Webb turns 70

Last Saturday, former PBA cager and coach Freddie Webb celebrated his 70th birthday at a surprise party organized by his wife Beth and children in Rockwell. He never expected it. Those who’ve made a difference in his life came to toast the man of many talents. Webb transcended the world of sports to become a councilor, congressman and senator. He has appeared on TV as a broadcaster and actor. He owns a myriad of businesses, hosts a radio sports talk show and still comes out on TV as an actor. But over and above his successes as a professional, Webb said his greatest blessing will always be his family.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without Beth,” he said. “She has stood by me through good and bad times. Every year when my birthday falls, we just celebrate with the family, our six children and 10 grandchildren. I’ve never celebrated in a big way. So this was a surprise. Walking on the way to Rockwell Center, I saw our friend Cecille Mitra, Monching’s widow, and I wanted to greet her but my wife didn’t want me to. Later, I realized why – Cecille was on her way to my surprise party.”

At the gathering, Webb was stunned by the presence of former President Estrada, Sen. Tito Sotto, Nova Villa, Susan Roces, Turo Valenzona and Elias Tolentino, among many, many others.  “President Erap was the first one to call me when my son Hubert was released from prison after 15 years and four months,” said Webb who played on the last Philippine Olympic basketball team in 1972. “Erap was chairman of the Philippine Anti-Crime Commission and sent investigators to the US to confirm if Hubert was really abroad when the Vizconde massacre happened. So Erap knew Hubert was innocent all along. He knew the sacrifice we all went through with Hubert in jail. Tito and I were colleagues in the Senate. From show business, Nova was my co-star for many years. They joked that she’s my past and Susan’s my future. From basketball, Turo and Elias came. Not too many of us are left from our YCO basketball days. It would’ve been nice to see Egay Gomez, too.”

Webb said he missed Dr. Mari Ortega, his chief of staff when he was chairman of the Senate committee on health. “Mari was brilliant and helped me out a lot when I was a senator, particularly when I authored the PhilHealth bill,” said Webb. “I recall Sen. Butz Aquino questioned the provision in the bill calling for mandatory contributions as he wanted it voluntary. But I argued that if it was voluntary, only the sickly would contribute and that would defeat the purpose of social solidarity where the rich could help the poor.”

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Of his children, only Fritz wasn’t present. Pinky, Jason, Mike, Mabeth and Hubert were there. Fritz is in the US with his 16-year-old son Noah, a six-footer now training under basketball skills coach Mike Gerrity at the Open Gym in Anaheim.   

“From my mother’s side, the Nelles were represented by Betty and Eli,” said Webb. “My Server cousins came, too. The whole family was there so it was very special. I’ve been blessed all my life and I couldn’t be happier. Now that I’m 70, I know my days are numbered and I’m on borrowed time. But I’m living every day for God. When Hubert was in jail, it was hell for all of us. My son deteriorated in jail and he was innocent. But Hubert taught me the value of forgiveness. The government gave Hubert a consideration of P120,000 for his years in prison but we didn’t accept it. Hubert was 26 when he was jailed and today, he’s 42. You can’t ask anything more from Hubert. He takes care of our resort and is doing really well, supervising maintenance, relating with customers and overseeing operations. We’re a complete family once again.”

Webb’s son Jason has followed in his footsteps as a PBA star, TV commentator and politician. “Jason’s always looking to the future,” he said. “When he was playing basketball, he was also taking care of three restaurants. Now that he has two beautiful daughters with his wife, he wants to spend as much quality time with them as possible as they grow up. Jason was the No. 4 councilor in the first district of Parañaque on his first term, No. 3 in his second and maybe, he’ll be No. 1 in running for a third term next year. I’m very proud of what he has accomplished. Jason has a heart for the people and people love him. Tunay na kaibigan is what he’s called.”

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Webb’s grandson Joshua played five years with the La Salle basketball senior varsity and is honing his skills in the D-League, hoping to someday break into the PBA.  It’s Joshua’s younger brother Noah who’s now training in the US. “I was working out in a 24-hour fitness center in Anaheim about two months ago during a vacation when I noticed two kids doing basketball drills with a coach from the window of the gym,” said Webb. “I approached the coach who turned out to be Mike Gerrity and asked if he could train Noah. Two days after, Noah began training with Mike.  Noah has a picture-perfect release on his jumpshot and is very skilled. He’ll come home for the holidays then go back to the US. In May, he’ll go back to La Salle Zobel, enrol in third year high school and try out for the high school team. I’m hoping Noah develops a passion for the game like Joshua.”

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The day after his birthday, Webb hosted another get-together, this time for constituents of Parañaque and more well-wishers in an open field at Asiaworld City. Actor Jericho Rosales, former Rep. Mike Romero, Parañaque mayoralty candidate Benjo Bernabe, Parañaque vice mayoralty candidate Rico Golez and PBA broadcasters Magoo Marjon, Aaron Atayde, Jolly Escobar, Jessica Mendoza and Erika Padilla showed up.  “Beth made it happen from getting bulldozers to clear the area to putting up lights to building a stage for the performers,” he said. “She’s a workaholic, I wouldn’t know where I’d be without her. I wanted to bring over the Bloomfields to perform because they sing the music that was part of my life when I was struggling in the ‘60s. Another band came to perform and they also sang Beatles music so it was wonderful to reminisce the good, old days.” One of Webb’s guests was my mother whom he calls Mama Marina and always greets on his Saturday afternoon radio sports talk show. Webb said he was honored that my mother, who turns 97 on Dec. 18, took the time to go all the way to Asiaworld City to greet him.

On Jan. 25, Webb’s wife celebrates her own birthday and on March 10, they’ll be marking their 50th golden wedding anniversary. Webb couldn’t be more blessed.