Checkmate kids leave for US

MANILA, Philippines – Three Milo Checkmate kids, led by 14-year-old Carmella Galve, leave for the US today to compete in the 2009 Las Vegas International Chess Festival slated June 4-7 at South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Joining Galve are 12-year-old Gino Divino Cabual and six-year-old Stephen Rome Pangilinan, the youngest ever to qualify in the international-bound Checkmate team.

Aside from the competition, the three players will also have educational tours in Las Vegas and in Disneyland-California. They will be accompanied by WNM Mila Emperado, founder of Checkmate Phils. and Metropolitan Chess Club.

Galve’s trip is supported by Badge of Honor Foundation, San Miguel Corp., Divine Light Academy of Las Piñas and Rep. Cynthia Villar. Cabual’s trip is sponsored by the City Councilors of Parañaque headed by Councilor Giovanni Esplana, Parañaque Vice Mayor Gus Tambunting, Parañaque second district Rep. Roilo Golez, first district Rep. Eduardo Zialcita, the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Chess Federation of the Phils.