Chess Among the Urban Poor

There I was, off to business one fine afternoon and walking down the streets, in a part of Manila close to home but I don’t quite frequent. As always, I looked out for suspicious things and kept watch on my belongings as is the protocol when you are out by yourself in any populated city in the metro. While waiting for a jeepney to take me to my destination, I noticed a possibly year-old footbridge that I haven’t seen before and realized it as a danger spot for unsuspecting citizens against lurking opportunists. It’s no wonder that nobody uses it. Even I as a practical person would simply resort to jaywalking than risk losing my valuables to the modus operandi of the city’s most notorious gangs.

I’ve been eying the sorry, rarely used footbridge for several seconds now when I started noticing a curious group of serious-looking, busy men right underneath it. A viewer of morning and primetime television news, there I was, thinking that they must be engaged in cock-fighting or some kind of illegal gambling, and that I should get out of their way if I don’t want to get in trouble. Imagine my surprise upon discovering these men in sleeveless shirts, dirty slippers, wayward moustaches and characteristically uncombed hair having their backs bent and faces frowned on chess boards!

This official chess club founded in Brgy. 593 along Altura St. was actually having one of their daily tune ups that afternoon in preparation for their division tournament. Titled as The Mayor’s Cup, it will be held this coming December 2011 for all registered chess players in the city division. A project launched by Mayor Alfredo “Dirty Harry” Lim and sponsored by himself along with political leaders Lacuna and Ocampo, they hold the tournaments twice a year, every April and December. They believe that such productive activity hones the talent of interested citizens and keeps them away from the temptation of drugs, crimes and all forms of violence. When asked about their experience, the players claim that the activity entertains them, and that the cash prize in the tournament is often a big deal to their families at home. They are also excited about the chess club shirt that is given to all the official members, considering it an honor that they are good chess players. They aim to continue living up to people’s expectation of Manilenos as talented, morally upright and diligent citizens who work together for the common good.

In a country where poverty is pretty much the norm and where education is existentially more of a privilege than a right, such engagement in mind games very much a proud moment for any citizen. I must commend the launch of this project by the mayor, and the more I must applaud the willingness of the people to take part in it.