Bobby Fischer was practically unrecognizable with his long beard and hair.

Chess legend Bobby Fischer admired Regine Velasquez, gorged on balut, and never owned an automobile.

These are some of the things revealed by international master Rolando Nolte who became Fischer’s guide and companion and one of few guys the reclusive chess legend trusted.

Since their meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1995, Nolte and Fischer struck a unique friendship notwithstanding their huge age gap.

“Bobby was an ordinary guy like you and me and easy to be with contrary to popular perception,” said Nolte, who at 38 is 28 years younger than Fischer.

Nolte, one of the country’s top international chess masters, became Fischer’s companion in 2000, doubling as his confidant, driver and travel guide.

“One thing Bobby hated was driving. He loved to walk and spent hours window shopping,” Nolte recalled.

A regular Philippine visitor, Fischer stayed most of his time in Baguio, Manila and Davao where he visited his Filipino girlfriend Marilyn Young and their daughter Jinky Young.

Read: RP kid to prove Fischer is her dad

“Bobby was in the country every three months and spent a few weeks here,” Nolte said.

It was 10 years ago in Baguio where Fischer first met Young, then 21 years old.

“The first time Bobby laid his eyes on Jinky, I knew he was smitten,” Nolte recalled. “Pero, torpe sa babae.”

After failing to get Young’s contact number, Fischer asked – pleaded – Nolte to fetch Young at home for a second meeting.

Their romance blessed them with a daughter named Jinky who could end up as the sole heir to Fischer’s P140-million estate.

Read: Fischer’s Pinay love child in Iceland to claim inheritance

“Bobby loved Jinky. He built a house for them in Davao,” Nolte said.

Fischer rarely watched television except to follow the news, but had a thing for Velasquez and Nadine Schmidt, a former host of noontime show Eat Bulaga.

“Maganda raw boses at katawan ni Regine,” Nolte said. “Si Nadine naman natipuhan din niya. Gusto nga niya ma-meet.”

Nolte disclosed that Fischer loved balut and sinigang, but also had a taste for Indian food.

“He had a list of restaurants to choose from whenever we were in Hong Kong,” said Nolte who had been to the Crown Colony three times to accompany him.

Fischer was into soul music and was an avid moviegoer.

“We watched movies everyday. He loved suspense. His favorite movie was ‘Casino,’” Nolte said.

Fischer guarded his privacy and moved away at the first sign of detection.

“One time, we were at Burnham Park in Baguio. Bobby wanted to watch at the chess plaza but one guy appeared to have recognized him. We immediately retreated,” he recalled.

Most of the time, however, Fischer moved around without being recognized because of his beard and cap that almost covered his face.

“There was a time Bobby had a haircut in Megamall. The barber had no inkling about his identity. But still, I stood guard. Baka kasi magunting ang tenga,” Nolte said.

Fischer was into hi-tech gadgets and bought his clothes in Germany. He normally wore a photographer’s vest, a pair of jeans, and Birkenstock sandals.

Nolte said Fischer rarely granted autographs or his photo taken.

FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumshinov paid $100,000 just to shake Fischer’s hand in Budapest, Hungary.

Later, Fischer told Nolte that he should have asked for $200,000.

Fischer was a generous friend and provided for Nolte’s needs whenever they were together.

“Whenever I asked for a favor, Bobby always granted it,” said Nolte who also had in his possession two wristwatches Fischer gave him.

Nolte rued the fact that he does not have a photo with Fischer together.

“What I have is a signed card for my son who I also named Robert James,” he said.