Chess Lab Team

Coach FIDE Master Rustum Tolentino
“To understand chess is to understand the theories that governs every move…My mission is to inspire students to excel in chess and achieve meaningful milestones both on and off the board.” – Coach FM Rustum
My Chess Story
“My passion for chess ignited at 15 when I began studying the game seriously. After years of dedication, I earned the FIDE Master title at 30—a testament to hard work and perseverance. With over 17 years of teaching experience, I specialize in helping students master positional play, evaluate positions accurately, and develop strategic thinking. Amongst my proudest achievements are championing tournaments in the UAE and Qatar. My mission is to inspire students to excel in chess and achieve meaningful milestones both on and off the board.”
Teaching Experience: 17 Years
Expertise:
-Mastering positional chess and advanced strategies
-Enhancing students’ ability to evaluate positions, plan on every move, and think strategically.
-Teaching how to understand the “why” behind each move.

Coach John Vincent Cayaba
“My goal is to inspire students to develop their skills, confidence, and strategic thinking through chess, preparing them for success in the game and in life.”
– Coach JV
My Chess Story
“I discovered chess at 11, inspired by watching my father play with his friends. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong passion that shaped my path. In the Philippines, I put in countless hours of effort to become a varsity player and earned a scholarship through chess, showcasing the impact of hard work and determination.
At 19, I began teaching, sharing my knowledge with young minds and helping them not only master the game but also develop valuable life skills. Since 2007, teaching chess has been my way of giving back to the game that gave me so much. Watching my students grow, remains the most fulfilling part of my journey. My goal is to inspire students to develop their skills, confidence, and strategic thinking through chess, preparing them for success in the game and in life.
Teaching Experience: 18 Years
Expertise:
-Building chess basics and mastering tactics.
-Developing strong foundational skills and tactical awareness.

Coach Kelly Ann David
“My goal is to help every student build critical thinking, concentration, and resilience while embracing the joy of lifelong learning.” – Coach Kelly
My Chess Story
“I discovered chess at 15 as an escape from boredom, but it quickly became so much more—it became a tool for personal growth and lifelong learning. As someone with a Master of Arts in Psychology specializing in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education majoring in Guidance Counseling, I’ve learned that chess is not just a game; it’s a powerful way to shape minds. Chess teaches critical thinking, focus, resilience, and the importance of learning from mistakes—skills that extend far beyond the board and into life. It inspires children to approach challenges with confidence and teaches them that success isn’t about winning but about growing through every experience. I began teaching chess with my teammates at 19, driven by a desire to help others discover its transformative potential. Over the years, I’ve managed a professional chess team in the Philippines and inspired thousands of students to shift their mindset from giving up to studying again. In my teaching, I integrate psychological principles and supportive counseling techniques to foster not just chess skills but a love for learning and personal growth. My goal is to help every student build critical thinking, concentration, and resilience while embracing the joy of lifelong learning.”
Teaching Experience: 6 Years
Expertise:
-Focused on building critical thinking, concentration, and resilience, helping students improve their chess skills while fostering a growth mindset and love for learning.
-Integrates psychological principles and supportive counseling techniques to create a holistic chess learning experience.

Coach Zy
“…my goal is to inspire kids to embrace curiosity through the art of questioning, experience the excitement in learning and discover the beauty in thinking – all through chess.” – Coach Zy
My Chess Story:
“I fell in love with chess when I was 9. Without a coach to guide me, I had to learn by trying, failing, and trying again. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to be the coach I didn’t have—helping students learn and enjoy the game. After teaching English in Cambodia for 3 years, I discovered my passion: teaching chess. Since then, I’ve spent the last 3 years managing Chess Lab and coaching students.
Chess has taught me to stay strong when things get tough and to focus on finding solutions. Every move is your choice, and that’s what makes chess so amazing—you’re in control! Playing chess teaches you to think critically, stay composed, and give your all in every move. Bringing people together through chess has been amazing, and organizing over 100 FIDE-rated tournaments is one of my greatest accomplishments. Now, my goal is to inspire kids to embrace curiosity through the art of questioning, experience the excitement in learning and discover the beauty in thinking – all through chess.”
Teaching Experience: 6 years
Expertise:
-Building strong fundamentals and understanding FIDE rules.
-Teaching chess in a procedural approach and effective questioning on the board.


