Oas, Albay native Bince Rafael Operiano came back home to the Philippines Sunday night, Nov. 13 following a triumphant stint in the 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, where he won a trophy and four medals.
But Bince didn't have it easy, based on the story shared by Albay 3rd Rep. Fernando Cabredo on Facebook.
In fact, Bince deserves equal praise for perserving through his heartbreaking ordeal just to compete in the international tourney, just as much as his actual achievement there.
"At years old, Bince was described as the next chess grandmaster. Young as he is, Bince has been competing in several local and national competitions. Yet his journey to compete in a foreign country was a bit challenging, both for Bince and his parents," Cabredo wrote.
According to the congressman, lack of money forced Bince and his father, Ben Operiano, to spend three nights at the airport, sleeping on the benches as they waited for their plane tickets sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
"The little boy had to travel first to Thailand without his father, Mr. Ben Operiano. I was told by his mother that during the first day of the competition, the parents of the other participants saw the boy crying missing the company of his father," Cabredo said.
"Bince braved the first game with no parent around to cheer him on. He felt pressured and lost to his opponents in the first games. Fortunately, his father arrived in time for the next games and finally around to personally cheer on his son. From then on, Bince have won the succeeding rounds and eventually made it to the top," he further narrated.
Bince ranked number one for the U-10 or under 10 years old category, besting 20 other players from different countries.
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The Bicolano chess wonder eventually finished 6th overall in the competition--an impressive showing despite the circumstances. He is set to be conferred a National Master (NM) title when he turns 10.
"We are so proud of you Bince! Congratulations to you and to your parents for this achievement!" Cabredo said in his post.