INTERNATIONAL MASTER HARIDAS B. PASCUA

LINGAYEN—At age four, Haridas B. Pascua from Mangatarem town, now holding an International Master (IM) title, was already fiddling with chess.

With a father who is into the sport, the 20-year old IM grew up in an environment surrounded by enthusiasts as their family-owned store at the public market of his hometown also doubled up as a chess club venue.

“We had this stall in the market where chess club members came to play. Haridas has been fond of watching the players, noting the different moves, until eventually he started playing,” said Pascua’s father Gilbert.

The younger Pascua, in an interview, said he became curious about the game and was fascinated by the players’ moves as he watched them.

Gilbert, picking on his son’s fascination and curiosity, mentored him and by five years old, the young prodigy marked his first win in a local tournament in Malasiqui.

“Walang pormal (na training), sa kanto-kanto lang kami,” the elder Pascua said.

The dad added that for the most part, it was Haridas himself who honed his skills through constant practice.

PASCUA

Pascua, who also plays chess on his computer, is now aiming to become a Grand Master (GM).

“I want to be like Magnus Carlsen,” he said, referring to the 23-year-old Norwegian GM who is currently ranked number one in the with an Elo rating of 2881, the highest in history.
At present, Haridas has an Elo rating of 2375.

COLLEGE DEGREE

Pascua is bent on earning a college degree in Information Technology at the University of Baguio where he is now on his fourth year.

He expressed his gratitude to Gov. Amado Espino Jr.’s for committing the provincial government’s support for his ambiton.

The provincial board passed a resolution Monday congratulating Pascua for bagging the IM title

“The young Pangasinense battled it out in that game of wits and patience with other chess wizards as the tournament is participated in by some 88 chess players from 20 participating countries and Haridas B. Pascua brought honor of becoming the Chess International Master from Pangasinan,” says the resolution sponsored by 6th District Board Member Ranjit Ramos Shahani.

“With the rare feat of becoming Chess International Master, Haridas B. Pascua, has amply demonstrated to the whole province of Pangasinan his mettle in sports competition,” the resolution added.

It also said that the sterling performance of Pascua at an early age serves as an inspiration and model for the youth of Pangasinan.

The provincial board also extended a P15,000 financial assistance to Pascua for his recent accomplishment..–Tita Roces and Johanne R. Macob

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