Coach Mila plays with one of her students. —Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas
Woman National Master Milagros Emperado is a pioneering force of women in Philippine chess. She now focuses on teaching the next generation to compete internationally, proving her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Journey to mastery
Emperado was introduced to chess at six years old by her father and uncle, who often played while tending to their business.
“I used to watch my late father and uncle play. After their games, I had to set up the pieces. I was their favorite to order around,” she recalled in Filipino.
Chess remained a casual pastime for her until she entered college at Mapúa University.
She sought an exemption from physical education classes to join a varsity team.
“At Mapúa, to be exempted from P.E., you had to be a varsity player. I didn’t initially consider chess. I tried out for volleyball, but I didn’t make it. But I was easily accepted into the chess team — maybe because I was a girl,” Emperado said.
Mila Emperado —Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas | INQUIRER.net
After college, she pursued a career as a chemist, setting aside chess for a time. Then, she earned a Master of Teaching Science degree that allowed her to teach in college.
While teaching, she was encouraged to represent her school in a national chess tournament, where she ultimately earned a spot on the Philippines’ first all-women’s chess team.
Breaking barriers
Emperado, together with Hermie Cartel, Andrea Lizares, and Lita Alvarez, made history as the Philippines’ first women’s chess team. One of their most unforgettable experiences was an exhibition match against chess legend Bobby Fischer.
In 1976, they represented the country in the 22nd Chess Olympiad in Haifa, Israel.
At a time when women’s participation in competitive chess was still gaining recognition, they stood alongside 22 of the world’s best teams.
Despite being a newbie in the tournament, the Philippine team finished 16th — outperforming Switzerland (17th), Austria (18th), Sweden (19th), Japan (20th), Scotland (21st), Wales (22nd), and New Zealand (23rd).
In her younger years, Mila Emperado met some grandmasters (from left): Russian three-time world champion Mikhail Botvinnik, Russian-American Edouard Gufeld, and Russian Yuri Averbakh. —Photos from mccchess.com
God’s intervention
Despite her Olympiad experience, Emperado did not fully immerse herself in chess. She left teaching and ventured into business, which thrived — until a devastating fire destroyed it.
“Maybe I had neglected something. I searched for answers. While walking, I found myself in a church. There, I felt welcomed in prayer. I learned discipline, humility, and how to obey,” she reflected.
When she sought a coach for her first Olympiad, the late International Master Ruben Rodriguez advised her to establish a chess club so he could train her daily. Taking his suggestion, she rented a small venue in Makati, setting up a few chess tables — a modest beginning for what would become Milo Checkmate.
Fearing she was too engrossed in the club, and wary of losing it as she had lost her business, she decided to close it after a year.
However, a passionate six-year-old boy changed her mind. Inspired by his determination, she chose to continue — and that boy went on to become one of the many masters produced by the Checkmate clinic.
From competitor to mentor
Drawing from her background in education, Emperado developed a structured training program for young chess players. She incorporated insights from a seminar in the Soviet Union, where she learned advanced teaching methods from Russian masters and chess federation leaders worldwide.
From this, the Milo Checkmate Chess Clinic was born.
Now, she dedicates her time to shaping young talents — imparting to them the lessons she learned throughout her illustrious career.
For Emperado, teaching chess is more than just tactics but it is also about teaching critical thinking, discipline, and resilience.
The chess clinic is already in its 35th year. It has produced five grandmasters (GM) namely Wesley So, Mark Parague, John Paul Gomez, Ronald Dableo and Catalino Sadorra, plus more international and national masters.
Mila Emperado —Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas | INQUIRER.net
Legacy in the making
Her journey—from a young girl setting up chess pieces to becoming one of the country’s first female masters and, now, a mentor—is a testament to perseverance and passion.
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Her dream? To see the Philippines produce world-class chess players who will not just follow in her footsteps but forge their own paths to greatness.
