Kalaro, a sports platform, is powering the ongoing Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines tournament series to promote underserved sports like chess in the Philippines. Founder and CEO Jun Lasco highlighted the alignment with Pacquiao's legacy during a media briefing. The initiative aims to build sustainable pathways for athletes through technology and competition.
MANILA, Philippines — The role of KALARO in the ongoing “Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines” (MPCP) tournament series underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable development in both traditional and emerging sports. This effort aligns with the long-term vision of KALARO founder and CEO Jun Lasco, who emphasized the platform's dedication during a media briefing on Saturday, January 24, at TGI Friday’s American Bar & Grill in Robinson’s Place Galleria, Quezon City.
Lasco praised Manny Pacquiao as a role model, stating: “First, Manny Pacquiao is a world-class athlete. He is a global legend and someone who knows how to start from the very bottom and eventually reach the pinnacle of his sport.” He noted that Pacquiao's mindset is central to KALARO’s philosophy. The selection of chess was intentional, given Pacquiao's passion for the game, which has grown over more than 20 years. Lasco added: “Manny Pacquiao loves chess even more than 20-plus years ago, and chess is also considered an esport. Filipinos have shown the world early on, via Eugene Torre, that our chess players are indeed world-class.”
KALARO targets underserved sports, with Lasco explaining: “Everyone is into basketball, but there are so many other sports where Filipinos can excel, and one of them is chess.” The platform's KALARO 3.0 version features automation and live video broadcasts, enabling nationwide scaling of chess tournaments. It provides end-to-end support, from player registration and team formation to bracketing and the championship round.
Lasco highlighted monetization opportunities through live broadcasts and built-in social media features, which attract brands. Post-tournament, continuous online engagement persists, with player performances recorded to build historical profiles. “KALARO treats every league owner and tournament organizer as serious business entities,” he said, including accreditation, onboarding, and adherence to legal and operational terms.
Emphasizing competition's importance, Lasco asserted: “Tournaments are the only way to train and make every athlete gain mastery. Without joining actual events and tournaments, no athlete can level up his performance. Just like when the Olympics started, the foundation is simple. Match the best among the best to play against each other through actual tournaments to create continuous sports mastery.” He concluded: “This philosophy is the foundation of KALARO today and in the future.”
