Calamba welcomes new sporting hero

Not even the early morning downpour could stop thousands of Calambeños from going out of their way to greet and cheer newly crowned world pool champion Ronnie Alcano, who was given a hero’s welcome in Calamba, Laguna yesterday.

It took four days for Alcano, 34, to return to his hometown following a series of appearances, including a courtesy call on President Arroyo at Malacañang, after he beat German Ralf Souquet, 17-11, in the World Pool Championship to win the crown last Sunday.

The motorcade passed through the different barangays in Calamba, including Bgy. Del Pilar, where Alcano hails, and ended in front of the New City Hall where he was bestowed the Award of Excellence by Calamba City Mayor Joaquin Chipeco.

"The spirit of excellence exemplified by Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the greatest Calambeño and our National Hero, has been demonstrated once again with the victory of another Calambeño and the latest Filipino sports hero, Ronato "Ronnie" Alcano, in the prestigious World Pool Championship," Chipeco said.

Alcano, who has already received over P6.3 million for his feat, including the P5 million top prize and the P1 million incentive by the President, also received P100,000 from the city government, another P100,000 from Mayor Chipeco and Laguna Second Dist. Rep Justin Chipeco, and P50,000 from the Calamba business sector.

The Congress also issued Resolution 194, extending its congratulation to Alcano for his victory that put the country on the world pool stage again.

The resolution was read by the Laguna solon during the Gawad Parangal sa Isang Natatanging Calambeño.