RP artist chess tourney slated

Artists from all walks of life converge when the 24th edition of the Philippine Artist Chess Championship unfolds on Jan. 18 at the Heritage House in Blue Ridge A, Quezon City.

Organized annually by newspaper columnist Nestor Mata, the one-day event is open to all bona fide artists only (writers, musicians, poets, journalists, theater artists, architects, etc.).

Registration is ongoing at the Heritage House at No. 43 Hillside Loop in Blue Ridge A. Interested parties may call up environmentalist and chess enthusiast Odette Alcantara at 647-1181.

Tenor Chris Castellano, formerly a member of University of the Philippines’ chess team, is expected to defend the title he snatched from The STAR’s Joey Villar last year.

Also expected to join are folk singer Heber Bartolome, theater artist Ric Alvarado, journalists Ignacio Dee and Alex Dacanay, musician Raul Medina, poets Ed Orozco and Wawell Ozorio, musician and radio broadcaster Willy San Juan, Shell’s Teddy Bolivar, rating specialist Elmer Sangalang, Roger Passion and Benjo Laygo.

Mata said they are reserving the right to refuse entries masquerading as artists.

Grandmaster Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor is chief arbiter of this yearly meet, which offers cash prizes to the top three placers and a beautifully-crafted champion’s trophy by award-winning sculptor Rey Contreras.