Chess in Baguio City

There is a story that when Jose Rizal was a little boy he said that in the future there will be statues erected in his likelihood. This words. we all know, are prophetic. Today, we can see statues and monuments of Jose Rizal in most public places in the Philippines.

Chess Players under the Baguio Overpass

In Baguio City, near the Igorot Garden where chess players often gather, there is a monument of Jose Rizal that is often ignored by tourists. I have not seen anyone taking a photo in front of the Rizal Monument. Tourists are oblivious of this monument unaware of its significance.

Jose Rizal Monument in Baguio City 

I used to visit Rizal Park in Manila to play chess at the chess plaza.  I remember playing with different people of various age groups. Most of the people playing chess at the Rizal Park Chess Plaza in Manila are there for the love of the game. Chess is a very popular pastime for retirees or senior citizens. The game of chess does not require a tremendous amount of physical exertion compared to other sports. But, being physically fit is important is a great factor to play chess in tournaments. 

In Baguio City near Rizal Park, chess is also a popular pastime. There are a lot of chess players that can be seen pushing pawns and pieces at Igorot Park. This park is accessible from the Veniz Hotel Burnham by using the footbridge.  I do not think it is a coincidence that chess is popular in parks dedicated to Jose Rizal. We should not forget that besides being a National Hero, Jose Rizal is also a chess player.