A good dozen challengers from the Filipino and chess communities were not able to beat the reigning 2008 NY State Chess Champion Vitaliano “Nonoy” Rafael, 2008 at a multi-board simultaneous exhibition at the Chess Challenge held last Saturday, March 28, at the Philippine Center in New York City.
Co-sponsored by the Ayala Foundation USA, NY Tri-State Team and the Philippine Consulate General, the Chess Challenge was to promote and raise funds for GILAS.
Challenger Ed Macaraeg was the only player whose game ended in a draw with Nonoy Rafael. He donated his $50 prize back to GILAS! Other challengers include Marilyn Abalos, Butch Agapito, Nick Arugay, Richie Flores, Rafael Garcia, Dima Gozman, Rudy Jimena, Nanding Mendez, Justin Rafael, Jacqueline Rafael and Fredi Taruc Players represented various organizations including the Filipino American Association of Engineers, Philippine Fiesta, AF-USA, as well as accountants, students, and chess groups.
Butch Agapito, Rafael Garcia, Ed Macaraeg and Fredi Taruc won gift certificates donated by the Village Chess Shop and Fat Cat.
AF USA President said, ” We are honored and hope that we can continue the partnership with Nonoy Rafael. He can inspire our young Fil Ams to aspire for excellence in such a difficult mental sport as chess.”
In addition to the 2008 title, Nonoy was 2007 NYC Inter-Bank League Team MVP, World Open Champion, NY Open Champion, five-time De La Salle University Champion, NCAA Board 1 Gold Medalist, Philippine Junior Finalist. He is Chief Tournament Director of the NY Fil-Am Chess Club for the past 20 years. He has more than 30 years of competitive chess experience. He is currently a Program manager for an aerospace company. Nonoy is a graduate of De La Salle University in the Philippines and Columbia University in New York. He is also the NY Chapter Vice President of the Filipino American Association of Engineers and was Vice President of the De La Salle Alumni Association East Coast.
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