Oroquieta city: FIDE Master Gian Karlo Arca, a promising 15-year-old from Davao del Norte, is set to compete against some of the chess world’s most experienced players in the upcoming 3rd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Festival. The event, which will take place on November 4th and 5th at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center, promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and strategy.

According to Philippines News Agency, Arca will face formidable opponents, including Grandmasters Rogelio Antonio Jr., Darwin Laylo, and Daniel Quizon. Despite his youth, Arca is no stranger to success in the chess arena. Recently, he finished as the top Filipino competitor at the Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championships in Cavite, securing an eighth-place overall finish. Additionally, he dominated the Under-17 boys’ division at the National Youth and Schools Championship in Alicia, Isabela, sweeping the seven-round standard event.

Arca, who is currently a Grade 10 student at Panabo City National High Scho
ol, is coached by Arena Grandmaster Ramil Langamon. The festival will also see participation from notable players such as International Masters Michael Concio Jr., Rolando Nolte, Ronald Bancod, Joel Pimentel, Rico Mascarinas, Kim Steven Yap, and Eric Labog Jr.; along with FIDE Masters David Elorta, Roel Abelgas, Austin Jacob Literatus, Victor Lluch, Anthony Makinano, Alekhine Nouri, Sherwin Tiu, and Jason Bandal; and National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.

The 3rd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Festival features a lucrative prize pool of P428,000, with the Open champion set to receive P50,000. Additional cash prizes will be awarded to the top 20 finishers, winners in the U13, U17, and blitz categories, as well as the top player from Misamis Occidental. The ceremonial opening moves will be executed by Hall of Famer and Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, alongside Governor Henry Oaminal, and Grandmasters Antonio, Laylo, Quizon, and Arca himself.