Mark Jay Bacojo Sets Sights on International Master Title at Upcoming Chess Tournament

Parañaque City — Seventeen-year-old FIDE Master Mark Jay “MJ” Daños Bacojo is vying for an International Master (IM) title as he prepares for the 3rd AQ Prime FIDE Standard Chess Open. The event is scheduled to take place from October 28-29 and November 4-5 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, Bacojo has already secured one of the three required IM norms, which he earned at the 18th IGB Dato’ Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur last September. To achieve the IM title, Bacojo needs to raise his current 2335 Elo rating points to 2400.

Bacojo, a Grade 12 student from Dasmariñas Integrated High School, received strong support from his family and sponsors, including Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga, Rep. Elpidio ‘Pidi’ Barzaga Jr., and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas. “I can reach my dream,” said Bacojo regarding his pursuit of the IM title. He made a significant mark last July at the Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City, where he represented Region 4-A and secured four gold medals in both individual and team events in the Standard and Blitz categories.

The AQ Prime FIDE Standard Chess Open will feature the country’s leading players, including IM Daniel Quizon, IM Rolando Nolte, IM Paulo Bersamina, IM Barlo Nadera, WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego, FM Noel Dela Cruz, NM Kim Kenneth Santos, Sherwin Tiu, and Kevin Mirano. The tournament will utilize a nine-round Swiss System format, with cash prizes and trophies for the top finishers. CEO of AQ Prime Entertainment, lawyer Aldwin Alegre, detailed the awards, stating that the champion will receive PHP50,000 and a trophy, the second runner-up will get PHP30,000 and a medal, and the third runner-up will receive PHP20,000 and a medal. Additional cash prizes will be awarded to players finishing fourth to 20th, along with special awards for various categories.

Following the AQ Prime event, Bacojo will participate in the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships scheduled from November 12 to 25 in Montesilvano, Italy. Last year, he secured a second-place finish at the Hong Kong Bauhinia U-18 Invitational Chess Championships.