Las Piñas Chess Club Inc.

Dear Chess Lovers,

I am proud to announce that, together with the Philippine Chess Federation, we are launching the WR Bughouse Championship.

Many of you know that over the past years I have organized private high-level bughouse events. What started as a niche format has grown into something much bigger.

Now, we are taking it to the global stage. In June, we will officially launch this major championship together with our partners in the Philippines. After the WR Chess Masters, this will become our second flagship event in bughouse - a format that is rapidly gaining popularity, especially across Asia.

At the same time, this is part of a bigger vision. I want to develop chess further - to open new formats, reach new audiences, and bring new energy into the game. Chess must not only be respected. It must also be enjoyed.

Bughouse represents exactly that: speed, creativity, teamwork, and pure emotion. It brings people together and shows a dynamic, accessible side of chess. This is not just about competition. It is about bringing more fun into chess, without losing its depth.

The WR Chess Team will participate with Hikaru Nakamura and myself.

1. We are setting a $100,000 prize fund, with $50,000 for first place
2. Participation is limited to 100 teams only
3. Registration will open soon - first come, first served

We expect strong international interest, so early registration is strongly recommended.

Format & Rules:

We will play under the classical rules of bughouse:

* No checkmate allowed using dropped pieces
* Unique promotion rule: a promoted pawn allows you to take any piece from the partner’s opponent’s board
* Captured pieces are transferred between partners
* Fast-paced format: 5+0 time control

Tournament structure:

* Day 1: 12 rounds
* Day 2: Knockout stage with the Top 8 teams, best of 2 games per match

This event will not be broadcast, as there is currently no platform that fully supports this format at the level we require. For now, this will be pure over-the-board competition - fast, direct, and uncompromising.

If anyone believes they can change this - or provide a solution that meets our standards - let me know.

I would like to sincerely thank the Philippine Chess Federation for making this event possible.

We welcome players from all over the world.

And one more thing - Hikaru and I have not lost a single game together.

Source:

Checkmate your boredom and prepare for the ultimate battle of wits!
The Mind Masters Cup: Rapid Chess Tournament is officially moving into position, and we want YOU to be part of the strategy. Whether you're a rising prodigy or a seasoned grandmaster-in-the-making, it’s time to show us your best opening!
We are incredibly excited to announce that this tournament is held in partnership with JCI Senate Lipa and is a proud part of the Lipa City Foundation Day celebrations! Come for the competition, stay for the festivities, and let's celebrate our city’s spirit through the game of kings.
SAVE THE DATE
When: June 20, 2026
Where: Lasca, Brgy. Dagatan, Lipa City
The Vibe: "Where Great Minds Make Their Move"
READY TO PLAY?
Watch brilliance unfold as GM Darwin Laylo, GM Daniel Quizon, and GM Joey Antonio bring world-class strategy to the board.”
Scan the QR codes in the posters to register for your division.

Under 16 Rapid Division Entry Fee:
Early Bird Fee until May 20 : P450.00
May 21 to June 15 : P500.00
June 16 to June 18 : P550.00
June 19 to June 20 until 10:00am : P600.00

Under 3v3 Open Rapid Division
Early Bird Fee until May 20 : P2700.00
May 21 to June 10: P3000.00
June 11 to June 18 : P3500.00
June 19 to June 20 until 10:00am : P4000.00

Secure your slot and join us in celebrating Lipa City!
Whether you're playing for the glory or just the love of the game, we'll see you across the board!

For inquiries, please contact Golena Reyes through messenger or
@ Ryan Templo Dimayuga 09386975522
Under 16 Rapid Division Rules:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nPsIyrBxLtWLCW3lKSxQe8FbPt9JvSzA/view?usp=drivesdk

3v3 Team Rapid Division Rules:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nPsIyrBxLtWLCW3lKSxQe8FbPt9JvSzA/view?usp=drive_link

Checkmate your boredom and prepare for the ultimate battle of wits! ♟️🔥

The Mind Masters Cup: Rapid Chess Tournament is officially moving into position, and we want YOU to be part of the strategy. Whether you're a rising prodigy or a seasoned grandmaster-in-the-making, it’s time to show us your best opening!

We are incredibly excited to announce that this tournament is held in partnership with JCI Senate Lipa and is a proud part of the Lipa City Foundation Day celebrations! Come for the competition, stay for the festivities, and let's celebrate our city’s spirit through the game of kings.

📅 SAVE THE DATE
When: June 20, 2026

Where: Lasca, Brgy. Dagatan, Lipa City

The Vibe: "Where Great Minds Make Their Move"

📲 READY TO PLAY?
Don't get left in time trouble!

Scan the QR codes in the posters to register for your division.

Secure your slot and join us in celebrating Lipa City!

Whether you're playing for the glory or just the love of the game, we'll see you across the board! 👑

Manny vs Ali
Alireza Firouzja is in the House mga Tol.

Registration
Registration is open until February 15, 2026
On-site registration is not available
Registration link: http://pacmanchessmaster.com/

Tournament Regulations
For full rules and regulations, please review the official document:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13HynVRKQ-zLbBgvZDAF1keJQR5OD91Ul/view

Contact Information
Orly Ortega — 0967 978 5473
Diovic Nalam — 0936 746 0728
Jeck Barrera Selidio — 0910 057 7775
Johnnel P. Balquin — 0935 312 7614

May your coffee stay hot, your clock stay ahead, and every pawn you push lead to a promotion. Have a grandmaster-level Christmas!

Rest in Peace Sir Toti🙏🙏🙏

From FIDE--
With profound sadness, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Asian Chess Federation mourn the passing of Casto Abundo, Executive Director of the Asian Chess Federation. His departure follows an exceptional career dedicated to the service of chess at both the continental and international levels.

Casto Abundo was a model of professional integrity, administrative excellence, and visionary leadership. He played a pivotal role in strengthening the Federation’s institutional framework, and his initiatives and pioneering contributions have left an enduring legacy for the development of Asian chess—one that will continue to guide future generations.

His passing represents a great loss to the Asian and global chess community. He was renowned for his outstanding leadership and remarkable ability to build bridges of cooperation among national federations, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation extend their heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to his family, colleagues, and loved ones. His profound professional and human legacy will remain deeply cherished in memory and will continue to inspire our path forward.

Congratulations to the Philippines newest International Master, IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca.

https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fasianchess.com%2Fnews%2F2nd-jci-senate-lipa-lipa-foundation-day-chess-festival%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7PBZQU1vY1vmFEjIf7wuMsr-Fc9tVF7zb8wUbZvCycJkdwll_P27xsdFDBWg_aem_fPaHfVrL9HoFiuEomwK-Nw&h=AT1UMg8mait-eTn2TCmkPV2Edt0G7IWM0ASVMzi5MClhIY5MLGgp3ExlgEa9UKalj4mgzHbHn5NhGHFXMvgKL-UwJzNez9GqiwdUZTN3_oVGkg_VtdXMXbu0EfljCjYV5nl-wto_Wcq3yA

2nd (JCI Senate Lipa) Lipa Foundation Day Chess Festival – Asian Chess JCI Senate Lipa is proud and excited to welcome you back for another thrilling chess experience! Building on the fantastic success of our inaugural event, we invite the chess community to join us for the 2nd (JCI Senate Lipa) “Lipa Foundation Day Chess Festival” chess festivities, held once agai...

2nd Lipa Foundation Chess Festival Set for June 14-15 at LASCA
Chess enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the 2nd Lipa Foundation Chess Festival, which will take place on June 14-15 at the Lipa Academy for Sports, Culture, and the Arts (LASCA). Proudly sponsored by JCI Senate Lipa, this prestigious tournament has become a major highlight in the local chess scene, especially for its highly competitive 3v3 team tournament, which has drawn some of the best players in the country.
Building on the resounding success of last year’s event—which attracted 44 chess masters and a total of 114 teams—this year’s festival promises to be even bigger and more exciting. Players can look forward to three thrilling events:
✅ Three-Member Team Tournament – The much-anticipated signature event that has gained a strong following.
✅ Open Individual Tournament – An inclusive competition for chess players of all skill levels.
✅ Under-14 Category – A special division aimed at nurturing young chess prodigies.
The tournament will be held at LASCA, a modern, fully air-conditioned venue that can accommodate over 1,000 players, ensuring a comfortable and highly competitive atmosphere.
This year’s festival is made possible through the leadership of Mr. Gary Malabanan, who has taken the initiative to spearhead the event’s organization. Special appreciation is also extended to Mayor Eric Africa for his unwavering support in promoting chess and youth development in Lipa.
The Lipa Foundation Chess Festival was first envisioned by Engineer Roger Reyes, who launched the inaugural edition last year with the goal of making it an annual tradition. Thanks to his vision and the continuous support of the chess community, the tournament is now on its way to becoming one of the most prestigious chess events in the region—with hopes of expanding to an international level in the near future.
Mark your calendars and prepare for an intense and thrilling chess battle! See you at LASCA on June 14-15!
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