Seasoned and up-and-coming chess players from the SOCCSKSARGEN region—comprising South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City—are set to compete in the 2025 Tatang Bibo Chess Festival, which will take place for the first time in Koronadal City on Saturday, June 28.
The one-day tournament, to be held at City Mall, marks the third leg in a series of events honoring chess patron Jessie Villasin. Organized by Joselito Dormitorio, the festival will feature two divisions: the 1950-and-below open division and the 13-and-under youth division.
South Cotabato Congressman-elect Ferdinand “Dinand” Hernandez expressed his excitement for the event, emphasizing its potential to boost the sport’s development in the province.
“It is my dream that someday a new chess Grandmaster will come from our province,” said the well-loved legislator, who envisions turning South Cotabato into a major sports hub in Mindanao.
Cash prizes, trophies, and medals will be awarded to the Top 10 players in both divisions. The champion of the 1950-and-below division will take home P5,000, while the Kiddies Division winner will receive P3,000—thanks to the generous support of Ms. Divine Lebanan, ArmAnn Pharma and Medical Supplies, Dr. Melben Jochico, and BetterWorks Construction.
Additional sponsors include Aqua Guest House, NG Dumlao Enterprises, Mr. Rommel Revilla, MYRIAD Water, One Chess Movement, RiChessMasters, Zamboanga Sahaya Dermatology, Byaherong Arbiter, Mr. Alvin Rea, and Mr. Teddy Cu.
The second and third placers in the 1950-and-below division will earn P3,500 and P2,000, respectively. Meanwhile, the runners-up in the Kiddies Division will receive P2,000 and P1,500.
The first two legs of the Tatang Bibo Chess Festival were held on May 11 and June 8 at Robinsons Galleria Mall in Ortigas.
To make the event even more festive and welcoming, free lunch will be provided for all participants.
