BANGUED, Abra (PIA) – Chess, as compared to basketball and volleyball, is among the lesser known sports among the youth; but this sport has helped a young student from Sta. Rosa, Peñarrubia, Abra, pursue both passion and studies.
Chess Champion
Twenty-one-year-old Chariza Lyca Cabato Bobias has been making a name for herself and the province of Abra in the recent State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) in the National Capital Region.
Bobias, who is part of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Women’s Chess Team, secured the gold medal in the Board 1 in both individual and team competition. She was also recognized the Most Valuable Player for the Women’s Division in the said tournament.
In the previous years, the young chess player also won gold medals and reached the national competition.
More Than Just a Sport
More than the medals and gold championships, chess has enabled Bobias to get free college education, dormitory, allowance, and other valuable opportunities.
“Because of chess, I was able to stay in a free dormitory and receive an allowance during my college years. However, this journey hasn’t been easy,” she said.
Currently an athlete-iskolar at the PUP-Manila, Bobias shared the mental struggles she faces in balancing academic and athletic demands.
She is pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science and is a consistent President’s Lister.
“Chess, in particular, has played a significant role in my journey, allowing me to compete in numerous tournaments and expand my horizons. Through this sport, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to various places and, learning to become independent at a young age,” she shared.
The Making of a Chess Champion
Born to parents Nelie and Nicanor Bobias, Chariza attended Sta. Rosa Elementary School where her interest in chess started.
“Malagip ko Grade 4 nak idi 9 years old, table tennis ti immuna a inadal ko ngem insardeng ko ta nariknak nga haan nga para kanyak, agbuybuya nak lang idi dagiti agay-ayam ti chess agingga syak ti inpalaban. Jay napadasak nangabak nagmayat rikna so nga lalo nagka interes adalen ti chess,” she said.
Since then, Bobias excelled in the her chosen sports representing the province in the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet in 2014 where she bagged the silver medal.
However, she lost interest in chess when she was in Grade 6. She switched to volleyball but realized lessons that led to a stronger commitment in chess.
“This experience taught me valuable lessons that I carry with me to this day. This is a reminder to myself to stay committed and never let challenges or distractions pull me away from my dreams,” Bobias added.
She finished her secondary education at the Cristina B. Gonzales Memorial High School where she forged her chess journey. She consistently represented Abra in the CARAA Meet from 2017 to 2020. She continued to compete and pursue her passion in chess during her senior high school at the Our Lady of Fatima.
With wins and participations in various chess tournaments, Bobias was recruited by FIDE Master/International Arbiter and Trainer Rudy Ibañez to join the PUP Varsity Chess Team.
“Nabayag na nga kinapatpatang nagannak ko nga alaen nak gapo ta handak palubosan jay umuna nga umadayo, ngem syak desidido ken napigsa patinakem ko ta narigat mayyadayo ngem narigrigat no haan ka makaadayo,” she explained.
Passing the PUP entrance exam and being part of the Chess Varsity Team opened opportunities, especially in honing and sharpening her skills in the sport she chose.
As Bobias continue her journey towards upskilling and excelling in her passion and dreams, she also expressed gratitude to the people behind her promising career – her parents, her coaches Sir Warlito and Nick at the Sta. Rosa Elementary School, the unwavering support of Paterno Joseph, coach Jenalyn Berras, coach Carmelo Palcon Jr., FIDE Master/International Arbiter and Trainer Rudy Ibañez, and National Master Kim Kenneth Santos who supported and guided her.
Plans and Prospects
Bobias, now a fourth-year college student, shared she has goals but want to take it one move at a time.
“I’ll apply the saying ‘Move in silence, only speak when it’s time to say checkmate,’ she said.
She expressed her drive to do her best to support and help the sport that carried her to where she is right now.
“I want to use this opportunity to bring attention to chess as a respected sport and give it the recognition it deserves,” she emphasized.
Bobias also recognized the young athletes in Abra who need proper support and guidance to reach their full potentials.
“Adu ti talented nga Abrenian who are waiting for their moment to shine. They just need the right support and opportunities to unleash their full potential,” she said.
She encouraged the youth to commit, persevere, and get out of their comfort zones in order to find success in whatever field or path they take.
“Remember, every move counts, both on the board and in life. Believe in yourself, and take every chance to compete and improve,” she advised. (JJPM, PIA-CAR, Abra)
