By Edwin C. Laru-an
Fiona Geeweneth B. Guirhem was a 2019 SEAGAMES Finalist in Chess.
Our featured athlete for this week comes from the Chess Tertiary Women’s Team.
Name: Fiona Geeweneth B. Guirhem
Nickname: Fio
Height: 5’1”
Year: 1st Year College- BSMLS
Team: Chess Tertiary Women
Playing Position: Board 1
Coach: Coach Ronel Ballesteros
Hometown: Lemery, Iloilo
Fiona Geeweneth B. Guirhem, a bemedalled athlete in Chess, with Sports Director Edwin C. Laru-an.
Achievements:
• National Age Group Chess Championship Qualifying (2019)
• 30th SEAGAMES Selection Grandfinalist (2019)
• 19th ASEAN Age Group
• Chess Championship(2018)
• Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. Cup Chess Championship
• PRISAA – 2014 – 2019
• Regional PRISAA – 2014 – 2020
• Palarong Pambansa ( Sta. Cruz Laguna, Davao del Norte, Albay Bicol, Vigan Ilocos Sur)
• National PRISAA – ( Iba Zambales, Davao del Norte)
Hobbies: Of course, I love playing chess, and I also love playing with my dogs.
Favorite Player: Eugene Torre
Most Memorable Game: 19th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship. This is the most memorable game for me because I won the Rapid Category as a champion, bringing with me not only my personal name but also the name of my school and country as well. Winning this event was even more memorable because it was held in my beloved country.
Principle in Life:
Failures should be considered as learnings and not regrets as those failures are the foundation of success, and will always be part of your success.
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am truly grateful to be a part of the team of the CPU Golden Lions. This team has become my family, as they have helped me in financial matters like school tuition fees or expenses during my games. CPU continues to help me in advancing my skills and talents as an athlete and also my development as a student. It is a pleasure and privilege to be considered as one of the varsity players of CPU because CPU is one of the best universities in the country that makes sure that their athletes have a balanced academic and extracurricular life. Behind the achievements that I’ve reached are the everlasting support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, classmates, and of course, my school (CPU), who are with me since I started my journey as a chess player.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because of the good quality education that this school offers to all its students as well as the support that it gives to all their athletes who participate in various events and competitions. As a Christian University, this school teaches and guides its students to have good manners and right conduct that could help them become a better athlete and a great person.