MANILA, Philippines – Bince Rafael Operiano has recently brought honor to the country when was hailed a champion in the 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 4 to 12, 2022.
Aside from the gold medal, Bince also bagged silver and 2 bronze medals, 1 trophy, and certificates during the Asian tournament.
SEE ALSO: Gold! 9-year-old Albay chess prodigy hailed champion in Thailand tournament
Despite being a champion, Bince's father, Ben, admitted that there was no cash prize for winning. He said many people thought that the prize was worth millions, but sadly, all they brought home was the honor and prestige of winning. But despite it, Bince's father and their family were truly grateful for the opportunity and support.
He said, "Sa mga hindi po nakakaalam, akala nga nila milyonaryo na daw po ako..Sa totoo lang po, wala po talagang kalakip na prize o perang napanalunan. Wala po."
“Gold medal lang po nakuha namin, isang silver, dalawang bronze, isang trophy, saka mga certificate lang po. Yun lang po. Wala po siyang kasabay na pera. Karangalan lang po talaga yung inuwi namin," he said.
According to Ben, Bince's victory was more than money but the start of more opportunities.
"Siyempre, masaya. Proud din po ako sa anak ko kasi nagtagumpay siya...Pero para sa akin, simula pa lang po kami," he said.
Ben recalled how challenging it was to raise funds to send Bince to Thailand for the tournament. They asked the public, government officials, Party-lists, and many others. They were truly thankful that many gave until they had enough money.
"Marami naman po ang tumulong. Pakonti-konti man po, pag naiipon po malaking halaga na rin po,” Ben said.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sponsored Bince's plane tickets, but since it was only for one, the boy had to travel alone in Thailand. Ben soon followed to Thailand when he was able to get sponsors from local government officials for his roundtrip ticket.
Ben also revealed that they had to sleep at the airport for 2 nights due to budget constraints. They have a family relative to stay with but it's too far from the airport.
He said, “Talagang kukulangin kami sa budget kasi kung kapatid ko naman sa Molino, Bacoor, malayo pa yung uuwian ko."
In the end, Ben said Bince continues to be a normal boy despite receiving recognition and honor. There has also been an outpouring of support from the public who send thru GCash money for shoes, school, training, etc.
But they admitted that they are looking forward to the incentive from the government.
He said, "May mga nag-GCash, may nagpadala ng damit, sapatos, at kahit papaano po may mga tumutulong na rin po kay Bince. Sa incentive na nanggaling sa national [government], wala pa po kaming natatanggap sa ngayon po. Hintay-hintay po kami kong mabibigyan po kami o hindi."
— Sally, The Summit Express
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| Bince Operiano didn't receive any cash prize for winning Asian chess tournament | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Ben Operiano |
Aside from the gold medal, Bince also bagged silver and 2 bronze medals, 1 trophy, and certificates during the Asian tournament.
SEE ALSO: Gold! 9-year-old Albay chess prodigy hailed champion in Thailand tournament
Despite being a champion, Bince's father, Ben, admitted that there was no cash prize for winning. He said many people thought that the prize was worth millions, but sadly, all they brought home was the honor and prestige of winning. But despite it, Bince's father and their family were truly grateful for the opportunity and support.
He said, "Sa mga hindi po nakakaalam, akala nga nila milyonaryo na daw po ako..Sa totoo lang po, wala po talagang kalakip na prize o perang napanalunan. Wala po."
“Gold medal lang po nakuha namin, isang silver, dalawang bronze, isang trophy, saka mga certificate lang po. Yun lang po. Wala po siyang kasabay na pera. Karangalan lang po talaga yung inuwi namin," he said.
According to Ben, Bince's victory was more than money but the start of more opportunities.
"Siyempre, masaya. Proud din po ako sa anak ko kasi nagtagumpay siya...Pero para sa akin, simula pa lang po kami," he said.
Ben recalled how challenging it was to raise funds to send Bince to Thailand for the tournament. They asked the public, government officials, Party-lists, and many others. They were truly thankful that many gave until they had enough money.
"Marami naman po ang tumulong. Pakonti-konti man po, pag naiipon po malaking halaga na rin po,” Ben said.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sponsored Bince's plane tickets, but since it was only for one, the boy had to travel alone in Thailand. Ben soon followed to Thailand when he was able to get sponsors from local government officials for his roundtrip ticket.
Ben also revealed that they had to sleep at the airport for 2 nights due to budget constraints. They have a family relative to stay with but it's too far from the airport.
He said, “Talagang kukulangin kami sa budget kasi kung kapatid ko naman sa Molino, Bacoor, malayo pa yung uuwian ko."
In the end, Ben said Bince continues to be a normal boy despite receiving recognition and honor. There has also been an outpouring of support from the public who send thru GCash money for shoes, school, training, etc.
But they admitted that they are looking forward to the incentive from the government.
He said, "May mga nag-GCash, may nagpadala ng damit, sapatos, at kahit papaano po may mga tumutulong na rin po kay Bince. Sa incentive na nanggaling sa national [government], wala pa po kaming natatanggap sa ngayon po. Hintay-hintay po kami kong mabibigyan po kami o hindi."
— Sally, The Summit Express
