Little Ruth’s big move

A young chess player makes her first big move at the national level in Palarong Pambansa 2013.

Devon Wong reports.

Ruth may have traveled far from her home in Ilagan city to get to this year’s Palarong Pambansa but it’s a small distance when you have big dreams.

Ruth Vinuya, Chess Player from Region 2: I want to be a doctor and a grand master.

8-year old Ruth is the youngest competitor in the chess tournament at Palaro this year and the youngest delegate from her region. Organizers even made an exception to sponsor this tiny chess player’s father to come along for the journey.

But if anyone deserves to see Ruth play in her first Palaro tournament, it’s her father Manuel…who first taught her the game.

Manuel Vinuya, Ruth’s Father: A lot of people really doubted her, because all the people I know are good at chess. I let them play with her, and when they play with her, they’ll usually be surprised because of the level this child plays.

Manuel took the time out of his job as a tricycle driver to train with Ruth.

Even when I’m tired, I still find time to play with her. I want to improve her game, and I don’t want her to be discouraged.

Ruth’s mother is just as excited for her daughter, but had to send her wishes from afar.

She was happy and she congratulated me.

As an OFW based in Hong Kong, the news was a break from reality.

She was happy and she was crying when we were on the phone. She was very surprised that her daughter had achieved that much already.

With proud parents both here and abroad, Ruth has all the support she needs in her corner.

Ruth plans on making memories, and maybe even history, with her father by her side. It’s only Day 1 of competition, but Palaro marks the first move for this young chess player at the national level.

Devon Wong, Rappler, Dumaguete

For more stories on Palarong Pambansa, visit Rappler’s Palarong Pambansa 2013 microsite.

(ERRATUM: We previously mentioned Ruth Vinuya is from Region 13. We regret the error. She is from Region 2.)

– Rappler.com/with reports by Jennis Miranda