What Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao Means to The Philippines

November 17, 2010

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[Editor’s note: we’re always looking for reporters to give account of the news with a local flavor.  Longtime reader Poch comes to us from the Philippines and gives his thoughts on the recent victory by Manny Pacquiao.  Check out Poch’s web site, Plato Press.]

When my great fellow countryman Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao started dipping his toes in politics, I somewhat lost faith in him thinking he’s a fool. I should know – I risked my life during the EDSA Uprising in 1986 and after all, corruption still reigned.

Then comes this Pacquiao-Margarito fight when PacMan was already an elected congressman after some election failures. When I heard after the bout that his opponent Margarito was 17 pounds heavier, I thought with awe “What more miracle would this man do?”  (When PacMan was the same bantamweight with me, I imagined and itched of fighting with him)

And so now the House of Representatives is preparing a hero’s party for him. “We’ll prepare as best as we can”, the Speaker of the House said.

What PacMan’s fellow citizens are saying (quotes are from the Philippine Daily Inquirer – most were translated from the local language):

  • “He becomes a symbol of hope, that one could work hard and be successful”, a kitchen helper said.
  • Many are wondering why Pacquiao didn’t knock down Margarito when it seemed easy for PacMan to. “Manny is truly a gentleman”, a female accountant commented. “In the 11th and 12th rounds, he could have knocked out Margarito but he didn’t to avoid making worse the latter’s condition.”
  • I pity Margarito“, a public jeepney driver said. “He tore off PacMan’s photo in a magazine during Solar’s prefight interview… Now it was Margarito’s turn to be torn.”
  • The most overheard comment about Margarito’s arrogance: “Serves him right for being so cocksure.”

I still think politics would ruin our dear PacMan and hope that it wouldn’t be so.

[Editor’s note: Check out more PacMan coverage on the Inquirer’s web site – there’s a special section for him.]

6 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. poch
    Nov 17, 2010 @ 23:04:43

    Hey Kosmo,
    Thanks so much for letting me write here as guest.
    More power to the Soap boxers!

    Reply

  2. Rachana
    Nov 18, 2010 @ 07:57:41

    Interesting website you have here Kosmo.. and thanks for having Poch, it’s a treat isnt it.. 😉
    His Wiki picture put together with your post are priceless!! “..same bantamweight with me, I imagined and itched of fighting with him” :))
    Only choice words from a notable few: kitchen helper, female accountant, jeepney driver.. Hmm, interesting..
    Poch, as usual, engaging and satirical, just your style!

    Reply

  3. poch
    Nov 18, 2010 @ 08:31:40

    Hi Rachana,
    What a pleasant to find you here! I hope to read your guest post here ASAP.
    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  4. Rachana
    Nov 18, 2010 @ 10:12:39

    Ahem, I thought this post was about Manny ‘PacMan’… He he he

    Reply

  5. Philippines Fitness
    Jan 03, 2011 @ 13:19:59

    Politics won’t ruin Pac-Man. He’s much smarter than people give him credit. His boxing coaches have taught him all of the mind games of political sociopaths since boxing has its own share of politics.

    Reply

  6. poch
    Jan 03, 2011 @ 20:25:37

    Hi P Fitness.
    That’s just my humble opinion. And I certainly hope that doesn’t happen
    and even wish Manny success since he’s an honest person. Salamat sa feedback mo kabayan.

    Reply

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