The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Chocolate Hills chapter held a successful chess tournament for a cause on Friday, September 1, 2023, at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City. The event, dubbed as “Battle of the Brains”, attracted more than 50 participants from different schools and communities in Bohol.
The tournament was divided into two categories: seniors and juniors. The seniors category was open to players aged 18 and above, while the juniors category was for players aged 17 and below. The winners of each category received trophies, medals, and cash prizes.
The champion of the seniors category was Norman Longjas, a college student from Holy Name University. He defeated Glicerion Pardillo Jr., a high school teacher from Tagbilaran City National High School, in the final round. The third place went to Elmer Sumngat, a chess coach from Panglao Island.
The champion of the juniors category was Francis Martin Micabalo, a grade 10 student from Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School. He beat James Ian Vega, a grade 9 student from Bohol Wisdom School, in the final round. The third place went to Reishi Boy Polan, a grade 8 student from Ubay National Science High School.
The organizers of the event expressed their gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters who made the chess tournament possible. They said that the event was not only a showcase of chess skills and talents, but also a way of raising funds for their community projects.
JCI Chocolate Hills is a non-profit organization that aims to create positive change in Bohol through leadership development and social responsibility. Some of their projects include feeding programs, medical missions, environmental campaigns, and youth empowerment.
The organization also announced that they will hold another chess tournament next year, with the hope of attracting more players and supporters for their cause.