CEBU, Philippines — The Toledo City Trojans will be Cebu's lone representatives in the second season of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) set to kick off with its All-Filipino Conference on January 22.
During the maiden edition of the country's first pro chess league last year, four teams carried Cebu's banner with pride.
Aside from the Trojans, the Cebu City Machers, the Lapu-Lapu CityNaki Warriors, and the Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors also saw action all throughout the three-conference tiff.
This time, the Machers did not enter.
Also, the Dagami Warriors and the Naki Warriors have taken a leave of absence that has been filled by Tacloban and Cagayan de Oro, leaving the Trojans alone to carry the fight for the Cebuanos.
The Trojans though are up for the tough challenge having beefed up their already solid lineup by drafting the multi-titled National Master Merben Roque into their fold.
"Given his wealth of experience and winning track record, NM Roque will surely be a big help to our team," said Trojans team captain Bonn Rainauld Tibod.
"With him (Roque) on board, we have high hopes for our team to reach our goal this season," chimed in team manager Felix Poloyapoy, Jr.
In the inaugural PCAP tilt, the Trojans consistently reached the playoffs in all three conferences. They even made it to the Southern Division semifinals of the season-opening AFC, albeit in a losing effort against the formidable Iloilo Kisela Knights.
Now bound for a fresh campaign, the Trojans vowed to perform better and stronger.
Aside from Roque, Tibod and Poloyapoy, up to carry that daunting task for the Trojans are playing team owner Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang, International Master Rico Mascariñas, brothers NM Rommel and Ronald Ganzon, NM Rogelio Enriquez Jr., Richard Natividad, Christopher Tubalado, Glicerio Pardillo, Redentor Nailon, and Jinky Catulay.
"There's always a room for improvement and we will keep on growing," said Gacang. "Having said that, we must bear in mind and learn to accept that other teams are doing the same. We will just have to give our best and work even harder to become a better and stronger team in the upcoming PCAP season."