"This award is in recognition of an individual whose advocacy is to promote chess in their respective regions by their active involvement in supporting several chess programs and activities thru sponsorship and donation which somehow help the aspiration of Filipino players, especially the youth. Likewise, in general, the whole Philippine Chess Community," NCFP said on its official Facebook page.
Urbiztondo is happy and proud to be given the honorary NM title.
As the owner of the Checkmates, Urbiztondo is giving a form of livelihood to some chess players in Mindanao in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) tournaments.
PCAP is the first professional chess league in the Philippines wherein the players get a form of salary and incentive from the team they are playing just like in other professional sports like the PBA.
Urbiztondo is also busy organizing chess tournaments to allow Mindanao players to participate and earn some money if they win.
Last October 27, 2021, Urbiztondo made it to the chess headlines after he beat former Singapore champion and seasoned chess veteran International Master Chan Peng Kong.
Playing the white pieces, AGM Rey Urbiztondo beat Kong in 30 moves of a Trompovsky opening.
To beat Kong, Urbiztondo created a King-side attack in the middlegame against the 1999 Singaporean champion and eight-time member of its national team to the World Chess Olympiad.
In a Facebook post, Urbiztondo is very happy with the rare chance to beat a three-time Asean 50-above champion
“Tsamba lang kay peldi pud ko earlier sa akong favorite opening ug linya sa Pirc sa taga Malaysia nga IM pud. Imbis na mobalik nako KIA (King’s Indian Attack) kay reverse sa akoa Pirc ug KID, naka upset man noon sa IM from Singapore,” Urbiztondo said.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)
Photo: Rey C. Urbiztondo FB account