Philippines Earns Its First Woman Chess Grand Master

The Philippines’ First Woman Chess Grand Master is from the Bicol Region.

To be called ‘proud’ is an understatement of how the people of the Bicol Region are feeling after their fellow Bicolana, Woman International Master (WIM) Janelle Mae Frayna was recognized as the first woman chess grandmaster of the Philippines.

Frayna’s new title was earned following her garnering of high points and several wins in the 42nd World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The 20-year-old Frayna is a native of Legazpi City in the province of Albay.

Janelle Mae Frayna
First woman chess grandmaster of the Philippines, Janelle Mae Frayna.

“I’m proud to announce that WIM (Woman International Master) Janelle Mae Frayna achieved the third and last result to become the first Woman Grandmaster from the Philippines”, said GM Jayson Gonzales, the women’s skipper and Frayna’s personal trainer and coach at Far Eastern University, in a press release.

The Legazpeños (natives of Legazpi City) believe that the newest chess grandmaster will serve as an inspiration to fellow chess players who aspire to follow her path.

But the path to owning her title and success is not that smooth and easy.

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