Bombi Aznar, Cebu Sports Hall of Famer, passes away

CEBU, Philippines - Matias "Bombi" Aznar III, a highly esteemed educator, philantophist and sportsman who once served as team captain of the so-called "Dream Team" of RP chess, passed away last Saturday due to old age. He was 81.

Also a devout golfer and angler, Aznar, patriarch of one of Cebu's influential clans, became a national master in chess in the late 60s. He eventually became president of the Philippine Chess Federation in the 70s and skippered the Philippine squad that took part in the 1974 World Chess Olympiad in Nice, France.

The rest of Aznar's teammates at that time were Eugene Torre, Ramon Lontoc Jr., Renato Naranja, Rosendo Balinas Jr., Rodolfo Tan-Cardoso, and Glenn Bordonada.

Aside from finishing at a decent 11th place overall, it was also during that time that Torre won a silver medal that paved the way for him to become Asia's first grandmaster.

Seeing the great potential of Pinoy chess players, Aznar became an ardent supporter of local talents with hopes of producing more world-class athletes.

And even if his protégés here have already made waves in national and international competitions, Bombi, a national commander emeritus of the Philippine Coast Guard, is not the type of person who brags and claims it was him who molded and helped them where they are now.

With all that he has achieved and contributed to RP chess, Bombi Aznar according had been named one of the 64 Golden Men of Philippine Chess. For his outstanding achievements, he was also enshrined into the Cebu Sports Hall of Fame.

When his own school Southwestern University had to do enforce some stringent measures to cut on cost when the country was hit by economic crisis some years back, Aznar fought hard for their varsity players not to be displaced especially those he felt can bring honors not only to SWU but to Cebuano community as a whole.

“He really is such a very friendly guy. Ddown-to-earth, kind-hearted, very accommodating, peace-loving. He loves to protect the marine life as much as he loves to help the athletes. He is one of a kind,” said one of his close friends Robert "Bobby" Inoferio.

Aznar also used to be one of the main forces of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) along with now CHED chairman Emmanuel Angeles.

Aznar truly is a real sportsman and a gentleman who will be missed a lot.

Aznar's body now lies at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel Hills, Lahug. Interment will be on June 29 at Cempark in Banilad. (FREEMAN NEWS)