BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Summer Capital’s Team Blitz 14 Years Old squad composed of Meijer Juro Cabotaje, Cheldi Vallejo, Mary Grace Valdez, and Yellowrain Alfonso, captured the gold medal in chess at the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships in General Santos City.

In a sport often seen as solitary, these young athletes proved that unity, encouragement, and shared preparation can transform individual battles into collective victory.

For Vallejo, the journey began with familiarity and excitement since having played alongside his teammates in past tournaments, he felt comfortable and motivated. “I already knew my teammates because we always played in the same tournaments… it was comfortable knowing I’d be with the same people again,” he said.

Valdez echoed this, recalling playful banter and friendly conversations that kept the group close, while Alfonso admitted he was nervous at first but quickly bonded with the team through chess itself.

On the other hand, Cabotaje, who had long competed with them in Baguio, emphasized how training together deepened their connection and that the gold medal meant more than just a prize.

“It was not just about getting a medal. It showed that all our hard work, training, and sacrifices were worth it… we proved that when we trust each other and work as one team, we can achieve great things,” he said.

Valdez added that the victory gave them confidence against stronger, titled players, while Alfonso described the pride of making his family happy. Vallejo said the joy of seeing their preparation pay off, especially as the team hyped each other up on the way to gold because although chess is played individually, the team found ways to support each other.

Vallejo recalled giving advice after games and reminding teammates not to lose confidence and Cabotaje described how they encouraged one another before every round and shared ideas afterward while Alfonso stressed the mental support, saying, “We told each other it’s okay to lose and to just do our best.”

Valdez remembered moments when sickness struck the team, yet they carried each other through even in small acts like fetching water or cheering from the sidelines and these gestures of solidarity became their hidden strength.

The team’s mindset was simple yet powerful: stay steady, stay focused, and enjoy the game as Vallejo explained, “Our mindset was to stay steady and not get carried away even if we won.” Cabotaje added, “We told ourselves to take one game at a time and not be afraid of strong opponents.”

Valdez pointed out their coach’s advice to focus on the game itself rather than the medal, which helped them avoid pressure and fear while Alfonso shared that even if they didn’t win, they were determined to enjoy the experience and make friends.

From this golden run, the team learned discipline, patience, and the importance of encouragement as Vallejo stressed that consistency and support make a big difference while Cabotaje highlighted teamwork and positivity, while Valdez pointed out the value of communication and trust.

Alfonso summed it up simply: “We needed to trust each other and have good coordination.” These lessons, they believe, will carry them into future competitions with greater strength as the team hopes their victory will fuel greater ambitions in the future.

“I hope the victory reminds us that we can achieve more if we stay disciplined and consistent,” Vallejo said as Cabotaje added, “I hope it motivates us to stay focused, support each other, and never give up.”

Valdez expressed high hopes that the win will inspire them to defeat stronger opponents in national games, while Alfonso kept it heartfelt: “I hope that we will win our next gold together pa rin as a team.”

The Batang Pinoy 2025 chess champions showed that even in a game of individual moves, the power of friendship, encouragement, and unity can turn pressure into triumph as their story is proof that in chess and in life, teamwork can be the ultimate winning strategy. – Diana Badia Florague/PIO Baguio Intern/gabykeith