MANILA, Philippines – The country’s top rated grandmasters (GMs) are set to compete in the 2013 Candon Rapid Open Chess Championship this weekend.

Among participants expected to compete are GMs Oliver Barbosa, Darwin Laylo, Richard Bitoon, John Paul Gomez and defending champion Mark Paragua.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales and Mayor Allen Singson will be the guests of honor during the opening ceremony.

The event begins on March 9 at 9 a.m. at the Candon Civic Center in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

The two-day event, which is open to all ages and genders, is sanctioned by the NCFP.

Other participants include International Masters (IMs) Oliver Dimakiling, Rolando Nolte, Ronald Dableo, and Emmanuel Senador, among others.

Organizing committee chairman Jerry Malamion and NM Edmundo Gatus (0939-865-5151) can be contacted for more event details. -- By Marlon Bernardino