Touchmove chess event boosts sports tourism in Roxas City

By EJ Basilonia

ROXAS CITY — The fourth edition of the Touchmove Individual Open Rapid Chess Tournament is set to kick off at 9 a.m. on August 24 at the SM City Roxas atrium, evolving into a sports tourism highlight in the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

This one-day event will showcase top Filipino chess talents as they battle across the 64 squares of the board.

Players will compete under a 15-minute time control with a 3-second increment per move using the Swiss System format.

Four Philippine grandmasters — GM Antonio, GM Laylo, GM Gomez, and GM Quizon — have confirmed participation, alongside Arena, National, FIDE, and International titled players.

Participants will also get a chance to explore tourist destinations across Roxas City and Capiz province.

Chess fans from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are eager to discover the history and cultural heritage of the Capisnon people.

Roxas City’s longest coastline, stretching through the barangays of Culasi, Baybay, and Dumolog, is a major draw.

The centuries-old Santa Monica Church in Panay town, home to the largest Catholic bell in Asia, is another must-see.

Popular pilgrimage spots include the Agtalin Shrine in Pilar, Our Lady of Lourdes in Sapian, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Barangay Dinginan, Roxas City.

Famous for its seafood and the warm hospitality of its locals, Roxas City continues to be a favored destination for visitors.

For registration, contact Ms. Smillyn Acuyong at 0910-824-6996.