World record

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

I wish all the readers, good health, happiness and prosperity as we welcome the year of the Dragon on Monday!

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Do you play chess?

If so, then you should not miss today’s attempt to set the world record for the biggest chess tournament at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Even if you don’t play the game or have very little interest in it, this record-breaking attempt is something that you should not miss.

The opening ceremonies are set at 1 p.m. based on the invitation that I got from the Cebu City Sports Commission.

The tournament proper starts at 2 p.m.

There will be a total of 3,000 participants for this event more than twice the 1,200 of the current record.

While some say pour attempts to go for world records seem to have reached a point of being pathetic, this one doesn’t seem to fall in the same category.

When the chess was introduced to the public schools, including those from grade 1, many have noted changes in the way the kids would spend their noon breaks.

Instead of running around, many pupils would be huddled around chess boards.

As a game of strategy, chess teaches analytical thinking and its players are encouraged to think several moves ahead before moving one piece, which would help the kids hopefully make better decisions in life in the future.

I was there when the city set the record for the biggest dance class and watched from the poolside of Alta Vista Golf and Country Club when the record for most number of rockets exploded was set at the South Road Properties.

This one may not be as spectacular as the first two, but being there is something that you can share with your grandchildren many years from now. One more thing, this is definitely more interesting than the longest line of coins that they attempted somewhere in Metro Manila.

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Last week, Cebu’s status as a top tourist destination was once again highlighted with the Sinulog celebration.

Cebu is also a very acceptable sporting destination for both local and international events.

Lapu-Lapu City for one has gone all out to push sports tourism and this year, we have a good number of events already lined up that would definitely bring the sports tourists to this part of the world.

While Cebu is ideal because of its central location in the country and the availability of facilities, there are still many things that need to be done to make us an even better host and our government can start with repairing our roads.

The rest of the issues can be tackled later.

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MILESTONES: Belated happy birthday greetings to Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa, the Chief of the Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who turned a year older yesterday. 

Today’s greetings go to William ‘Manok’ Sienes II, my Delta companymate Cavalier Opiniano M. Jayme, Jr., and Cristina ‘Bating’ Velez-Villa.

Advance greetings go to my good friend Dennes R. Tabar of dyRC and CCTN, Bonivie ‘Bonz’ Adriano, Dale Pastoriza, Carlo Llave, and Gassy Lizares, who are celebrating tomorrow.

More power all of you!