violation results in automatic forfeiture.
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👥 SPECTATORS
• Non-players are not allowed in the playing area.
• Players must leave the playing area after their games. No analysis inside.
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⚖️ CHIEF ARBITER & APPEALS
The MCC President (Chief Arbiter) appoints the Chairman of Appeals.
Appeals Committee: 3 members + 2 reserves representing five different cities.
Appeals Procedure
• Submit written protest within 15 minutes after the round/session.
• Protest fee: P1,000 (non-refundable)
• Decision is final and binding.
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⏱️ CHESS CLOCKS AND SETS
Clocks and sets are numbered based on designated board numbers.
Players assigned to the board are responsible for their safety.
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💰 CASH PRIZES & AWARDS
• Champion – P7,000 + Gold Medal
• 2nd Place – P4,000 + Silver Medal
• 3rd Place – P2,500 + Bronze Medal
• 4th Place – P1,500 + Bronze Medal
• 5th Place – P1,500 + Bronze Medal
• 6th–10th – P1,200 each + Bronze Medal
Top Category Performers
• P800 each + Gold Medal
(5 entries required per category)
Categories include:
• Seniors (60+)
• Adults (40–59)
• Provisional Adulthood (21–39)
• Juniors (20 and below, male/female)
• Kiddies (9–12)
• Kiddies (8 and below)

The medals are courtesy of the supporting Milo, the No. 1 champion’s energy drink in the country.
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👔 ATTIRE
Proper attire is required.
Casual wear with long pants for men.
No revealing attire.
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📌 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• Organizer may amend rules for the success of the event.
• Erring players may face disciplinary action and possible ban.
• Tournament officials’ decisions are final.
________________________________________
Prepared by:
WNM Milagros C. Emperado
Tournament Director
________________________________________
♟️ To all participants:
Play with discipline. Fight with honor. Learn from every game.
This is your moment to rise, improve, and make your mark in competitive chess!

Registration for the 2nd leg of MCC Fide-rated Standard 1799 below Chess Tournament is now in full swing. The event will reel off this coming weekend, April 11-12, at the Starmall Edsa Shaw in Mandaluyong.

Deadline is set on April 9. Unrated entries are limited and will be accepted until April 6 on a first come first served basis.

Registration is done online. No onsite registration. The fee is P500 and can pay through gcash 0922-822-6319 or BDO sa 001480-1353-70. Both accounts are under the name Milagros Emperado.

Full details – name, date of birth, screenshots of valid NCFP, payment receipt and FIDE Standard rating if any - can be submitted through viber, messenger or fb fan page: milo checkmate chess clinics and sports academy.

The two-day competition offers a total pot of P30,000 worth of cash prizes and medals with the champion getting the lion’s share of P7,000 plus trophy and a gold medal. Cash prizes are broken down to ten places.

Consolation award also awaits the top eight performers for the following categories: Persons with Disability (PWDs), seniors, adult, provisional adult, juniors (male and female), kiddies 12 & below and 8-year-old & below.

All winners will be awarded medals, courtesy of the supporting Milo, the country’s No. 1 energy drinks.

Early entries include Angelica Yang, Roda Ngo, Marie Antoinette Villacorta, Marcaeus Adrien Traviño, Eumir Isaac Galicia, Ariel Doblon, George Andrew Xu, Michael Allen Mendoza, Yushua de Leon, Lucas Sebastian Perez, Alexavier Javin Orivida, Richande Arcenal, Paul Macariola, Yñigo Panghulan, Dwayne Tyrone Torres, Matt Darcy Apostol, Mike David Apostol, and Utkarsh Ujjwal Jha from India.

For further inquiries, please call the organizer, Metropolitan Chess Center (MCC) at 0922-822-6319.

FIDE-Master (FM) Carlos Edgardo Garma delivered a thrilling test of grit and skill as he took on the young warriors of the 2026 Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics (Batch 2) in a simultaneous exhibition match held during the final evaluation at Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong.

Facing multiple boards at once, FM Garma played two rounds of simul, bravely battling wave after wave of determined clinic enrollees. Playing Black in Round 1, he posted eight (8) wins against eleven (11) losses. In Round 2, with the White pieces, Garma once again scored eight (8) victories but yielded eleven (11) losses, including a few games decided by time forfeiture—proof of how intense and fast-paced the battles were.

The simul became a true highlight of the day, with the young players showing confidence, sharp preparation, and fearless fighting spirit.

🏅 Gold Medal Winners in the Simultaneous Exhibition
Yushua de Leon, Drake de Leon, Alexavier Javin Orivida, Lucas Sebastian Perez, Dwayne Tyrone Torres, Maria Paula Tupas, Brent Kenzo Cruz, John Castiel Dizon, Kai Aiden Santillano, Yñigo Panghulan, Miguel Node Mari Yumol, Austin Trey Riguerra, Gaebrielle Dapon, and Daenielle Dapon.

The exhibition match served as the grand finale of the second batch of the Milo Checkmate program, a one-day event organized by the Metropolitan Chess Center (MCC) and supported by Milo, the country’s No. 1 energy drink.

After the simul, the students gained even deeper learning as they reviewed their games with International Masters IM Ricardo de Guzman and IM Mari Joseph Turqueza, who provided valuable analysis, insights, and lessons straight from elite-level chess.

⭐ Competition Results by Level
Intermediate Section
Nine-year-old Alexavier Javin Orivida dominated the Intermediate category, scoring a flawless 5 wins in 5 games after six rounds of play. Tied for 2nd to 4th places with three (3) points each were Yushua de Leon, Lucas Sebastian Perez, and Dwayne Tyrone Torres.
Drake de Leon placed 5th, while Maria Paula Tupas finished 6th.

Beginner Section Results
Group A
Kai Aiden Santillano – Champion; John Castiel Dizon – 2nd Place; Brent Kenzo Cruz – 3rd Place
Group B
Geyra Cruz – Champion; John Reign Tayoto – 2nd Place; Austin Trey Riguerra – 3rd Place
Group C
Naethaiel Louis – Champion; Yñigo Panghulan – 2nd Place;
Group D
Gaebrielle Dapon – Champion; Miguel Yumol; 2nd Place; Ezra de Guzman; 3rd Place Daenielle Dapon – 4th Place
All winners proudly received medals courtesy of Milo, celebrating not only their victories but also their commitment and improvement throughout the clinic.

🌞 Milo Checkmate Summer Offerings
The Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics will continue this summer starting with the following venues: Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Las Piñas, BGC, Manila, and Bacoor.
For details, please contact 0922-822-6319.

MCC FIDE-Rated Standard Tournament (1799 Below)
Meanwhile, chess enthusiasts are encouraged to join the 2nd MCC FIDE-rated Standard 1799 Below Tournament, with registration deadlines set on:
📌 April 5 – for unrated players and 📌 April 9 – for rated players. Registration is done online.
With a total prize pot of ₱30,000, the champion will receive ₱7,000 cash prize plus a gold medal, with cash prizes awarded up to 10th place.
Special consolation awards also await the Best Performer in eight categories: PWDs, seniors, adults (40–59), provisional adults (21–39), juniors male & female (13–20), kiddies (9–12), and 8 years old and below.
For inquiries, contact MCC at 0922-822-6319.

Milo Checkmate continues to prove that champions are not born—they are trained, tested, and inspired one move at a time.

The final evaluation for Batch 2 of the Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics happens on Sunday, March 29, from 10:00am to 4:30pm at the 3rd Floor, Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong City.

Organized by the Metropolitan Chess Center and proudly supported by MILO, this exciting one-day event brings together all enrollees from the three Metro Manila clinic venues for a grand culminating activity. It aims to assess the progress and performance of each participant after completing six weekends of structured lessons and practice games—marking a major milestone in their chess development journey.

Participants can look forward to an action-packed program featuring a Simultaneous Exhibition Match led by FIDE Master (FM) Edgardo Garma, followed by insightful game analysis sessions to be conducted by International Masters IM Ricky de Guzman and IM Mari Joseph Turqueza. The day will conclude with an exciting competition where players will battle it out within their respective levels.

Awaiting the winners in both the simul and the competition are medals courtesy of MILO, the country’s No. 1 energy drink—rewarding not only victory, but hard work, discipline, and determination.

Meanwhile, the Milo Checkmate Year-Round Program continues!
The Summer Offerings will begin on April 14 and will be held in the following areas: Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, BGC, Manila, and Bacoor.

Enrollment is open and can be done onsite at your chosen venue or online. For further inquiries, please contact MCC at 0922-822-6319.

Train. Compete. Improve.
Join the Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics—where future champions are made! ♟️

Get ready for another electrifying battle over the board!

The 2nd leg of the MCC FIDE-Rated Standard 1799 Below Chess Tournament fires off on April 11–12 (10:10 AM – 7:30 PM) at the Starmall EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong City—and it promises two days of pure strategy, intensity, and thrilling finishes.

Open to all untitled players—rated or unrated, of any age and gender, this tournament will follow a 7-round Swiss System with a fast-paced 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment time control—where every move counts and every second matters.

Organized by the Metropolitan Chess Center (MCC), the event boasts a ₱30,000 prize pool, with the champion claiming a commanding ₱7,000 top prize. Cash prizes extend to the Top 10 finishers, while special category awards await standout performers among:
• PWDs
• Seniors (60 & above)
• Adults (40–59)
• Provisional Adults (21–39)
• Juniors (20 & below, boys & girls)
• Kiddies (9–12)
• Kiddies (8 & below)
Adding to the excitement, medals are proudly sponsored by MILO, the Philippines’ No. 1 energy drink—fueling champions to victory!
Entry Fees:
• ₱400 – currently enrolled Milo Checkmate program
• ₱500 – others
Payments may be made via:
• GCash: 0922-822-6319
• BDO: 001480-1353-70 (Milagros Emperado)

Registration is strictly ONLINE ONLY.
Deadline: April 8
⚠️ Unrated players are strongly encouraged to register early—slots are limited and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. No onsite registration will be allowed.

To register, download the form at mccchess.com or submit the following details:
• Full Name & Date of Birth
• NCFP ID (screenshot)
• Proof of Payment
• FIDE Rating (if any) & FIDE ID
Send via Viber, Messenger, text, or through the FB page: Milo Checkmate Chess Clinics and Sports Academy.
Include your GCash reference number and payment date when submitting.

For inquiries, contact: 0922-822-6319
♟️ Sharpen your skills. Test your courage. Claim your place among the best.
The board is set—are you ready to make your move?