WIM Catherine Secopito

I hold the title of Woman International Master and was a member of the Philippine National Team from 2005 to 2020, participating in various international competitions such as the SEA Games, Asian Indoor Games, Asian Continental Championships, and the World Chess Olympiad, among others. I am a proud graduate of one of the most esteemed universities in the Philippines, the University of the Philippines. Currently, I work as an Assistant Coach for the University of the Philippines Chess Team. Additionally, I am a chess lecturer at my Alma mater.

I am convinced that knowledge alone is not power; it is the application of that knowledge that truly empowers. Therefore, when you possess knowledge, it is essential to utilize it, share it, and pass it on to those who lack it. My passion for chess has turned into a mission. I am now dedicated to guiding students who aspire to succeed in chess. I aim to impart my experiences and expertise that will contribute to the development of future chess champions.

I played in numerous local tournaments since I was 11 years old and started representing the country Internationally when I am 16 yrs old.

Here are some of my notable achievements:

- 5 time Philippine National Champion
- 3 time Battle of the Grandmasters Champion
- 4 time Philippine National Games Champion
- 8 time Olympian

2006 Turin Italy Chess Olympiad
2008 Dresden Germany Chess Olympiad
2010 Khantymansysk Russia Chess Olympiad
2012 Istanbul Turkey Chess Olympiad
2014 Tromso, Norway Chess Olympiad
2016 Baku, Azerbaijan Chess Olympiad
2018 Batumi, Georgia Chess Olympiad
2020 Online Chess Olympiad

- Bronze medalist in Sea game 2005

-Silver and Bronze in Sea Games 2011

- Silver in Sea Games 2019.

- Bronze medalist in 2007 Asian Indoor Games held in Macau where I defeated GM Humpy Koneru in India vs. Phil match.

I got my 2 WIM norms in 2006 Turin Olympiad and last and final WIM norm in a closed tournament in Jakarta Indonesia in 2007.

I have a wide range of experience in playing chess. From school based tournaments to regional, from national to international ,from amateur to professional.

I’ve been coaching for 19 years in the Varsity Chess Team of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. I also teach early grade students, beginners , and advanced students privately. I even do public lectures and sports clinic occasionally.

I am the president of a local chess club federation in our city. As the head, I've been organizing OTB and Online tournaments, and been coaching the team to a back to back championship in a local team tournament.

A personal training program will be prepared based on the specific needs of the student after Assessment of their strength . I will focus on teaching relevant skills, Identifying strengths and weaknesses to enhance performance, and will be monitoring the development and progress of the student.

I am a coach who creates a positive learning environment to encourage students discover and achieve their full potential.