During the flag-raising ceremony Monday in front of City Hall attended by the whole council and employees and city folks, Belmonte hailed Gabica’s heroics that gave the country its breakthrough victory in the Doha Asiad. The rites were also attended by Majority Floor Leader and 4th District Councilor Ariel Inton amd Councilor Bayani Hipol.
"You made not only Quezon City very proud but our country as a whole. You showed to our Asian neighbors that Filipinos can excel in any sports arena," Belmonte told Gabica who’s a resident of the city’s fourth district.
"His outstanding performance in billiards event, capturing gold and silver, has given an exemplary honor to Quezon City," said Vice Mayor Bautista. Gabica won the gold in the nine-ball rotation over compatriot Jeff de Luna and the silver in the eight-ball event.
The 34-year-old Gabica was accompanied by Bugsy promotion head businessman/sportsman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano, BPLO head Pacifico Maghakot and Gabica’s wife Jean. The billiards hero expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support and prayers and bowed to give more prestige to the country.
Inton, a well-known sports advocate, also said the council is passing a resolution giving Quezon City athletes and 2006 Philippine world pool champion Ronato Alcano special support particularly in their future international competitions.