Woman Candidate Master Nika Juris Nicolas will once again take the spotlight in the highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines Individual Open Rapid Chess Tournament (FIDE-rated), scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at exactly 10:00 AM at Pavilion Mall, Greenfield District, beside MRT Shaw Boulevard Station, at the corner of EDSA in Mandaluyong City.
The 13-year-old standout from Pasig City is fresh from a 6th-place finish at the 2026 Mariendan Open Blitz Tournament, part of the 24th International Chess Festival held at the Continental Hotel in Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic, last week.
Sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), this FIDE-rated rapid chess event is open to all players, regardless of gender and age.
The champion will take home ₱10,000, with the 2nd and 3rd placers receiving ₱7,000 and ₱5,000 respectively. Those finishing 4th to 7th will earn ₱3,500, ₱1,500, ₱800, and ₱700, while 8th to 10th placers will each get ₱500.
Cash prizes are also up for grabs for top performers in special categories: Under-2000, Under-1950, Under-1900, Under-1850, Ages 50–64, Over 65, Persons with Disabilities (PWD), and Women.
Supported by former Senator Manny Pacquiao and Jun Lasco, the tournament is organized by John Salcedo and Jonas Silvano.
Registration fee is ₱500. Payments can be sent via GCash to 09090619298 (under John Salcedo’s name).
Other top contenders include IM Eric Labog Jr., AGM Marc Kevin Labog, FM Christian Mark Daluz, CM Jan Clifford Labog, and NM Phil Martin Casiguran.
—Marlon Bernardino-
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