Arroyo confers Order of Lakandula on Alcano Lira Dalangin-Fernandez INQ7.net
November 14, 2006
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank Champion for Life on Ronato Alcano, who bagged the 2006 World Pool Championship held in the country.
The conferment came with a P1-million peso check from the President.
In their meeting in Malacaņang, Alcano was also presented a cake resembling a billiard table topped with billiard balls and taco made of fondant.
Alcano, 34, was accompanied by Jeff de Luna, a semi-finalist in the World Pool Championship and one of the country's representatives to the Asian Games in Qatar.
Alcano said he didn't expect to receive the medal from the President.
"Kung pwede nga lang hindi ko na hubadin eh [If only I could wear it all the time]," he said.
At 40, Alcano said he hoped to be a better player.
Alcano said he wanted to represent the country in the Asian Games, but that it was now too late to join.
Alcano, a native of Calamba town in Laguna province, trounced German Ralf Souquet in the finals, 17-11.
Former World Pool champion Efren "Bata" Reyes was among those whom Alcano beat on his way to the finals.
