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Unlike boxing, basketball, or volleyball, the sport of chess doesn't enjoy much mainstream attention here on our shores.

That's quite unfortunate considering that we produced one of the brightest and biggest chess players in Asia and the world in Eugene Torre.

Meanwhile, young chess champion Wesley So - whom many of us remember as part of the Promil Kids - has been in the news after being granted American citizenship, giving his young but already stellar career more opportunities in the future.

Sadly, the Wesley So case encapsulates the current state of the sport in our country.

With fewer tournaments to play in, minimal support and limited financial prospects, local chess players have chosen to look elsewhere to further their careers.

All is not lost, however.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), for example, carries chess as one of its featured sports to cultivate future Grandmasters or simply providing chess lovers an avenue to play the sport.

And one of the schools that have risen recently both in the juniors and seniors division is the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

The Altas or the Perps, two of the school's nicknames, had won the championships in Seasons 94 (juniors) and 95 (seniors).

The team, of course, is hoping to continue its strong showing for the upcoming Season 96 of the NCAA.

In the meantime, get to know some of UPHSD's chess players who might be future Grandmasters as well.

Genesis Mateo Borromeo

Photo by: Genesis Mateo Borromeo (FB)

Genesis will be forever remembered in UPHSD lore for helping the Altas clinch its first-ever senior chess title after outsmarting Joshua Arias of Arellano University in Season 95.

He likened the game of chess to life, saying, “It's either you make a blunder or a brilliant move. You're constantly guessing your next move and decision, and hoping you'll make the right one. That's the beauty of this sport.”

John Marx Anastacio

Photo by: Altas Chess Team (FB)

Season 95 Most Valuable Player (MVP) John Marx remembered the best game he played thus far in his young career.

“I sacrificed my queen for a better position,” he said. Such a move, of course, is risky and can be described in chess as “aggressive” but it worked perfectly fine for the Michael V fan.

He cited winning the championship in a tournament dubbed as Batang Pinoy in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, as the defining moment in his life.

“That victory opened up a door of opportunity for me, and that is to be part of UPHSD's chess team.”

Ronald Canino

Photo by: Ronald Canino (FB)

Chess runs in Ronald Canino's family. His sister Ruelle “Tawing” Canino is the young chess wizard who bagged two gold medals at the 18th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship in Malaysia in 2017.

Ronald competed in chess tournaments both here at home and abroad. That wealth of experience makes him a vital cog in UPHSD's junior team.

The 17-year-old talent, who loves to eat chocolates during game day, has only one person mind whom he wishes to talk to if given a chance.

“I would speak to Wesley So,” he said.

“Because I want to ask him what is his secret to becoming a world champion.”

Darlyn Villanueva

Photo by: darlynvllnv (IG)

Darlyn dreams of becoming an actress and she's a fan of Prima Donnas' star Althea Ablan.

The young student-athlete though is focused on helping UPHSD reclaim the title for Season 96.

“I think I'm destined to be a chess player,” said Darlyn.

“The best thing about my sport is that you can play it anytime and anywhere.”

Eric Labog Jr.

Photo by: Eric Jr Idio Labog (FB)

A true K-pop fan, Eric mentioned Black Pink and Momoland as his favorite groups.

Chess, according to Eric, teaches him to be composed and enhances his mathematical and problem-solving skills.

He described himself as “persistent, enthusiastic, and passionate” and he always reminds himself every game to be patient when he loses and to “stay humble if I win.”

Get ready and get hyped for Season 96 of the NCAA! Meet the players, coaches, and legends in the country and find out why the NCAA keeps getting better. Catch NCAA 'Rise Up Stronger' soon on GTV.