Checkmate: Chrexus Allen San Juan’s Triumph at Palarong Bicol 2025

In the game of chess, every move counts. A moment of hesitation or a miscalculated step can mean the difference between victory and defeat. It requires strategy, patience, and focus, qualities that define a true champion. But beyond the checkered board, real-life battles can be even more unpredictable. 

For 11-year-old Chrexus Allen San Juan from Labo, Camarines Norte, the greatest challenge he faced at Palarong Bicol 2025 wasn’t just his opponents, it was the unexpected twist life threw at him just days before his biggest match.

Just two days before his biggest match, an unexpected accident nearly cost Chrexus his shot at the tournament. While playing with friends at the playground, an unfortunate accident on a slide led to a fractured left arm. 

Rushed to the hospital, he and his father, Jurex San Juan, were gripped with fear and uncertainty. Despite the injury, Chrexus was discharged just in time for his match on March 24, determined to push through the pain and compete. 

“Nakita ko talaga, putol ‘yung kamay eh, kahit hindi na i-X-ray, kitang-kita naman sa form ng kamay,” his father said, describing the horror of the moment. 

Translation: “I really saw it, his arm was broken. Even without an X-ray, you could clearly see from its form that it was fractured.”

The pain was unbearable, but what weighed on Chrexus’ mind was not just the injury—it was the possibility that he might not be able to compete.

Still, Chrexus was never one to give up easily. With sheer determination, encouraged by the prayers and support of his family and friends, he made the boldest move of his life—he played on.

“Kala ko po hindi na ako makakalaro,” Chrexus admitted. “Pero ang dami pong nagro-root sa akin kaya na-motivate po akong lumaban pa rin.”

Translation: “I thought I wouldn’t be able to play anymore,” he admitted. “But so many people were rooting for me, and that motivated me to keep fighting.”

Even with his fractured left hand in pain, Chrexus relied on his training and focus. He played through the discomfort, knowing that his preparation over the years would carry him through.

The Road to Victory

Chess has always been a part of Chrexus’ life. He learned to play at the age of five, taught by his father, Jurex San Juan, who recognized his son’s potential early on. What started as simple lessons at home quickly turned into a deep passion, leading to years of disciplined training.

The tournament was no easy feat. Long before the accident, Chrexus had already put in countless hours of training with his father. Their preparation was relentless —two years of daily and uninterrupted training. His victory was not a matter of luck but a product of dedication and hard work. Every strategy he mastered and every sacrifice he made led him to this moment.

“Kaya hindi naman po talaga masasabing chamba lang yung pagkapanalo kasi grabeng determinasyon po talagang ginawa ko diyan na training,” his father shared 

Translation: “This victory wasn’t luck—it was built on years of relentless training.”

His father echoed this sentiment, recalling how even on the day of the competition, Chrexus was still feeling weak from his injury. The tournament was divided into two categories: Blitz Chess, a fast-paced version of the game, and Standard Chess, the main event. The rapid pace of Blitz required quick hand movements, making it difficult for Chrexus to keep up due to the pain in his arm. He was unable to secure a win in that category.

However, his father reassured him that the Blitz category was not the main qualifier for the national level. The true battle lay in the long game, and Chrexus knew this was where he had to focus. He gathered his strength, pushed through the pain, securing the gold medal in the Standard Chess category.

An Inspiration to Many

Chrexus’ journey didn’t just earn him a gold medal; it earned him the admiration of not just the Camarines Norte community but the entire Bicolanos who witnessed his story.

“Hindi lang siya magaling, resilient pa siya, may grit,” SDS Crestito Morcilla said, emphasizing how Chrexus embodies the never-give-up attitude of CamNorte athletes.

Translation: “He’s not just talented—he’s resilient and has grit.”

His coach, Bernie Cana, also expressed his pride and excitement over Chrexus’ win.

“Ay syempre, unang-una excited at nanalo kami, at yun yung gateway namin papuntang Pambansa. Representative namin at ‘yan ay estudyante ko pati, ay syempre pag ‘yan naano ng DepEd Region pati, edi mas maganda, pride ng school,” Cana shared.

Translation: “Of course, first and foremost, we were excited and proud that we won. This victory serves as our gateway to the national competition. He is our representative, and he is also my student. If this gets recognized by the DepEd Region, it would be even better—he brings pride to our school.”

For Chrexus, winning a medal was never the main goal– it was about believing and having faith in himself. 

“Hindi ko po alam nun, basta po nag-pray lang po ako para manalo po ako, yun lang po yung naging motivation ko po, para po, kaya iniisip ko po na pwede po ako manalo po,” he shared. 

Translation: “I wasn’t sure if I would win, but I just prayed and held onto the thought that I could do it,” he shared.

Despite the pain he endured, his determination never stumbled. His journey serves as a powerful message to aspiring young athletes: “Sana mag-training din sila ng tustusan katulad ko po, kasi kung hindi naman po ako nag-training talaga, hindi po ako mananalo.”

Translation: “I hope others train as consistently as I did,” he shared. “Because without all the training, I wouldn’t have won.”

Looking Ahead

With Palarong Pambansa now in his sights, Chrexus and his father-coach are more determined than ever to push forward. Their training will only intensify as they prepare for the Palarong Pambansa stage, where tougher opponents await.

For now, Chrexus takes a moment to celebrate his hard-earned victory. He has shown that in the game of chess, as in life, true strength comes not from avoiding obstacles but from facing them head-on. Just like a masterful chess player who sees victory beyond the sacrifices, Chrexus Allen San Juan has proven that resilience, strategy, and unwavering belief can checkmate any challenge that comes his way. | Kyla Literal, Froilance Alcazar

Photos by: G. Palado Sr. Elementary School