DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs administrative officer Lorainne Powao was honored by Russian Ambassador Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov on Monday, July 21, 2025, for her outstanding performance as the Best Female Player in the recent Asean-Russia Online chess tournament.
In a ceremony held at the Russian Consulate in Mandaue City, Ambassador Pavlov presented Powao with a special chessboard signed by Russian Grandmaster Sergey Karjakin, a Certificate of Recognition and a commemorative postcard.
The affair was graced by the presence of the ambassador’s wife, Irina Pavlov, and Russian Honorary Consul in Cebu Armi Lopez Garcia, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
Powao earned the Best Female Player accolade in the Asean-Russia online chess competition on April 18, when she represented the Philippines with distinction in what was lauded as an act of “chess diplomacy.”
Powao’s journey in chess began at the age of five, when her father taught her the basics.
Recognizing her potential, her parents eventually enrolled her in formal training, including four years of tutelage under the late National Master Ben Macapaz.
As a varsity player at the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), she benefited from chess scholarships that helped finance her high school education.
“The burden of being a student-athlete was hard because I wanted to be a full-time student, but I could not,” she shared. Despite the challenges, she acknowledged the invaluable support chess provided for her education.
Powao competed in tournaments such as the Milo Olympics, Cesafi and Unit Meets, and strongly advocated for chess as a varsity sport.
“Little did they know, grabe ang training namo sa chess — it’s not just moving the pawn or focusing on the game, but a discipline that enhances intellectual skills and requires intensive training,” Powao said.
The Asean–Russia chess tournament highlights how cultural exchange and friendly competition can strengthen international relations, showing that intellectual activities like chess contribute to fostering mutual respect and closer ties among nations.
Powao joined the Asean–Russia Online Chess Tournament through an internal volunteer invitation. The event gathered 75 diplomatic officers from Russia, Asean member states, Timor-Leste and the Asean Secretariat -- promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy through intellectual competition.
Powao expressed her appreciation for Ambassador Pavlov’s warm and approachable demeanor toward the Filipinos.
Looking ahead, she voiced her hopes that this recognition would “pave the way for the planned Russian–Philippine tournament to be held in Cebu,” believing it will inspire further collaboration through chess.
Now, Powao coaches USJ-R intramural chess teams using a hands-on approach.
“Usually, how I train is mag-sparring ta. Let’s play a game. When I see a wrong move, that’s when I coach,” she explained.
Her well-deserved recognition not only celebrates her personal achievement but also stands as a testament to the strengthening ties between Russia and Philippines through the strategic and unifying power of chess diplomacy. / ASHLE JUDD F. ALON UV Intern