Cabuyao leads fancied teams in PCAP launch

MANILA, Philippines — This early, the Cabuyao squad headed by many-time Olympiad veterans Grandmasters Banjo Barcenilla and John Paul Gomez are tipped as among the teams to beat in the inaugural conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines unfurling Jan. 12.

Barcenilla, who topped the country’s last two Battle of the GMs, and Gomez were Cabuyao’s first two picks and could well be formidable anchors for the Cabuyao squad that will also feature FIDE Master Efren Bagamasbad and Karen Jay Enriquez.

Cabuyao has yet to decide on who between Barcenilla and Gomez would man the top board, but anyone is deserving of the honors with their strength and experience.

Pasig is another squad that will parade two GMs in Darwin Laylo and Europe-based Roland Salvador, backed by National Master Rudy Ibanez and Sherily Cua.

San Juan is also considered a dangerous team with GM Oliver Barbosa, IM Ricky de Guzman, NM Arden Reyes and WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda.

The other teams to watch out for are the GM Julio Catalino Sadorra-led Manila, which also features International Masters Cris Raymayrat and Angelo Young, GM Mark Paragua’s Camarines, also with Ellan Asuela and NM Carlo Lorena, and GM Joey Antonio’s Iloilo with Cherry Ann Mejia and NM Cesar Mariano.