Cebu Chess Hub hopes to revitalize local chess scene

Photo caption: A glimpse of the Cebu Chess Hub. | Facebook Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The newly opened Cebu Chess Hub at the Robinson’s Galleria Cebu aims to revitalize the once vibrant local chess community that has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Cebu Chess Hub is a new venue that welcomes all Cebuano woodpushers regardless of club or team they represent.

In an interview with CDN Digital, Mark Mangubat, the founder of the Cebu Chess Hub, said that the venue serves multiple purposes.

“Ang Cebu Chess Hub para ni sa tibuok Cebu, mao ni abutanan para sa gusto mag practice ug chess, sharing ideas for chess. Gibuhat ni nako for the good of everyone labi na sa mga chess players. Welcome tanan regardless of clubs. Adto mi didto mag share sa among mga ideas about chess ug adto sad magduwa among team sa PCAP,” said Mangubat, who is the team captain of the Cebu City Wizards, formerly the RCM Cebu, which competes in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP). 

The Chess Hub officially opened last February 1.

Aside from a gathering place for chess players, Mangubat also mentioned that they are also doing chess tutorials for anyone who wants to learn the sport. 

The venue is equipped with multiple chess boards with timers.

“They can play chess there, pwede sad nila makaduwa ang Cebu’s best chess players, pero sa karon adjust lang sa gyud mi tungod sa Covid-19 pandemic. Once ma relax na ang mga restrictions, ready nami mag create ug tournament,” said Mangubat. 

“Mo welcome mi ug newcomers nga gusto makat-on ug chess, labi na to ang mga walay idea unsaon ug duwa ug kadto sad naa nay experience pero wala kahibaw asa ilang strengths and weaknesses sa sport kay mag conduct sad mi ug evaluation.”

In addition, Mangubat revealed that the Cebu Chess Hub will serve as the official playing venue for the Cebu City Wizards. 

The team recently overhauled its roster.

The new-look Cebu City Wizards will be comprised of Mangubat, Tony Cabibil, Crystal Jumao-as, Joel Pacuribot, Reynaldo Flores, Odilon Badilles, Joe Fernandez, Delphine Yano, Francis Rivera, and Ariel Joseph Abellana. 

“Nag struggle gyud mi karon sa PCAP sa tinud-anay lang. Para nako nag adjust pa mi tungod sa problema sa Internet. Ang among realistic goal sa PCAP is to make it to the top 8 teams para playoffs,” said Mangubat. 

They are currently ranked No. 10 in the southern division standings with a 4-15 (win-loss) record. 

/bmjo

READ MORE:

Mangubat faces Suarez for WBA Asia Super featherweight title