The cool breeze over the Manila skyline on that Sunday afternoon was in contrast with the intense race of top chess players for the championship titles in the last three rounds of the Shell Active Chess. In round 7 of the 9-round chess, championship, Karl Victor Ochoa of Bulacan State University and Jan Emmanuel Garcia of San Beda College were leading in the Juniors and Kiddies divisions respectively that ultimately led them to a triumphant finish. Ochoa won with 7.5 points and 47.5 Bucholz to bring home Php 30,000.00 cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate while Garcia finished with 6.5 points and 50.0 Bucholz to win the Kiddies championship title, Php 20,000.00, a trophy, and a certificate. 
Fifteen-year old Ochoa fiercely played the games beating his opponents to clinch the championship. “I really prepared for the Grand Finals. I have been practicing chess on the computer. There were times that I beat the computer,” which Ochoa said coyly. He won first place last year in the Kiddies division. “Even though I did not win the championship title last year, I am so happy for winning the championship title in the Juniors Division this year.” After the grueling 9-round games in the Juniors division, Eugene Pimentel of the University of the East won first place with 6.5 points and 49.5 Bucholz while Gilly Jay Maximo of PMI Colleges (Manila) settled for second place with a score of 6.5 points and 44.0 Bucholz. Pimentel won Php 20,000.00, a trophy, and a certificate while Maximo won Php 15,000.00, a trophy, and a certificate. In the Kiddies division, Haridas Pascua of Philippine Christian University scored 6.5 points and 46.0 Bucholz to win first place with Php 15,000.00 cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate. Jerich Cajeras of Escalante Central Elementary School (Negros Occidental) settled for second place with Php 10,000.00 cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate.  
Photo shows (left) top three winners in the Kiddies division and Juniors division (right) with OP External Affairs North Cluster Manager Roberto Kanapi (extreme left), Congressman Matias Defensor (middle) and GM Eugene Torre (extreme right).
Asia’s first grand master Eugene Torre and Honorable Matias Defensor, 3rd District of Quezon City Representative and current chairman of National Chess Federation of the Philippines, graced the awarding ceremonies. In his speech, Torre praised Shell for supporting youth development through chess. “Shell is a super grand master because years before active chess was recognised in the country, Shell has already been supporting this game for the youth. The result was astounding with many Filipino youth coming from the Shell Active Chess who were strong contenders in international meets and had achieved chess titles.” He also shared with the audience the benefits of playing chess. “Chess is very popular nowadays. It keeps the youth away from drugs and it also develops character. Most of all, it teaches our youth the value of discipline.” Torre also saluted the parents for giving support to their children to play chess. “Whenever I attend a competition like this, I remember my father who gave me full support to play chess. On that, I would like to thank all the parents who have been supporting their children to develop their chess skills by encouraging them to participate in activities like the Shell Active Chess.” To underscore the many benefits of chess, Hon. Matias Defensor said: “Ang active chess ang magiging hagdanan ng ating bayan, not only for sports development but for moral transformation as well.” He cited the impeccable record of chess players from the Philippines who conquered international chess competitions. “Our country’s records in chess cannot ever be matched in the whole of Asia. I am glad to see that our international masters have maintained their prominence in the chess arena and keep up to the challenges.” Lastly, he thanked Shell for conducting youth programs such as the Shell Active Chess. “Salamat at nandito ang Shell Active Chess na tumutulong paghusayin ang potensyal ng ating mga kabataan sa larangan ng chess. Ang palarong ito ang nagsusulong sa pag-angat ng ating mga kabataang Pinoy. Maraming salamat sa Shell!” Welcoming Torre and Honorable Defensor to the awarding ceremonies were Pilipinas Shell General Manager for External Affairs Roberto Kanapi and Business and Corporate Communications Manager John Arnaldo who also served as host of the event. The two-day grand finals of the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship was held on October 21-22, 2006 at the Entertainment Plaza of SM City North EDSA. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
| 
