The Philippine chess community is abuzz with excitement as the country’s top players gear up to showcase their skills in the highly anticipated Danilo Jorda FIDE-rated Open Rapid tournament. Set to kick off on February 25 at the Arton Strip Rockwell Mall on Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, this prestigious event promises intense competition and thrilling matches.

Leading the pack is the legendary Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., a 13-time Philippine Open champion whose expertise and experience make him a formidable contender on the chessboard. Alongside GM Antonio, a stellar lineup of chess luminaries will vie for supremacy in the rapid format tournament.

Among the notable participants are defending Asian Senior champion International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, IM Barlo Nadera, IM Hamed Nouri, IM Angelo Young, FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri, FIDE Master Adrian Ros Pacis, FIDE Master Noel Dela Cruz, Woman FIDE Master Allaney Jia Doroy, and a host of National Masters including Jose Aquino Jr., Romeo Alcodia, Edmundo Gatus, Michael Gotel, Lorenzo Aaron Cantela, and Oscar Joseph Cantela.

Adding to the excitement, Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre will grace the event as the guest of honor during the opening ceremony. His presence serves as a testament to the significance of the tournament within the global chess community.

The event, held in cooperation with the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) and the Bayanihan Chess Club (BCC), aims to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among chess enthusiasts while providing a platform for players to test their skills against elite competition.

During the opening ceremony, attendees can look forward to inspiring messages from notable figures including Danilo Jorda, a prominent chess player based in Carson City, California; Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera, legal counsel of the Bayanihan Chess Club; and Allan Anthony Alvarez, past president of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines.