By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Woman International Master (WIM) Jan Jodilyn Fronda banners an elite cast that will see action in the Queen of the North chess tournament from Dec. 17 to 23 at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
A multiple national open champion, Fronda looms as the overwhelming favorite although she’s not taking her chances against equally talented players and promising talents.
Tipped to give her stiff opposition are fellow national team members Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia, Woman National Master Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian and WFM Samantha Glo Revita.
Young guns include Mecel Angela Gadut, Bea Mendoza, Merlene Membrere, Regyne Palaming, Kate Ordizo, Precious Ferrer, Maycydel Fajardo and Jallen Agra.
Female players competing will be coming from Regions 1, 2 and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).
The event, hosted by Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, in cooperation with the UP Vanguard, Inc., National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by its Chairman/President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., and the Philippine Sports Commission, offers total prizes of P400,000 with the champion getting the lion share of P100,000.
Tournament director is Aldwin Galapon (Chairman Homecoming Committee UP Vanguard Jubilarian Class of 99) assisted by International Master Ronald Bancod, while Chief arbiter is International Arbiter Ricky Navalta assisted by National Arbiter Elizsa Gayle Cafirma.
