NM / AGM / FI / FA / NA / AO Alvin Alcala

My Journey Engineering Excellence Meets Chess Master:

I'm Engr. Alvin Alcala, and I've dedicated my professional life to mastering two distinct yet complementary fields. As a licensed Mechanical Engineer and a proud alumnus of Mapua Institute of Technology, I bring a unique combination of analytical precision, strategic foresight, and an unwavering passion for excellence to everything I do.

Professional Leadership & Expertise:

My professional foundation was built right here in the Philippines, where I gained invaluable experience in the demanding oil, gas, and mining industries. Later, I took on an impactful overseas role in Saudi Arabia, serving as a Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) Manager. My certifications reinforce my commitment to operational integrity and the highest standards as an ISO Lead Auditor (IRCA) and a Six Sigma Green Belt Practitioner ASCB (Europe).

You can explore the full scope of my professional journey on my LinkedIn profile -
www.linkedin.com/in/alvinalcala/

A Master on the Chessboard and Beyond:

My dedication to chess is something I'm incredibly proud of, marked by a collection of prestigious titles and contributions to the global chess community.

I've been awarded the titles of National Master (NM) and National Arbiter (NA) by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

I'm recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) as a FIDE Instructor (FI), FIDE Arbiter (FA), FIDE Associate Organizer (AO) and Arena Grandmaster (AGM).

I'm also a certified Swiss Manager Expert User from the European Chess Union (ECU) and Asian Chess Federation (ACF), allowing me to efficiently manage complex tournaments.

Fostering Grassroots Chess Development:

My commitment extends beyond personal play to community development. Being a licensed FIDE Associate Organizer (AO), I actively organize numerous chess activities and tournaments to inspire and encourage local participation. Under the Dumaguete City Chess Club's flagship initiative, "The Search for the Next Chess Master!" is an ambitious 12-month grassroots development program designed to cultivate a new generation of chess talent in our region.

Read the latest article here on the SNCM tournament -
tinyurl.com/10th-SNCM-Event

Cutting-Edge Chess Analysis & Innovation:

I also operate a state-of-the-art chess computing service. I own three computer servers with a formidable 72 cores of total computing power, which are available for rent 24/7 on the ChessBase Cloud Engine server. I've had the privilege of providing invaluable support to numerous Grandmasters by delivering advanced computer evaluations of the latest opening theories. My sophisticated approach involves building vast databases from human correspondence, computer engines, and centaur chess games to create a dynamic, automated opening tree of analysis. This method, a modern adaptation of Alexander Kotov's "Think Like a Grandmaster," applied through Aquarium 2021 software, truly requires significant computational resources.

World-Class Centaur or Advanced Chess Competitor:

At one point in my career, I was honoured to be among the top Centaur or Advanced Chess (man + machine) players globally. My prowess in this innovative format led to significant victories, including:

Champion: 1st Ultimate Chess Championship 2015 (Internet Chess Club - ICC)
1st Runner-up: Infinity Chess Freestyle Chess Battle 2014 (Infinity Chess server)
Two-time Champion: FICGS Chess Free Style Cup 4th & 5th Editions

Explore the fascinating world of Advanced Chess here -
tinyurl.com/Business-World-Online
tinyurl.com/Wiki-Advanced-Chess

Contributing to Chess Literature:

My passion for chess education also extends to literature. I serve as a book tester for Yusupov’s acclaimed Build, Boost, Evolve series on ChessTempo, contributing to the development of valuable learning resources for aspiring players.

Connect with Me:

You can view my official FIDE profile here: ratings.fide.com/profile/5218020

If you're interested in booking a coaching session or tune-up games, please visit: tidycal.com/alvinalcala

My email: alvinalcala@yahoo.com and WhatsApp: +63 9563797927

My Journey on the 64 Squares: Notable Chess Achievements

With a career spanning decades, my passion for chess has been a driving force, leading me to a remarkable track record in both over-the-board (OTB) and online competitions. I've consistently achieved victories and high placements across diverse formats, earning multiple amateur and international titles. From local scholastic events to international arenas, every game has fueled my dedication.

Recent Triumphs: 2022

Champion: Chess for a Cause (Philippines)
Champion: 2nd Bayawan Fiesta Rapid Chess Tournament (Philippines)
Champion: 1st Mayor Galic “Matic” Truita Open Rapid Chess Tournament (Philippines)
Champion: 1st Sta. Catalina Open Rapid Chess Team Tournament (Philippines)
2nd Runner-up: Buglasan Open Chess Tournament (Philippines)
Champion: 3rd NCFP-rated Online Chess Tournament, Category - A (Philippines)
Champion: 4th NCFP-rated Online Chess Tournament, Category - A (Philippines)
1st Runner-up: 1st NCFP-rated Online Chess Tournament, Category - A (Philippines)
1st Runner-up: 2nd NCFP-rated Online Chess Tournament, Category - A (Philippines)

Highlights from 2020

Champion: Julius V. Legaspi I Memorial Chess Tournament (Philippines)
Champion: 4th Mobile Chess Club Philippines Libangan Series (Philippines)
1st Runner-up: 30th Mobile Chess Club Philippines Libangan Series (Philippines)
1st Runner-up: 20th Mobile Chess Club Philippines Libangan Series (Philippines)
2nd Runner-up: 11th Mobile Chess Club Philippines Libangan Series (Philippines)

My 2019 Performance

1st Runner-up: PMU First Rapid Chess Tournament
Notable Results from 2018
Champion: Camanjac Fiesta Rapid Chess Master Category (Philippines)
1st Runner-up: Camanjac Fiesta Blitz Chess Master Category (Philippines)
1st Runner-up: Argan Village Rapid Chess Tournament (Bahrain)
3rd Runner-up: CEFAG Grand Finals Blitz Chess (Philippines)
5th Runner-up: Jeddah Open International Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)

International & Online Achievements (2017-2013)

2017

Champion: The Bahrain Chess Club Rapid Tournament
1st Runner-up: Al Riyadh Rapid Chess Championship (Saudi Arabia)
1st Runner-up: 9th FIDE Online Grand Prix Chess (Internet)
1st Runner-up: 8th FIDE Online Grand Prix Chess (Internet)
1st Runner-up: Camanjac Fiesta Rapid Chess Master Category (Philippines)
4th Runner-up: Alshareef Corner Open Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)

2016

Champion: Al Kifah Electronics International Rapid Chess (Saudi Arabia)
2nd Runner-up: FCPL Blitz Chess King (United Arab Emirates)
4th Runner-up: Centaur Grand Prix Chess Tourney (Internet)
5th Runner-up: NCB Bank International Open Chess Championship (Saudi Arabia)
7th Runner-up: Ebrahin Khalil Kanoo Chess Tournament (Bahrain)

2015

Champion: Al Khobar Rapid Chess Championship (Saudi Arabia)
Champion: 1st Ultimate Chess Championship (Internet)
Champion: Bahrain Blitz Chess Championship
Champion: 1st Centaur Weekend Tourney (CWT) (Internet)
Champion: 10th Engine Master Chess Tournament (Internet)
1st Runner-up: Al Riyadh Rapid Chess Championship (Saudi Arabia)
1st Runner-up: 2nd Centaur Weekend Tourney (CWT) (Internet)
1st Runner-up: Bahrain Rapid Chess Championship
1st Runner-up: Fakeieh Group International Chess Championship (Saudi Arabia)
1st Runner-up: Infinity Chess Team Cup (Internet)
1st Runner-up: 6th Engine Master Chess Tournament (Internet)
4th Runner-up: Eastern Region International Classic (Saudi Arabia)

2014

Champion: Kalayaan Sports Fest Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)
1st Runner-up: Infinity Chess Freestyle Chess Battle (Internet)
1st Runner-up: Filipino Chess League Chess Tournament (United Arab Emirates)

2013

Champion: 5th FICGS Freestyle Chess Cup (Internet)
2nd Runner-up: Al Baha International Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)
2nd Runner-up: 3rd Al Riyad Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)
3rd Runner-up: NGiT Chess Championship (Saudi Arabia)
4th Place: Al Riyadh International Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)

Early Career & Collegiate Successes (2012-1988)

2012

1st Runner-up: 5th King Alfonzo Blitz Grand Finals (Philippines)
2011
Champion: 4th FICGS Freestyle Chess Cup (Internet)
Champion: Kosmodrom's Swiss System, Freestyle Chess (Internet)
2009
Champion: 1st CITAA Invitational Active Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)
2008
Champion: Dhahran Invitational Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)
Champion: Eastern Region Friendship Games (Saudi Arabia)
2007
Champion: 3rd CISTA Invitational Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)
Champion: Dhahran Invitational Chess Tournament (Saudi Arabia)
1995
Champion: Glutaphos Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Tournament, NCR Leg (Philippines)
Champion (Team) & Board 2 Gold Medalist: NCAA Senior Chess Team Tournament (Philippines)
1994
Champion (Team) & Board 3 Gold Medalist: NCAA Senior Chess Team Tournament (Philippines)
1993
Champion (Team) & Board 4 Gold Medalist: NCAA Senior Chess Team Tournament (Philippines)
1992
Champion: San Sebastian College-Recoletos (Cavite City) Chess Intramural High School Chess Championship
5th Place: Metropolitan Chess Club Youth Chess Tournament (Philippines)
1989-1991
Champion: San Sebastian College-Recoletos (Cavite City) Chess Intramural High School Chess Championship (yearly)
1988

This extensive list reflects my consistent prowess across various chess formats and competitive levels, from early scholastic events to international online and over-the-board tournaments. It's a testament to the enduring passion that has driven my journey on the 64 squares.

Experienced Chess Coach: Guiding You from Beginner to Advanced

A certified FIDE Instructor (FI) with 20 years of dedicated chess coaching experience. I'm truly passionate about guiding players at every stage of their chess journey. Whether you're a complete beginner eager to learn the fundamentals, an intermediate player striving to break through plateaus, or an advanced enthusiast aiming for true mastery, I'm here to provide tailored instruction designed to meet your specific goals.

My coaching expertise spans both over-the-board (OTB) and online classes, ensuring a flexible, effective, and engaging learning environment, regardless of your location. Let's work together to unlock your full potential on the 64 squares!

Expert Chess Tournament Management & Logistics, Plus Chess Equipment Supplies

As a certified FIDE Associate Organizer (AO), FIDE Arbiter (FA) and Swiss Manager Expert User, I have extensive experience managing and overseeing chess tournaments of all scales. My expertise covers every critical role, ensuring smooth and professional event execution:

Chief Organizer or Organizer
Tournament Director
Chief Arbiter, Deputy Chief Arbiter or Arbiter
Pairing Manager

In many of the tournaments I've arranged, I've successfully multitasked, simultaneously acting as organizer, chief arbiter, and pairing manager. This integrated approach guarantees that events run seamlessly and efficiently, free from issues.

Additionally, I own a comprehensive set of tournament equipment, perfect for your next event:

1 ea licensed copy of the Swiss Manager program
75 pcs of standard chess mats
75 sets of tournament-size chess pieces
75 digital chess clocks

This equipment can comfortably accommodate up to 150 participants, providing everything needed for a professional tournament setting.

Are you planning a chess tournament soon?

My Chess Expertise

I possess a deep understanding of chess, encompassing:

Strategic motifs: I'm well-versed in the fundamental strategic patterns and principles that govern chess positions.

High-level tactical awareness: I have sharp tactical vision, allowing me to spot and exploit opportunities on the board.

Strong command of basic chess endgame theory: I have a solid grasp of essential endgame principles, crucial for converting advantages.

Beyond my theoretical and practical playing skills, I'm an expert in leveraging powerful chess software, specifically ChessBase 16 and Aquarium 2021, to enhance analysis, preparation, and understanding.

How can I assist you with your chess journey today?

My Coaching Philosophy: Targeted Improvement for Every Player

Every chess player, regardless of their current strength, has significant room for growth! My coaching approach is centered on identifying your precise level of chess knowledge from the outset.

Once your foundation is understood, I concentrate the training on strengthening your specific weaknesses. This targeted focus is designed to directly enhance your practical play and truly accelerate your improvement.

For highly ambitious chess players seeking to reach their peak potential, I offer structured learning plans that provide a clear, progressive path to mastery.

Being a certified FIDE Instructor (FI), it legitimizes my coaching expertise and we'll work together to unlock your next level!.