Before the much-anticipated Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Season 2, Iloilo Kisela Knights made sure to strengthen its lineup, adding two new players in the team.
The Iloilo-based professional chess team, which wrapped up their Season 1 with one championship, one runner up and one third place finish drafted two homegrown players- Rolly Parondo and Horizon Villanueva.
Parondo, a native of Oton, Iloilo, currently works as a chess coach in Thailand. He had his taste of PCAP action in the first season when he played for guest team Bangkok in the third conference.
“Karamihan po sa Kisela ay kaibigan ko din talaga kaya alam kong magiging comfortable ako sa teammates ko. Yung iba kasama ko pa natuto at lumaki sa chess, kaya sa tingin ko madali ako makaadjust sa training namin at mas open sa sharing ng ideas sa pag prepare laban sa mga makakalaban,” he added.
Meanwhile, Villanueva, a native of Zarraga, Iloilo, was a former Palarong Pambansa gold medalist. He was also a veteran in local chess tournaments in the province.
Villanueva also thanked team owner Leo Sotaridona, team manager Gil Libutaque and assistant team manager Hubert Canto for the confidence and trust in selecting him as one of the members of Kisela Knights.
“It’s already an honor for me to be part of this proud team. I’m looking forward to exert my best effort in every game and make points to contribute to the team to achieve our goal of being a champion again in this coming season. Proud for being part of this prestigious event organized and managed by PCAP,” he shared.
For Canto, NM Parondo and Horizon Villanueva have strong personalities and he hopes both can influence their members.
“With them, yung team naging solid sa lahat ng categories. From Top Rated up to Homegrown. Sa season 2 ng PCAP, we’ll try our best na makuha ulit ang championship crown,” he said.
The second season of the PCAP will open with an All-Filipino conference on Jan. 22, as confirmed by tournament commissioner and president Atty. Paul Elauria.IMT Sports
