08/14/2026
🇵🇭 A 5-YEAR-OLD FILIPINA JUST MADE HISTORY IN SINGAPORE! 🇸🇬🏆
From a small town in Isabela to the international chess stage in Singapore, Jodiel Chloe Banawa has shown that age is no limit when it comes to chasing big dreams.
At just 5 years old, Jodiel proudly represented the Philippines at the 24th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships 2026, competing in the Girls Under-6 Standard category.
And she didn’t just participate—she became the champion! 🥇♟️
Jodiel scored an impressive 6 points out of 7 rounds, finishing the tournament at the top despite suffering only one defeat.
Her journey to Singapore began just two months earlier, when she won the Philippine National Age-Group Chess Championship in Olongapo City, earning her place on the national team.
Standing beside her throughout the journey was her father and coach, IM Joel Banawa, whose guidance and support helped Jodiel take on her first international campaign with confidence.
Now, a little girl from Alicia, Isabela has a championship title to her name and a gold medal representing the Philippines. 🇵🇭❤️
Her story is only beginning—but what a beginning it is.
Congratulations, Jodiel Chloe Banawa! Keep making your country proud, young champion! 🏆♟️🇵🇭
📸 NCFP
