The Freddie and Beth Webb Collection
A Treasure Trove Built on the Blessings of Love and Gratitude
Carlos Webb was worried and
uncertain of the future. It was
World War II and the Japanese
forces had just occupied the Philippines.
He was concerned for the safety of his
family. And rightfully so, he had six
children and his wife, Adelaide Nelle
Webb, was pregnant with their youngest
child. She gave birth later that year to
their youngest child. A son they named,
Freddie.
Freddie Webb was a natural athlete. He
possessed tremendous energy and he ran
fast, quite fast. He joined the track team
of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Later
he would be offered to tryout for its
basketball team. This was the beginning
of his love for the sport of basketball,
which would later span decades.
In 1962, while playing in a band for a
party, he met then debutante Elizabeth
“Beth” Pagaspas. The eldest of five sisters,
Beth had thoughts of attending college
and taking up law. But Freddie had won
her over, and they were married the
following year. Having six kids between
them, Freddie would work while Beth
looked after their children.
In 1972, Freddie was selected to join the
Philippine Olympic Basketball Team,
in Munich. At that time he was also
campaigning for a councilor seat in Pasay
City. Upon his return, he was greeted
by a gathering of well wishers, because
even in his absence he had just won a
councilor seat for the City of Pasay.
Earlier, the couple had purchased their very first artwork. A
black and white watercolor painting by Leon Pacunayen. It was
also during this time when they were introduced to various
galleries and artists. At one time, even hosting the illustrious
Saturday Group, for a session at their home.
Upon retiring from basketball in the late 70’s Freddie Webb
began his successful coaching career. It was at this time when
the couple was impressed upon seeing a painting by Cesar
Legaspi. They liked how Cesar Legaspi depicted the male form.
They then decided to ask Mr. Legaspi if they could commission
a work, but using basketball as the subject. Though Mr. Legaspi
was not quite familiar with the sport, he agreed, but said he had
to research first. In 1979 they took possession of the work, a
one of a kind work by the Philippine National Artist featuring
sports as its subject.
Through the years, Freddie and Beth have been fortunate to collect works by various artists, sometimes directly from the artists themselves. After 61 years of marriage, they continually recollect their beginnings, count their blessings, and never forget to say thanks.
