Meet Our Team
Each member of our enthusiastic team has had their life positively affected by chess. It is this passion for the game and the desire to share it with others that led to the founding of the academy. We are proud to introduce to you our dedicated team members who are always around to help and provide support towards excellence.
Loraine Salinas-Biag
Director
Coach Loraine is a designer and programmer with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Her love for chess has never gone away, and she started directing tournaments and coaching in multiple schools in NYC - which eventually led to the founding of the New York Chess Academy.
GM Mark Paragua
Head Coach
Coach Mark became a master at the age of nine and received his Grandmaster title at the age of
20. Aside from being a professional Grandmaster, he has been teaching chess internationally and across the US for a number of years. Mark is still an active tournament player with a peak FIDE rating of 2621. He is also part of the main team who co-founded the New York Ches Academy.
FM Ivan Gil Biag
Head Coach
Coach Ivan received his Master title at a very young age and has since become a remarkable chess player and coach. Ivan, a FIDE master from the Philippines, finished his Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and decided to pursue his passion in chess. He is also a professional and experienced teacher – he has worked with the top chess schools in the Philippines and Singapore.. He has experience teaching at several schools in New York City, and he also co-founded the New York Chess Academy.
FM Nelson Mariano
Coach
Coach Elo is a FIDE master from the Philippines. He finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Communication and is pursuing his passion for chess. He is a professional chess teacher who has been working with all ages, from beginners to advanced levels, for more than 10 years. Coach Elo has worked with the top chess schools in the Philippines and Singapore, as well as several major organizations, where he has proven himself as a coach prior to becoming part of the New York Chess Academy team.
WIM Mikee Suede
Coach
More details coming up
NM Michael Silvederio
Coach
More details coming up
NM Emmanuel Emperado
Coach
Coach Emman is a National Master with a peak FIDE Rating of 2328.
NM Joey Florendo
Coach
Coach Joey is a National Master with a peak FIDE Rating of 2162
WNM Arvie Lozano
Coach
More details coming up
Christian Flores
Coach
Coach Christian took up Bachelor's degree in Marketing and is currently working in a law office. Chess has always been his passion, and he coaches chess part-time. He has been teaching kids and adults for a few years now.
Christine Paragua
Coach
Coach Christine is usually around and assisting at the NYCA camps and tournaments. She also won 1st place in the U1200 38th Annual World Open Tournament.
Eliseo Budoso
Coach
Coach Eli has a FIDE Rapid Rating of 2036. He is also a Music, Arts, and Physical Education instructor.
Gavin Ong
Coach
More details coming up
Joseph Navarro
Coach
Coach Joseph has a peak FIDE Rating of 2068
Marc Paraguya
Coach
Coach Marc was tagged as an Arena Grand Master. He has a peak FIDE Blitz Rating of 2020.
Susan Neri
Coach
More details coming up
