The Benilde Chess Masters outplayed the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates in a sharp 3-1 victory in the NCAA Chess Finals on Dec. 6, at The Pearl Hotel, Manila City, bringing the championship title after seven years.
The win capped a remarkable campaign for Benilde, who had entered the finals on the momentum of a tense semifinals escape against the Altas Woodpushers. The Chess Masters edged ahead in a crucial tiebreak after a 2-2 deadlock, securing their long-awaited return to the finals.
For a team that once struggled to complete a lineup, this marked the culmination of a program that has spent the past few years on slow, disciplined rebuilding.
One of the pillars of the resurgence on the board is National Master Jasper Faeldonia, an ID124 student from the Marketing Management (BSBA-MM) program, the Season 101 Most Valuable Player who joined the squad under the guidance of former Benilde athlete and Coach of the Year Jerich Cajeras.
Speaking to The Benildean in an exclusive interview ahead of the Finals, the MVP admitted the weight and meaning of this season’s quest for redemption.
“This was my first time reaching the semifinals again since 2019 back when I was still with [Arellano University] Juniors, so of course there was pressure,” he said. “One mistake could have cost us the finals.”
Nearing the end of their historic run, he shared that the team kept one reminder in mind: seize the moment. “We only get chances like this once a year. Last season they finished 5th, and now we’re here in the semifinals and heading into the finals. That alone pushed us to give even more and prepare better,” he added.
Though no Benilde player secured a gold board medal this season, Faeldonia believes the lessons learned are far more valuable, ultimately strengthening their resilience and helping carry them to the championship.
“We learned so much from our mistakes. That gives us the confidence that we can come back even stronger,” he added, emphasizing that the team’s growth this season mattered more than any individual award.
With the crown back in their hands, the Masters closed the season not only with a win to end their run but with a meaningful resurgence built on years of rebuilding—and the start of a new era for Benilde Chess.
