It took more than 25 years for Capiz to earn another National Master (NM) in chess title, but Chester Acuyong of Roxas City is the 3rd Capiznon to earn it.
Acuyong, a resident of Barangay Milibili, was conferred with the NM title last June 23, 2026 by Prospero A. Pichay Jr., president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
Acuyong followed in the footsteps of two other Capiznon chess giants who earned NM titles: Francis Jocson in 1999 and Catalino “Baby” Pestaño in 2000.
Jocson, Capiz’s first ever NM title holder, even predicted Acuyong’s trajectory.
“With his skills and chess intelligence, Chester Acuyong will eventually become another National Master from Capiz,” Jocson once said.
Acuyong secured his first norm by scoring 9 out of 11 points at the National Youth and Schools Chess Championship (NYSCC) Grand Finals in Dapitan City. At that time, he was still a student of Capiz National High School (CNHS).
He earned his second norm by tallying 5.5 out of 7 points at the National Amateurs Chess Championship Grand Finals in Tagaytay City.
Acuyong earned his third norm by scoring 6 out of 8 points at the National Age Group Chess Championship (NAGCC) Grand Finals in Olongapo City.
Acuyong’s passion for chess began at the age of five, but he became more dedicated to the game at 13 when he participated in various chess tournaments and earned a championship during a Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet.
Acuyong was also a member of the Capiz rapid chess team, which clinched the championship trophy over the 72 participating teams for the under-15 National Batang Pinoy Chess Championship held in Metro Manila.
It was last year when Acuyong was named as Most Valuable Player (MPV) of the chess tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As a senior high school student, he was part of the San Beda University chess team that also clinched the championship.
The 18-year-old Acuyong is currently part of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers collegiate chess team. He trains under coaches International Master Ronald Dableo and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo for Season 89 of the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
The young chess prodigy thanked his parents, relatives, coaches, friends, and all those who supported him over the years. (Photos courtesy of Chester Acuyong)
