8-year-old chess prodigy to represent PH in international competition in Thailand

Bince Rafael Operiano chess wizard


MANILA, Philippines – An 8-year-old chess prodigy from Albay is set to represent the Philippines in the upcoming chess tournament in Thailand.

Bince Rafael Operiano is expected to bring Pinoy pride as he will compete in the International Chess Competition to be held in Thailand this November 2022.

Bince Rafael Operiano chess wizard
Bince Rafael Operiano is set to compete in the International Chess Competition in Thailand this November 2022 | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Albay Vice-Governor Edcel Greco Lagman

This came after he won the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Grand Finals Boys Under 9 Category, last September 16 to 23 held at the Dapitan City Cultural Sports Complex, Zamboanga Del Norte.

At the age of 8, Operiano was dubbed as the next Eugene Torre, one of the Philippines’ chess Grandmasters. According to the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Operiano will be granted the status of National Master (NM) when he reaches 10 years old.

Meanwhile, Albay Vice-Governor Edcel Greco Lagman Jr. congratulated the chess prodigy and his parents, Rosemary and Ben.

He wrote on Facebook, “Congratulations to Albay’s newest chess prodigy who hails from Barangay Busac, Oas and studies in San Isidro Elementary School. Congratulations man sa mama niya na si Mrs. Rosemary Roblico Operiano and sa papa niya na si Mr. Ben Operiano.”

Lagman expressed his confidence that the municipal government of Oas, through Mayor Domingo Escoto, will provide incentives and financial support to their own chess champion. He hopes to see more of Operiano’s promising chess journey.

Bince Rafael Operiano chess master Albay

Back in 2021, Operiano’s father, Ben, once expressed his hope that his son will be given proper training. At that time, Operiano qualified for the Southern Luzon leg of the Marinduque National Age Group Chess Championships.

He wrote on Facebook, “Sa mga makakabsa ng post ko, kailangan ko po ng tulong niyo. Wala pa pong proper training ang anak ko. Sana may tumulong sa kanya. Salamat and God bless po sa lahat!”

— Sally, The Summit Express