Seoul, 22 October 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) South Korea, in partnership with the E-9 Chess Club, successfully held the OWWA Cup: Chess Blitz Grand Prix 2026 on 18 October 2026 at the Sentro Rizal Hall, Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

The chess tournament brought together at least 38 chess players and licensed arbiters, showcasing the skills, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in South Korea.

OFW Andrew Dalina emerged as the tournament champion, followed by John Dasim Tosita in second place, Reymund Advincula in third, Paul Bisweten in fourth, and Bobong Peras in fifth.

In her message, Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez highlighted the valuable lessons that chess can teach and how these can be applied in everyday life.

“Parang sa tunay na buhay, ang chess ay malalim na laro. It requires critical thinking because it is a game of planning—knowing your strengths and weaknesses, as well as being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent.”

She further emphasized the importance of time and discipline in chess, noting that players must know when to make their move while remaining mindful of their limitations.

The event was also attended by Labor Attaché Atty. Rosemarie G. Duquez and Welfare Officer Cornelia D.G. Chanco, who joined the Embassy and MWO-OWWA team in supporting the activity for the Filipino community in South Korea.

An awarding ceremony was held at the conclusion of the tournament to recognize the top-performing players and acknowledge the support and participation of the E-9 Chess Club in the successful conduct of the OWWA Cup.

The OWWA Cup: Chess Blitz Grand Prix 2026 underscores the Philippine Embassy’s and MWO-OWWA South Korea’s continuing commitment to providing meaningful programs that promote the welfare, camaraderie, skills, and well-being of Filipino migrant workers in South Korea. END