Former chess champ Banjo Barcenilla on the comeback trail

He used to be the country’s golden boy in chess. Almost three decades ago, he became the most promising Filipino chess player after his back-to-back conquest of the Asian Juniors Chess Championships in 1989 and 1991, a feat unequaled by any local to date. In fact, the only other wood-pusher to ever win two straight Asian Juniors titles is former World No. 1 Viswahathan Anand of India.

Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. has had a love-hate relationship with the sport that once made him a rising star. Fondly called Banjo, this Mandaluyong native became a teenage sensation by age 16, coveting both the Philippine Youth Chess Championship and the Philippine Junior Chess Championship in 1986. He also won the tournament in 1989, the same year he dominated the Asian Junior jousts.

Banjo also holds the distinction of having achieved the highest finish for a Filipino in the World Juniors Chess Championship when he took the bronze medal in 1991 in Mamaia, Romania.

Incidentally, he was also one of the few Asians to ever defeat Anand in a chess match. Before the Indian chess whiz dominated the sport, he lived with his family here in Manila. Banjo faced Anand during the National Kiddies Chess Championship here and prevailed.

But his star shone brightest in Thessaloniki, Greece during the 1988 Chess Olympiad when the Philippines got its highest place ever. Banjo’s triumph over Yugoslavian GM Ivan Sokolov in the last round of the tournament landed the Philippine team at seventh spot in the world.

Banjo continued to play for the national team in two more Olympiads – in 1992 in Manila and in 1996 in Yerevan, Armenia.

But things turned sour after a few years of unsuccessful stints in local and international tournaments. He got his International Master title at a young age but the Grandmaster title seemed elusive.

Coupled with some financial woes, Banjo decided to try his luck in the United States. He and wife Lilibeth Lee, also a former National champion, migrated to Chandler, Arizona in 1999. In the US, Banjo tried to compete in various tournaments to improve his ELO ratings. But the family struggled to make ends meet, forcing him to momentarily retire from the game he loved in 2001.

The hiatus from chess proved to be a blessing in disguise as the Barcenilla couple ventured into business in Arizona. Lilibeth had her training in business at a young age as her family in Iligan City is known for business. The couple tried their luck in the care home for the elderly business. After a few years, they were able to build four homes in Chandler and one in Gilbert. All their care homes are normally fully booked.

As things went very well financially, Banjo decided to make a return to chess and make another attempt at securing a GM title. He started to compete again in 2004 and slowly completed the required norms.

Finally in 2010, Banjo became a Grandmaster in chess.

Banjo is in town to vie for one of three possible slots in the National Team that will compete in the 2014 Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway from August 1 to 14. Along with five other Filipino GM’s – Eugene Torre, Rogelio Antonio, Jr., Darwin Laylo, Richard Batoon and John Paul Gomez – plus six other qualifiers, Banjo flew to Manila for the 2014 Battle of the Grand Masters, hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission. The top three players will be joining Catalino Sadorra and Oliver Barbosa in the national team.

“I want to represent the country again like I did before. I want to relive those glory days. I’m so happy that God gave me this chance to return to chess. Now I hope He will also give me the chance to play for my country one more time. It will always be an honor to play for the Federation and the country,” said Barcenilla.

The Philippine Chess Federation is currently in a dilemma as the country’s best player, World No. 16 Wesley So, is reportedly transferring to the US Federation to represent the United States in Norway. The young So has been in close contact with Banjo since he went to the US to study at the Webster University in Missouri.

“I wish Wesley well and I hope he continues to improve his ranking in the world. But I fully support our Philippine Federation. This is why I want to help and be active again,” added the 42-year old Barcenilla, presently ranked No. 9 in the country.

I’ve known Banjo since we were teenagers in our Mandaluyong neighborhood. But it was not chess that brought us together, but basketball. Banjo was also a hoops addict. We would play pick up game everyday in the street. But playing street ball was a luxury for Banjo as he spent hours honing his skills in chess. His father Rogelio Sr. was a strict mentor and would have him focused on his chess training for most of the day. Of course, it was his father that guided him throughout his colorful career.

Today, Banjo is thankful for the blessings he has received. His only son Gabriel is a promising RNB and pop singer in the States and will be auditioning for The Voice USA this month. Gabby almost made the final cut of the X-Factor USA last year.

With things going splendidly for the Barcenilla family, all Banjo longs for now is another trip to the Chess Olympiad, an arena he used to shine brightly.