The first and second Meralco Campus Tour Chess Workshops were held at the Ramon Magsaysay High School (RMHS) in Cubao, and Bagong Silangan Elementary School (BSES) in Batasan, Quezon City respectively, gathering more than 180 students who were also chess enthusiasts.

Organized by One Meralco Foundation (OMF) and the Meralco Chess Club, the recent workshops included lectures by FIDE Instructor Let Bersamina, National Master Erwin Carag, FIDE Master Paulo Bersamina, Meralco Chess Club President Rolly Sol Cruz, and Meralco Chess Club members Ronnie Dellota and Bernard Templo. Simultaneous chess exhibitions during the workshops were conducted by National Master Gerry Cabellon, OMF Chesskolar Justin Corpin of Univeristy of the Philippines – Diliman, and 2010 Meralco Jr. Champion Rhal Sol Cruz.

Ten sets of chess mats and pieces were also turned over to each school. Next stop of the campus tour is at Bagong Tanyag High School in Taguig.

ìApart from more popular sports such as basketball and football, we also see chess having a meaningful contribution to youth development. In addition to gaining values such as discipline and sportsmanship, a game of chess builds strategizing and problem-solving skills which we believe will significantly help them in their daily lives,î says One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey O. Tarayao.

Photo shows (L-R) Meralco Chess Club President Rolly Sol Cruz, National Master Gerry Cabellon, National Master Erwin Carag, One Meralco Foundation Program Officer Michael del Rosario, RMHS PE Teacher Grace Gaurino, RMHS Chess Coach Jojhit de Roca, RMHS Chess Club President Arvex Sabalilag, RMHS Department Head Raul Cruz, FIDE Instructor Let Bersamina, and RMHS Alumni President Rex Bautista during the chess workshop at RMHS.