spawn2: GRANDMASTER EUGENE TORRE CHESS CENTER
Two Chess Titans have joined forces in order for a dream to materialize.
Mr. Cesar M. Iligan, Founder of Fianchetto Realty and a known chess patron and Grand Master Eugenio O. Torre, President of Fianchetto Realty and Asia’s 1st Grand Master came into an agreement that will pave the way to the birth of GM Eugene Torre Chess Center (GETCC).
A four (4) story building will rise in the heart of Quezon City which will become the home of GETCC a year from now. Construction will start by January 2013 and official launch is targeted to happen either by end of November or 1st week of December 2013.
A spacious area in the basement has been earmarked for the use of GETCC. As explained by Mr. Iligan, “the basement space consisting of 150 sqm in floor area is by “usufruct” allowing the use by the Chess Center for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years without having to reapply except an official notice that the usufruct will be continued.
All the income coming from the GETCC shall belong to the foundation to sustain its operation. Fianchetto Realty shall advance the P 1 Million required by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to be recognized as a foundation so that all donations can be tax deductible.
The Foundation will solicit donations for chess clocks, chess tables and chairs, computer laptops,
chess sets and other chess paraphernalia.”
With regard to the other floors in the building, the Ground Floor is allocated for commercial use (bank branch, fast food outlets etc.), the 2nd Floor will be Fianchetto Realty’s office while the 3rd and 4th floor will have rooms that can be rented by titled chess players whenever there are international tournaments in Manila.
GETCC will give chess lovers like us a venue to meet other supporters of the game. Here, we can play, meet our chess heroes and discuss the future of Philippine Chess and how we can give our support. Chess lovers from the province can meet their chess friends at the GETCC to play a game or two.
GM Torre mentioned that one of his objectives is to develop chess programs through GETCC targeting the youth. These programs will be designed to enhance their discipline, skills and thinking process for use not only in chess but also in life.
But what makes GETCC truly special is the man behind it. The Game of Kings has been very kind to GM Torre. Chess has given him fame, a comfortable life and lots of friends and supporters. He said that GETCC is another vehicle he can use to give something back to the game and to the people who have given him so much support through the years.
The Grandmaster Eugene Torre Chess Center will be run by professional chess players who will really understand the needs of its target clientele.
Truly, a very good development for Philippine Chess! ,
Kibitzing
