12-year-old Filipino chess player sells quail eggs to fund ASEAN+ championship dream

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 30, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine Scholar

A dozen quail eggs costs just ₱42. For 12-year-old chess player Kyle Windylle C. Espares, every sale helps bring him closer to competing in an international tournament.

Kyle is preparing for the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships in Misamis Occidental this November. But before he can focus entirely on his next match, he must help raise the money needed to participate.

His solution is simple: sell quail eggs from his grandparents’ farm in Panuloon, Sapad, Lanao del Norte.

With no reported financial assistance secured from local government units as of October 28, the young athlete is using the proceeds to help cover registration, transportation, accommodation and other tournament expenses.

The effort has drawn attention to a challenge faced by promising young athletes whose competitive opportunities come with expenses their families must find ways to meet.

Already making his mark in chess

Kyle, a student at Geronima Cabrera National High School, has spent approximately three years developing his skills in chess.

During that time, he has earned the Arena FIDE Master (AFM) title, represented his region twice and qualified for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa as a Region 10 student-athlete, according to local reporting.

The AFM designation is awarded through FIDE’s online chess platform and is distinct from the over-the-board FIDE Master title.

His next challenge will be the Under-12 Standard division of the ASEAN+ championship, where he hopes to gain more competitive experience against young players from other countries.

A bigger stage awaits in Misamis Occidental

The 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships is scheduled for November 2 to 10 at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Adventure Park in Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental.

The international competition is part of a larger series of chess events supported by the ASEAN Chess Confederation and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

The tournament includes open, women’s and age-group competitions, giving developing players like Kyle an opportunity to compete at a higher level

For the young chess player, however, earning a place in the competition is only one part of the journey.

Training, travelling and staying near the tournament venue all come with costs. Even with the championship being held in Mindanao, those expenses remain a challenge.

Raising funds, one dozen at a time

Instead of allowing the financial difficulty to end his plans, Kyle has found a way to contribute.

He sells quail eggs from his grandparents’ farm, turning a family resource into support for his chess ambitions.

The fundraiser does not guarantee that all his expenses will be covered. The total amount needed and how much he has raised have not been publicly confirmed.

What is clear is the effort he is making ahead of the competition.

At 12, Kyle is learning that pursuing a sporting goal can require determination beyond training and competition.

His story also highlights the importance of financial support for young athletes, particularly those who earn opportunities to participate in higher-level events.

As the ASEAN+ championship approaches, Kyle continues working toward his goal of taking his place at the chessboard.