CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Twelve-year-old Arena Candidate Master Kyle Windylle Espares and his family expressed deep gratitude to Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, public officials, and private donors whose support helped him return to competitive chess after a devastating house fire.
Months after the June 19, 2026 blaze burned down their home and destroyed his training gear in Kolambugan, community generosity enabled the Lanao del Norte prodigy to compete at the 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championships.
Grateful Comeback
The family credited the outpouring of kindness for lifting their spirits and keeping Kyle's competitive dreams alive after losing their home and equipment to ashes.
"My message to all sponsors for Kyle is that we deeply appreciate all your kindness & generosity. We do all our best to make him prepare with confidence in every game he plays," his mother, Badaelyne Pearl Coniza Espares, said.
Grandmaster Gift
Among the supporters was Frayna, 30, the country's first and only Filipina Woman Grandmaster and head teacher at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence, who donated a wooden chessboard after learning Kyle's original set had burned in the fire.
"As Kyle's reaction that I observed, he is very happy & blessed after WGM Janelle Mae Frayna gave it to Kyle without any hesitation, after she found out that we purchased before it was burnt into ashes," Badaelyne said.
Generous Donors
Alongside Frayna's gift, supporters pooled funds to cover registration fees, travel, food, and lodging for the regional championship, including Sen. Robin Padilla, Nico Bolzico, Divina Josephine, Jem Tinsay, Caryl Dimaporo, Randy Anding, Ren Kc, Jennifer Chua, Ana Estavillo, Nicholas Nicholas, Maville Arbiz De Pedro, K Vera Quita-Juan, and Irene Manalo, along with several contributors who requested anonymity.
Additional backing came from Michelle Ann Ramos, Alvin Christian Dalija, K Sandra Sandoval, Sofia Vergara, Chyl Dela Cruz, Jerianna Ejercito, Wannie Jacinto, Maria Ericka, Proza Davide, Samirah Souza, Reyg Granil, Sabino Durac Caberle, and Apple Belisario.
Future Fund
Competing against top regional players, Kyle said the encouragement from supporters reinforced his faith and determination on the board.
"In chess, we cannot predict that we can get to the top or become champions. It will also depend on the level of confidence in every game, even though how hard you've been prepared or training. But with the guidance of (God), nothing is impossible," Kyle said.
His mother said a portion of the donations was kept safe in a bank to serve as a dedicated fund for his future chess tournaments, including coaching and travel for the NCFP semifinals scheduled for Nov. 28 to 30, 2026, in Dumaguete City.
