NM Perez enjoys job as chess instructor

MANILA, Philippines - Long-time chess coach National Master Roland Perez is living his calling for teaching the game and enjoying the bliss his chosen career path is giving him.

“I’ve been coaching chess for over a decade – even before I became a National Master – and it sure is fun!” says Perez, one of the instructors of “An Interaction with the Masters (AIM),” an annual chess clinics put up by Pilipinas Shell.

“Let us say I followed Joseph Campbell’s advise to follow my bliss,” he adds, referring to the American mythologist, writer and lecturer who summarized his philosophy with the famous quote.

He’s currently the head coach of Letran in the NCAA, where he’s been adjudged Coach of the Year in the juniors division six times and won the same accolade over in the seniors ranks, and also serves as assistant coach at Ateneo.

Perez enjoys working in the grassroots. He coached teams to the chess title in the Palarong Pambansa numerous times and mentored the Philippine team to the World Youth Chess Championships in Vung Tau, Vietnam in 2008.

“It’s my calling, really, to impart knowledge to the youth. Plus I’m happy mingling with youngsters, makes me feel young,” he says, adding it was also through chess that he met his wife, Marilou Nebres, with whom he has two kids who are “interested” in chess, seven-year-old Zen Alexei and five-year-old Aleah Eunice.