National Master Rommel Ganzon emerged as the champion of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (Cepca) President's Cup 2026 on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the CCC Chess Club located on the 4th floor of Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
After nine intense rounds of mental combat, Ganzon stood out with 8.0 points, securing the top prize of P20,000.
Hot on his heels were four players who each registered 7.5 points. Tiebreakers were used to break the deadlock, resulting in Arena Grandmaster Venancio Loyola Jr. taking second place and pocketing P10,000.
NM Merben Roque earned third place with a P5,000 prize, NM Elwin Retanal claimed fourth place and P3,000, while John Dave Lavandero secured fifth place and P2,000.
Completing the top 10, all with 7.0 points, were AIM Jimmy Ty Jr., Edem Diano, Limuel Tampus, Arena International Master Rogel Niño Panilagao, and Ariel Joseph Abellana.
Breaking into the top 15 with 7.0 points were International Master Rico Mascariñas, John Lester Belano, NM Leonardo Alidani, and Eric Abanco, along with Christopher Tubalado who scored 6.5 points. Winners in various categories were also recognized.
The top two players in the Cepcans A category were Loyola and Rosendo Yamyamin, while Richard Ouano and Stephen Rosales took the top two spots in Cepcans B.
Other top two winners included Mascariñas and Alidani (senior), Yoana Kaizzy Pacina and Shyr Nicole Cimafranca (female), Mikhail Paul Natyhan Leyco and Princess Jean Rabor (8 Under), Zypherr Kyle Abalo and Nino Jose Credo (12 Under), Jacqpatch Immanuel Abalo and AIM Kale Aarva Amit (16 Under), and Lavandero and Tampus (20 Under).
The competition was part of the birthday celebration of Cepca President Engr. Jerry Maratas, who annually holds the event as a treat for the Cebu chess community.
