DLSC’s Speedy Gabby passes away

Former DLSU Green Archer Gabriel “Gabby” Liwag, a skipper during his time, died of a cardiac arrest last October 7, 2013 at 7:37 am. He was 56 years old.

Following a stellar high school career as a member of the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, Liwag followed his older brothers and headed off to Taft Avenue to play for the Green Archers. The Liwag family basketball tradition continued to their younger brothers and children who likewise went on to don the Green-and-White.

As a collegiate star from the then-De La Salle College Green Archers in the National Collegiate Athletic Associaton (NCAA), Liwag played from 1977 to 1980 along with La Salle greats such as Henry Brodett, Alex Marquez, Kenneeth Yap, Jong Uichico, Joel Uichico and Billy Johnston among others. His great nose for the ball, quick feet and steady ballhandling skills carried him to a fantastic collegiate career. Among his attributes, it was his great basketball sense that gave him the ability to control the game on both sides of the hardwood.

Named team captain in 1979, Liwag led a La Salle team that was practically crippled as they were orphaned by the graduation of their top stars. The team put up a valiant effort, enough for a 7-5 win-loss record. In a memorable second round showdown with the San Beda College Red Lions, the Green Archers ended the Lion’s four-year reign.

After his playing days, Liwag ventured into business and put up his own travel agency.

“he was definitely a big influence early on in my career, but what impresses me the most is that despite the success and achievements he has attained, Tito Gabby was able to remain positive and humble throughout his life,” relates his nephew, Ralph Liwag, who starred for the Greenies in the mid-2000s.

Gabby Liwag’s contributions as a basketball star may be overlooked and oftentimes forgotten, but it is his strong character and positive outlook in life that he will forever be remembered for: a loving father, a loyal friend and a true green-blooded Lasallian athlete.