Apayao's chess pride Mhage Sebastian earns Team PH berth for World Chess Olympiad

Luna, Apayao – Apayao's pride continues to shine on the international stage as Woman National Master (WNM) Mhage Sebastian secured a spot on the Philippine women's team for the 46th World Chess Olympiad after topping the national selection tournament held from June 23 to July 2 at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence in Quezon City.

Organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the 46th Chess Olympiad is one of the world's most prestigious international team chess competitions. It will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 28, 2026.

The tournament is expected to gather thousands of players from around 200 countries, with Sebastian proudly representing both the Philippines and her home province of Apayao.

A journey that began at age two

Sebastian's journey in chess began when she was just two years old, learning the fundamentals of the game from an early age.

By the time she turned four, she was already competing in tournaments. As a Grade 4 pupil, she represented Apayao in the Palarong Pambansa, becoming one of the province's youngest female chess players to reach the national stage.

Years of sacrifice

In an interview with Guru Press, her father, Atty. Gerriahzon Sebastian, recounted the sacrifices their family made to help Mhage pursue her dreams, saying her success was built on years of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering family support.

"In pushing Mhage to excel and become the best in school, district, provincial and regional meets up to Palarong Pambansa, we sacrificed a lot in terms of finances. Kailangan ng funds And growing up back then, walang-wala kami. So I had to approach friends, relatives and the Local Government Units for support. Pakapalan ng mukha kasi alam kong may talent ang bata kaya gusto kong makasali siya sa iba't tournaments mapa local, national or international...we spent much but there are no regrets, we achieved what we have dreamt of," said Sebastian.

He also shared his advice for aspiring young chess players, emphasizing that success comes through determination, consistency, and trusting the process.

"To be good and become a chess champion one day, have the determination and be consistent with the right process. Get a good coach, train regularly, and join tournaments. There are highs and lows, but if you are determined, you will eventually get better," he added.

A message to parents

Sebastian likewise emphasized the important role parents play in helping their children succeed, saying the journey requires commitment, patience, resources, and a clear vision.

"For parents, it's a long rigorous journey. It takes time and resources, in my personal note as a parent, it is worth supporting our children. In their early stage pa lang dapat may goal na kayo. If you don't have clear goals then hindrance and challenges arrive, maraming rason para di na ituloy or di na magpursige, you will be discouraged," said Sebastian.

With her place on the Philippine team now secured, Mhage Sebastian is set to compete against some of the world's finest chess players, carrying not only the Philippine flag but also the hopes and pride of Apayao on one of chess's biggest international stages.