Filipino Grandmasters John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo will spearhead the local charge against the strong foreign challenge in the P4.2-million Maharlika Pilipinas Chess League's Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess Festival set from December 13 to 17 at the Family Country Hotel in General Santos City.

Other notable Filipinos that have registered in the tournament are International Masters Daniel Quizon, Kim Steven Yap, Chito Garma, Ricky de Guzman, Cris Ramayrat, Joel Pimentel and Angelo Young and FIDE Masters Alekhine Nouri, Mari Joseph Turqueza, David Elorta and Jeth Romy Morado.