The D Spot

Everyone thought it was a mismatch–how can Manny Pacquiao, shorter in height by 4 inches and shorter in reach by 6 defeat the Golden Boy, a Legend? It was a mismatch, indeed, realized only during the fight–how can Dela Hoya, shorter in agility and speed defeat the Pacman?

Yes, Manny Pacquiao did it again. He made the Filipinos proud once more, united in rooting for him, win or lose. This in the midst of the country’s economic woes, political bickering, fighting in Mindanao, and the sheer poverty in many parts of the country. Filipinos from all walks of life  watched him fight from Las Vegas, 5-star hotel lounges, fine dining restaurants, bars, army camps, barangay halls, and the comforts of home for those who watched through pay per view, live streaming and television.

In Las Vegas, look who came to watch the bout–boxing heroes: Thomas Hearns, Mike Tyson, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, and Bernard Hopkins; NBA superstars Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson; Hollywood giants: Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe. Many more, I am sure.

On a personal note, Manny Pacquiao makes me proud. He is a man to emulate, from rags to riches. It is all sheer determination, perfecting one’s craft, and yes, brains. Brains because once he was on the ring, it was just him and his opponent. He may have trained a lot under the best trainers, but it was up to him in those crucial moments to make into full use what he has learned and make decisions. It was up to him to punch at the right moment in the right places.

And after each victory, he knows whom to thank–he has his own silent moment to bow down and thank the Mighty high, after that–his moment of victory. He does not forget to thank those behind his training and his career, and finally to offer his win to his countrymen.

During interviews I am amazed at how he carries himself. Sure, he does not have the gift of gab, of speaking straight English–he just knows his basic English, even short of that sometimes. I have noticed how those who interviewed him tried to speak slower than their usual pace so that he would understand their questions, so nice of them to do so. Manny Pacquiao may not have been able to give the right answers, and the interviewer accepts just that. Still he is confident, not a trace of inferiority of not being able to speak good English, not even embarased. He looks you straight in the eye (nosebleed for some but not for him).

Tell me, has there been any Filipino his age who has proven his mettle, a Filipino who has earned millions, nay billions? A Filipino known the world over for his craft? A Filipino who has inspired his co-Filipinos the world over? A Filipino who is a symbol of Hope, a symbol of resilency? Now tell me.

Mabuhay ka, Manny Pacquiao! Mabuhay ka, Pinoy!

photocredit: PDI

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