07/05/2025
Veteran Mind at Work: NM Jayson Salubre Returns to the Board for the 1st ACES Open Standard Tournament
Davao City, Philippines — A familiar name in Philippine chess circles, particularly in the Davao region, National Master (NM) Jayson Salubre is set to make a notable return to competitive play in the upcoming 1st ACES Open Standard Tournament on May 16-18, 2025 at the Gaisano Capital at Mintal, Davao City. Known for his deep understanding of the game and tenacious playing style, Salubre’s participation adds prestige and excitement to the event.
For those in the Davao chess community, Salubre needs no introduction. A fixture in local tournaments since childhood, his name has been synonymous with consistency, endurance, and competitive spirit. His approach to the game is methodical and punishing—a true “stamina player,” as many describe him. Salubre is renowned for holding solid positions and waiting patiently for opponents to falter, a strategy that has earned him countless victories over the years. National Master Jayson Salubre is very much like our main sponsor -- EMCOR, a steady and continuously growing force in the community.
Though his presence in recent tournaments has been limited, Salubre has not been far from the chessboard. He has transitioned his focus to mentoring young talents, including his own children. His dedication bore fruit earlier this year at the Department of Education (DepEd) regional meet, where his daughter qualified after a strong showing at the provincial level. Though she narrowly missed advancing to the national stage at the Palarong Pambansa, the experience underscores Salubre's growing impact as a coach and chess father.
In March 2025, Salubre made waves again when he tied for second place in an Open Standard tournament in Cebu. What made the finish even more special was the fact that he is one of the first trainers of the player who claimed the top spot—his former student, Christian Gina Karlo Arca, who is now on the verge of receiving the International Master (IM) title. The tournament served as both a personal resurgence and a testament to Salubre’s enduring influence on the next generation of Filipino chess talents.
As he heads into the 1st ACES Open Standard Tournament, expectations are high. Not just for results, but for the inspiration he brings with each move. With his wealth of experience and unshakable composure, Salubre will surely be a player to watch.
His return to the competitive scene isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reminder that true mastery in chess never fades; it simply evolves.
The 1st ACES Open Standard Chess Tournament would like to recognize its major sponsor -- EMCOR. EMCOR is a popular store in the Philippines with 165 stores and 2100 workforce. EMCOR is a very strong player in the retail industry of motorcycles, home appliances, furniture, computers and IT products. EMCOR and the ACES share the mission of contributing to the development by providing customers and the community we serve with quality products and services.
