Erhol Araneta and his Eagle eyes

PSAA 2018, first time in a row, San Jose Del Monte Heights High School placed 5th in chess
tournament, with his keen eyes Erhol Araneta brought home another legacy.

“Hindi mayabang, low-profile, at masarap turuan”, those are the words once used to
describe this athlete, complements that will make your heart pounds with an overflowing joy .
“Tahimik talaga hindi mo makikita yung kartada niya hangga’t hindi mo siya makikitang
maglaro”. He appears to be the less, bashful and enigmatic. Even his coach Joseph Abella did
not see much potential with this boy at first. Who would imagine a boy who is fond at watching
people play chess, will give it a try and be on the limelight?

It will be so amusing to hear his story, his curiosity brought him a lot of fortune. “12 years
old palang po ako ng mahilig ako sa panonood ng chess, nagtanong-tanong hanggang sa
sinubukan ko na rin po maglaro nito”, Araneta said. An athlete who didn’t study theories and
technicalities, and who ignores variations while playing chess, his natural talent is surely out of
league.

SJDMHHS 4th Intramurals August 2018, Chess Tournament: Erhol Araneta is the champion.
He was chosen to compete at Private Athletic Association 2018 or PSAA, in Sapang Palay
National High School. September 17-21, five days of struggle, “Sobrang kabado po, pero laro pa
din”, A trace of nervousness was shown on his face as he uttered the words. For he had
remembered the chills that the tournament caused him. “Magaling siya nababasa niya yung
mga hidden moves ng kalaban”, Rodolfo Nelmida Jr. A coach who used to play with Araneta
uttered to describe him. He also added that this boy doesn’t read books about chess and
unaware that the moves his performing is inside the book. This athlete is genuine. He does
things on his own approach without depending on the theories. This proves that for him, his
eagle eyes are way more dominant than the theories written on the book.

“He learns from his mistakes, and he studies his opponent”, Joseph Abella, his coach, said.
“Open-minded at napaka- down to earth”, he added. 14-3 good enough to move-on for the
Semi-Final round. 18 athletes are competing for a title and one of them is Araneta. Being
included in this round made his heart beats so fast. “Habang nilalaban ako at nakikipag-laro
hindi ko akalaing mananalo ako sa aking mga katunggali, hindi ako makapaniwala dahil natatalo
ko ang mga nakakalaban ko kahit mas lamang na sila sa experience at marami ng alam na
strategies”. He said as he puts his amazement into words. He never relaxed while on the game.
He insist to focus and to wait for a good move to show up. He is patient. He is persistent. He
was never greedy. He is smart. It is enticing to watch him getting better and better, as well as
how he remained humble in spite of his accomplishments.

As the Finals initiates, six chess players stand out, from 18 they were filtered. Araneta
made it through. Being the first to set foot in the Division makes Mr. Abella very proud. He
never imagine going this far, 5th place is not a joke as long as they carry the name of the school.
He never thought that Araneta can exceed his expectation ,for he once uttered, that he is not
satisfied on how this boy plays the game. It is very surprising to observe his improvements. He
made every one proud as he lifted San Jose Del Monte Heights High School to be on the watch
out List for the Chess Tournament in the future. He became an inspiration to others that you
can be what you want, whatever you want to be.
 In everything that we do, in every path that we take we earn our keepsake, “Halos lahat
kami ay naging magkakaibigan, friendly at talagang may respeto sila. Lahat kami marunong
tumanggap ng pagkatalo.” He said. It is not only the recognition which he brought home, but
also the friendship the players created for a few days of being together. “Natuto akong
mag-tiyaga, mag-ingat at huwag magmadali, iyan siguro ang binago sa akin ng paglalaro ko ng
chess”. He added. He may be simple, but he has a good heart. His achievement may not be
enough for some, but for his family, friends, and teachers he is more than a legacy.