Chess National Master Pacifico Villaseñor, recognized as the oldest professional athlete in the Philippines, has passed away at the age of 83.
Villaseñor was part of the pioneering generation of talented “wood pushers” who rose to prominence during the golden age of Philippine chess in the 1960s. He represented several commercial teams and earned the National Master title in 1969, becoming one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Despite his advancing age, Villaseñor continued to compete actively in tournaments both in the Philippines and abroad. Admirers often remarked that he never lost his touch, playing not just to win but to continually refine his already formidable chess intellect.
He started playing chess at age 18 and mastered the board game to become a finalist in the Philippine National Juniors Chess tournament in 1960.
He gained national attention once again in 2020 during the inaugural draft of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines, where he was the oldest participant. Adding to the public’s fascination, his 60-year-old son Art also joined the draft, earning the father-son duo the nickname “the twin draft of senior citizens.”
A proud native of Lucena City, Quezon, Villaseñor won several notable titles during his career, including the 1967 Metropolitan Chess Open, the Vitas Tondo Open Tournament, and multiple National Inter-Commercial Team Championships.
He was married to the late Teodora Galang-Villaseñor and is survived by their children: Arthur, Alex, Angela, Anthony, Pacifico Jr., Alfred, Aldwyn, and Adizza.
Villaseñor’s remains lie at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.
