Good things come to those who wait.

CEBU, Philippines — This proves true for the Toledo-Xignex Trojans.

After five years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, they finally accomplished their mission - a national crown.

Fighting with great resolve, the Trojans swept the Pasig City King Pirates in their two-set final showdown to emerge as grand champions in the All-Filipino Conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Season 5 on Wednesday night, May 14.

Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia subdued Woman National Master Rowelyn Acedo, 2-1, while International Joel Pimentel outclassed Omar Bagalacsa, 3-0, to power the Trojans to a rousing 13-8 victory in the opening set.

Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, International Master Kim Yap, Mejia and Pimentel then carried the flag of the Trojans as they finished off the King Pirates decisively, 14-7, in the second set.

Barbosa whipped Sherwin Tiu, Yap crushed Jerome Villanueva, while Mejia trounced Woman FIDE Master Sherily Cua all via 3-0 shutout. Pimentel outsmarted Bagalacsa, 2.5-0.5, to seal Toledo s historic triumph.

The other members of the Toledo-Xignex national champions are GM Mark Paragua, IM Joel Banawa, IM Barlo Nadera, IM Rico Mascari as, IM Kim Steven Yap, FM Ellan Asuela, FM Carlos Edgardo Garma, AIM Melizah Carreon, NM Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano, Diego Abraham Caparino, Allan Pason, Virgen Gil Ruaya, Bonn Rainauld Tibod, and Christopher Tubalado.

 Five years. One dream. Today, we live it,  said Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang, one of the Trojans  team owners.  It s hard to put this feeling into words. After five long years, after three straight runner-up finishes, after every  almost  that almost broke us, we are finally PCAP Grand Champions. It s overwhelming. It s surreal. But most of all, it s humbling. 

Trojans co-team owner John Signe and team manager/benefactor NM Rafael  Jojo  Legaspi were similarly ecstatic.

 It feels great to finally win the championship. It wasn t easy after making several changes during the offseason,  said Legaspi.  But we always believe our lineup can beat any team. Our team is built to win championships.

 After five intense seasons of highs and lows, the Toledo-Xignex Trojans have finally captured the PCAP championship title. I ve witnessed the incredible dedication of this team and they gave everything they had, every single game. We came agonizingly close before - finishing as runners-up for three straight conferences - but this time, we finally brought the crown home,  Signe added.  This championship isn t just for the team. It s for Toledo, it s for Cebu. 

Reflecting on their success, Gacang said their journey wasn t easy as they ve been tossed by the waves of defeat, self-doubt, and waiting. But just like a phoenix, they rise from the ashes of their past failures.

 To our founders and pillars who never stopped dreaming, to our players who fought with heart and soul, to our families, supporters, and community who never left our side, and to everyone who keeps the fire of Philippine chess burning bright - thank you from the bottom of my heart,  Gacang continued.

 And most of all, to God be all the glory. His timing is always perfect. His plan, always greater. This  Cloud 9  moment was built on every tear, every setback, every lesson. And today, it s a shared victory - for Toledo, for Cebu, for chess community and everyone who believed,  Gacang ended.