This chess board is 24 years old already.
Whoaaa! I feel teary eyed writing this...
I started playing Chess when I was grade 4. Mom was a great Chess Player way back High School. Mom told me she stopped playing chess because she kept dreaming of the chess pieces at night, I cant imagine being chased by a queen or a bishop... haha!
I remember we played muna sa magnetic Chess board na nabili ko sa national book store and she noticed I was saving for a bigger board ung kulay white na may green. It was 100 pesos yata vs sa chess board na magnetic that maybe was around 30 pesos.
Until we went for a vacation in Paete, Laguna. Her hometown, the carving capital of the Philippines. She bought me this big chess board. 
I tried to beat my mom for years until natalo ko sya nun 2nd year High School na ako, I dont know kung valid yun kasi Dad was coaching me a little. Dad was good too.
But I remember the tears I had with this board. Countless times I almost won against Mommy. Ilang beses ako nag mamaktol but it was weirdly addicting, I don't know but I kept trying anyway, to beat her.
Mom even borrowed books, for me to learn some badass techniques. 
High School I played chess, Intrams. I was very good at it. It was fun, scary and addicting all at once.
Life is like a game of chess. To win you have to make a move. Knowing which move to make comes with insight and knowledge, and by learning the lessons that are accumulated along the way.
This game taught me patience and perseverance at the same time. Because great things, take some time!
Every decision that you make has a consequence to it. Every sacrifice has its toll.
I hope it shed light to anyone who feels like giving up. #labanlang #keepgoing #checkmate
