Cong. Erbie's passion

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Health, sports and tourism – not necessarily, in that order – are the focus of Rep. Erbie Fabian’s advocacy as the tireless third-term Congressman continues his mission to be of service to his second district constituents here.

Last Sunday, Cong. Erbie staged the city’s first-ever, high-profile boxing card featuring a marquee fighter and over 7,000 fans flocked to the Vitaliano Agan coliseum to witness two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa’s farewell outing.

 Cong. Erbie, 53, is serious about his involvement in sports, particularly boxing. Throughout the city, he organizes tournaments in basketball, darts, billiards and of course, boxing. His monthly “Golpe Golpe” amateur boxing competitions are popular in the barangays and bring kids out of the streets into the gym. Cong. Erbie’s Blue Stallion stable now counts on four pros and over 50 simonpures under trainer and former two-time Asian Games bronze medalist Eric Canoy.

The oldest of seven children, Cong. Erbie finished nursing but never got to practice. He became a disc jockey and a radio reporter after graduation. Zamboanga City’s late matriarch Caling Lobregat took Cong. Erbie under her wing and encouraged him to pursue a career in public service.

“I used to do reports for Radyo Patrol and Mrs. Lobregat, to whom I owe my career, allowed me to go around in a blue Land Cruiser,” said Cong. Erbie. “I was called the Blue Stallion, my moniker. In 1992, Mrs. Lobregat encouraged me to run for councilor. That was the start of my political career. I served three terms as councilor then Mrs. Lobregat asked me to run for vice mayor in her ticket. She passed away as mayor and I succeeded her. Mrs. Lobregat’s son Celso, now our city mayor, encouraged me to run for congressman and now, I’m on my third term. I’m just an ordinary man, proof that you don’t have to be rich to be a congressman.”

During the fights last Sunday, Cong. Erbie welcomed guests and fans in an orange T-shirt and shorts. That’s how simple he is. What you see is what you get, no frills, no pretenses. That’s also why he is well-loved in the city. Cong. Erbie reaches out to the community and is sincere in working for every man’s welfare.

“I know what it’s like to be responsible for your family,” he said. “I lost my parents when I was only 22 and I had to take care of my four sisters and two brothers. I married off my four sisters. Four of us became nurses.”

Public service is all about heart and Cong. Erbie’s commitment to do good comes straight from the heart.

This December, Cong. Erbie plans to stage another boxing event and in February, a localized version of the Olympics capped by a major boxing card featuring ranked contenders from overseas against Filipino bets.

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Two of Cong. Erbie’s Blue Stallion fighters saw action in Sunday’s program and were impressive. Unbeaten Marvin Mabait claimed the vacant Mindanao Philippine Boxing Federation superflyweight title by overwhelming General Santos City’s Rodel Veronque at 0:30 of the first round while lightflyweight Joel (Kid) Ventual knocked out Brobro Lanquido with a single body shot at 2:41 of the third.

Referee Rey Galarpe appeared a bit hasty in halting Mabait’s fight as Veronque didn’t seem to be badly hurt. Mabait, 22, came charging out of his corner at the opening bell and immediately, put Veronque on the defensive. He banged away with both fists as Veronque covered up in a corner. Galarpe stepped in to stop the massacre.

“Veronque wasn’t fighting back,” said Games and Amusements Board boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, supervising the bout at ringside. “Mabait landed some solid shots to the head. Rey was in the best position to decide if Veronque had enough.”

Veronque was three pounds overweight and had to reduce the day before. He was fitted with oversized gloves as a penalty for failing to make the 115-pound limit. Dr. Cruz said Veronque’s poor condition could have been a reason for Galarpe to stop it early to avoid unnecessary injury.

The win raised Mabait’s record to 10-0-2, with five KOs.

Ventual, 17, had difficulty connecting on Lanquido in the first round then got his bearings in the second, finding the right timing to throw his combinations. A right hook to the ribs sent Lanquido down for the full count. Mabait trains at Peñalosa’s gym in Mandaluyong and Cong. Erbie said he’s eager to bring him abroad to test his mettle.

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A special ringside guest was Secretary of Tourism Alberto (Bertie) Lim who attended a regatta on Mayor Lobregat’s invitation earlier the same morning. Lim had never watched live boxing action previously.

“I’ve watched boxing on TV but never live in the stadium,” said Lim. “It was quite an experience. I didn’t see Gerry’s punch to the body that knocked out his Thai opponent because of the angle from where I sat. But I saw the Thai walk away and turn his back.”

Lim was surprised when told that Peñalosa’s victim Yodsaenkeng Kiatmungmee threw up in his corner after the bout was stopped.

Broadcast anchor Chino Trinidad informed Lim that Manny Pacquiao plans to visit Hong Kong after his fight against Antonio Margarito at the Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

“That’s a great idea,” said Lim. “It would certainly be a positive for the Philippines. I was told that in Uzbekistan, the only thing people know about the Philippines is Manny Pacquiao. He’s an excellent ambassador of goodwill. I think he’ll put the Philippines back in good light in Hong Kong not only as a world champion fighter but also as a congressman.”