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How Pacquiao excels in and off the ring
Written by staff   
Saturday, 24 January 2009 01:05

Manny Pacquiao as Filipino of the Year 2008 reminded me of an interview after his victory over Oscar de la Hoya. Because Pacquiao was being interviewed by the international news networks, a local radio reporter had to make do with a member of Team Pacquiao.

I remember this because he started by thanking everyone who prayed not only for Pacquaio’s victory but most especially for his safety against a heftier and dangerous opponent. He went on to say, “Nadadala sa dasal, ’yan ang wala sila.” [Prayer helps, that’s something they don’t have.] I was impressed that at that exhilarating moment of triumph against big odds, he would acknowledge the value of prayers. Pacquiao’s religiosity must have rubbed off on his retinue.

We all saw Pacquiao dropping to his knees in silent prayer and wearing rosary beads around his neck. The best pound-for-pound boxer in the world was telling us that all our human proposals are at a Supreme Being’s disposal. Who would then be in a better position to intone the novena prayer — “that we may never grow so proud to think that we can do without God or religion” — than he at his “peak of achievement”?

We all followed his preparation and training. We read the pundits and different forecasts. We discussed and analyzed the odds he was up against. Yet, we still rooted for him not because he is a Filipino. We wanted him to win because we saw in his condition our own struggles and hardships.
Many, and not only Filipinos, could identify with his success after such “uplifting example of hard work and sense of purpose.” Those who labor in the most dangerous conditions away from home or who scrape for an honest living doing menial jobs at home take to heart his example. Like Pacquiao, we sacrifice for a purpose—like a better future for our children and family. And the world often gets surprised at our determination and success.

We heard how De la Hoya described that fight as a means to redeem personal pride and glory. But Pacquiao always said that he would fight for the honor of his country and people. We went wild over his “one-two combination and disorienting speed” in the ring. But it was what he would always do after his many “emphatic triumphs” that would make us prouder.

Pacquiao did not taunt. He did not strut. He picked up a defeated David Diaz and consoled a vanquished De la Hoya. He had already battered their bodies into submission but he allowed them to leave the fight without losing their human dignity. His gestures beamed around the world showed that we, as a people, are honorable and magnanimous.

Immediately after winning against Diaz in June, Pacquiao visited several places, including Iloilo, that were devastated by Typhoon Frank. He did not make speeches at the evacuation sites but he gave a significant amount of his hard-earned money as assistance for the victims. In so doing, he again taught us that in life, after one’s necessities and a few whims, there will always be enough left for charity and sharing.

For all that Manny Pacquiao has taught us off and in the ring, he may not only save boxing but the world as well.
 
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