Showing posts with label boxing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boxing. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Manny Pacquaio: admiration & wild political suggestion



There is not doubt Manny Pacquiao, Filipino sports hero and Asia's phenomenal boxing icon is great. His unsurppassed winnings in the ring don't only bring fame and fortune, they inspire admiration beyond measure especially among Filipinos. Carried too far, there are those who think the spectacular boxer is capable of all-around extra-ordinary feats---like being the next president of the Philippines. (Photo Credit: Inquirer)=0=

RELATED BLOGS: "Bravo Manny Pacquiao!" Posted by mesiamd at 11/15/2009; Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match" Posted by mesiamd at 11/14/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009


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PostHeaderIcon Bravo Manny Pacquiao!





Filipinos are beaming with happiness to see Manny Paquiao win over Miguel Cotto---a TKO on the 12th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in last Vegas, Nevada last Saturday, November 15, 2007.

“Pacquiao dropped Cotto with a right hand early in the third round, but he wasn't badly hurt and came back to finish the round strong. But after Pacquiao put Cotto on the canvas with a big left hand as Cotto was advancing forward late in the fourth round, the Puerto Rican was never the same again.” AP/Yahoo.news.com (11/15/09, Dahlberg, T.)

The Filipino prizefighter’s unprecedented success robbed his Puerto Rican rival the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown, securing his legendary place in sports history. Pacquiao’s amazing victory made him the first to nail a glowing record of seven victories in different weight classes--- an spectacular feat no boxer had achieved before.

"The General Santos City native Pacquiao – who started fighting as a 106-lb in the strawweight division – also holds the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight crown. He previously ruled the WBC light weight, WBC super featherweight, International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight, WBC flyweight and RING Magazine’s featherweight divisions."---GMA.newsTV (11/15/09)

No crime during the boxing match?

Forgetting the problems of rough politics, the rebellion in Mindanao and disastrous natural calamities, millions of Filipinos watched and celebrated the grand fight in Manila and all over the world. The thieves, kidnappers, and petty criminals in Manila stopped their trade to watch Pacman. A number of senators and congressmen were warned of coming to Las Vegas, Nevada---as in the past, to watch the game. The same warning was relayed for this match with Cotto.

Though good for Pacquiao, the match with the Filipino boxing hero and Hatton earlier this year, caused more than half (163 absent vs. 100 present) of the legislators to absent themselves from their jobs to watch the fight--- certainly an embarrassment to those who consider public service seriously. (see related blog below.)

To the thrill of his fans who milled in front of TV sets and danced in the streets, Pacquiao used his awesome speed and power to vanquish Cotto. For this match, the popular boxer was said to have earned at least $13 million and his opponent, $7 million.

Pacquiao is a source of pride and inspiration--- a true gift to the Filipino people! (Photo Credits: AFP/ Ralston, M.; AFP/ Directo, J.) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: "Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match" Posted by mesiamd at 11/14/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match




In a few hours, on Saturday, November 14, 2009, pound for pound best prizefighter Manny Pacquiao faces welterweight champ Miguel Cotto in a boxing match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans have been waiting for this bout---the most exciting of the year (HBO, 9 PM, E.T.)

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao
49 (37) – 3 – 2
Height: 5′6″ Reach: 67″
Current Pound for Pound Champion
Last 5 fights: 5-0 with 3 knockouts against Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Marco Antonio Barrera, spanning four weight classes from super featherweight to welterweight

Miguel Cotto
34 (27) – 1
Height: 5′7″ Reach: 67″
Current WBO Welterweight Champion
Last 5 fights: 4-1 with 2 knockouts against Joshua Clottey, Michael Jennings Alfonso Gomez and Shane Mosley with the defeat coming against Antonio Margarito.

Who will prevail in this fight? Better known and popular Filipino Manny Pacquaio, 29, boasts of his speed. Miguel Cotto, 29. the pride of Puerto Rico is bigger than Manny on the boxing platform--- even if Miguel has to cut his weight down to 145 lbs.

The two professional fighters have the sports world in attention. They need to bring their best for the fans to know if their prediction of who will win is right. Source: lasvegasenews.com (Photo Credit: AFP/ Getty Images/ Miller, E.) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Manny Pacquiao in a Time Magazine cover





"What is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life. It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring."---Manny Pacquiao, Filipino boser Examiner.com (11/05/09)

Since Pres. Corazon Aquino hugged the cover of Time Magazine as the “Woman of the Year,” the only Filipino to land the cover of the popular print is non-heavy weight boxer Manny Pacquiao. The 10th professional boxer to land on Time’s cover (Asia edition,) Manny joins fellow pugilists Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Frazier, Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali, Jack Dempsey, Primo Carnerra, Gene Tunney and Mike Tyson.

Prizefighter Pacquiao is slated to encounter Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto in a four-ringed boxing match in MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on Novermber 14, 2009. His phenomenal skill and star appeal have made him a Filipino folk hero who brings inspiration to his countrymen.

Manny's popularity and success prove that he is better as a boxer than as a politician in his town in Mindanao.(Photo Credit: allbestofthephilippines.blogspot) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Filipinos take risk in allowing Pacquiao to go home early



"Better safe than sorry."

"A pound of prevention is greater than an ounce of cure."

This is in essence what the Department and Health (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO) are telling the country when they advice Manny Pacquiao to postpone his triumphal return to Manila after his boxing victory in Las Vegas, Nevada.

But it appears, some people can’t be dissuaded until something horrible happens. If the Philippines need the proactive control against the H1N1 virus, it must be at this stage when no confirmed case has reached the country. But there are government leaders who don't believe so. The logistics of tackling a potential epidemic is hard and as a nation, Filipinos must cooperate.

I believe the risk of Pacquiao and the 50 congressmen who watched the boxing match in United States is small, but it’s there. There are more than 30 states affected by the swine flu. No one can quantify the exact chance that those who traveled in these places will bring the virus into the country. And no one is sure how the country will cope if the disease takes root among the people

Viruses are very tricky and we must respect them as they are. Health authorities are still on the process of learning about H1N1 flu which has the potential to cause widespread illness, overtax the ability of the health care workers to respond, dampen business, and cause economic hardship.

It’s the duty of the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to inform Filipinos of the dangers of the swine infection. But it is the Filipino citizens' responsibility to take the needed precautions. This is not the time to joke around. The threat of the swine infection must be treated as a health issue and not as a political matter.

Being a pathologist, I believe keeping Pacquiao, his entourage, and the 50 congressmen out of the country for just a few more days and allow the viral incubation period to elapse is the best. Health and government authorities must not compromise. They have the power to impose mandatory isolation on these possible carriers to safeguard the health the population. So far, DOH looks after at least 3 people in the country who may harbor the disease.

In the excitement of having Manny come home, Filipinos must understand. Erring on the side of caution has strong merits. Diseases don’t discriminate whether someone is a hot-shot victorious boxer or an influential rich congressman who can afford a ringside ticket in Las Vegas. Contagion is something that everyone must take seriously. (Photo Credit: Lalechededios) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: "Wasteful RP Congress holiday after 50 representatives watched the Pacquiao-Hatton boxing match" Posted by mesiamd at 5/06/2009; "Quarantine of 3 possible Swine flu sufferers in Cebu" Posted by mesiamd at 5/06/2009; "May 2, 2009: Update of swine influenza; Hongkong reports its first case" Posted by mesiamd at 5/02/2009; “The march of the pig virus “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/28/2009; “Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/25/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Wasteful RP Congress holiday after 50 representatives watched the Pacquiao-Hatton boxing match



There is something obscenely wrong each time Manny Pacquiao comes to Las Vegas, Nevada to fight in the boxing arena. Last Saturday, just like his fight against Oscar de la Hoya, the match between him and Englishman Ricky Hatton was attended by 50 Philippine congressmen even if it lasted only for 3 minutes.

The next day in Manila, the House of Representative had only 131 congressmen out 263 who reported for work. The number of lawmakers was too small to meet the quorum needed so they could work on the job.

No matter how the alibis are turned inside and out among the congressmen, they would be in a bind in justifying to their constituents the need for going to Las Vegas while there is a lot of job to do at Congress.” ----Daily Tribune (05/06/09)

Many Filipinos are silent about their congressmen’s disruptive travels, but it is clear these elected officials are immaturely abusive. It’s so easy to see how wasteful and extravagant they are each time they go abroad to watch and be seen with RP’s most influential sports hero. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales think going abroad to watch Pacquiao is a waste of money.

Not to mention airfare and hotel accommodation, a good seat close to the boxing rimg runs in the thousands of dollars, but the congressmen don’t mind of the expense. They like to think money is easy to find. Not one among the 20% of the lower house seems to care that the flu pandemic is at their door.

In spite of the swine flu scare, the lawmakers go to see boxing, risking their health and that of their people when they come home. It’s unlikely they will follow quarantine rules as prescribed by the health authorities. Photo Credit: Congress of the Philippines) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: “Manny Pacquiao: RP’s legendary boxer and what people say about him” Posted by mesiamd at 5/04/2009; "Pacquiao KOs Hatton in 2 Rounds" Posted by upibalonbicol at 5/03/2009; "50 Congressmen and the harm they do for watching Pacquiao in Nevada when the swine epidemic rages" Posted by mesiamd at 5/02/2009; "Pacquiao among Time Magazine’s most influential people of 2009" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Pacquiao unveils his People Champ’s Party



Filipinos displayed almost total unanimity in support for Manny Pacquiao during his boxing bout with Ricky Hatton. The entire nation was ecstatic to watch the astounding victory that carved Manny’s name among the greatest boxers of the world. As his countrymen prepared for a hero’s welcome in Manila, a brewing firestorm of controversy had started.

Drowning in admiration and accolades, Manny is reported to have formed the People Champ’s movement, a political party that will enable him to come back to politics after his defeat in the 2007 election. A petition to recognize the party which he heads as president has been filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec)----probably in preparation for him to seek a local elective post in General Santos City or run for congressman in Sarangani Province in Mindanao.

Early reactions to Pacquiao’s political move are mixed. Surely, no one can prevent him from seeking an elective government post, but a huge number of his fans are concerned. There are those who are disappointed. With the corrupting influence of many politicians who use the boxing champion’s popularity for their political gain, his admirers believe he can better serve the country as an outstanding boxer.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel is probably right in saying, “Pacman is idolized by millions of Filipinos, especially our youth, because of his strength and endurance. Many would be disillusioned if he taints his real power—the unique capacity to unite the people—by entering politics.” ----PDI (05/06/09, Alave, KL) (Photo Credit: Bret) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Manny Pacquiao: RP’s legendary boxer and what people say about him



In a stunning knock-out victory by the Filipino Manny Pacquaio over British Ricky Hatton, the world has seen the brilliance of a boxer. The fight was too short to last for barely 3 minutes . In the second round it was over. A killer punch from Manny put Ricky to sleep.

“I’m surprised the fight was so easy,” says Manny (49-3-2,37 knockouts) of the fight which earned him a hefty $2 million and Hatton (45-2) $8 million. He quickly destroyed Ricky with a left hook punch in a match on Saturday which won him the International Boxing Organization's (IBO) junior welterweight title.

The adrenaline surge was high not only for Manny, but among fans who watched the game. In the Philippines, during the boxing telecast from Las Vegas, Nevada, three of his fans died of heart attack.

Never forgetting to credit God for his winnings, Manny is history’s sole boxer to clinch six world titles in different divisions including the flyweight, junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and the junior welterweight. What ensued are accolades that the sports hero rightfully deserves:



“Magaling! Magaling ang pinakita ng champion natin. Talagang overwhelming [ang] performance niya. Kanina pa kami dito pero talagang alam namin mananalo talaga si Manny,” said one of Pacquiao.----ABS-CBN News (05/04/09)

“Manny Pacquiao beat Ricky Hatton via technical knockout in the second round Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in Las Vegas, Nevada, snatching the light welterweight crown and carving his name as one of the legends in boxing history.” AFP/ Inquirer Sports (05/03/09,

“There is only one Manny Pacquiao…. Ever since that disappointing loss to Morales, Pacquiao has made a transformation that has turned him into a superstar and has old-school boxing experts talking of him as an all-time great.”----Yahoo.News.com Sports (05/02/09, Iole, K.)

“Fans packed town halls, sports complexes and other public places across the nation -- some lining up as early as daybreak to get seats in front of wide screen televisions broadcasting the fight live from Las Vegas, in the United States. In Manila, authorities had to turn away hundreds for fear of a stampede.” Voice of America News.com (05/03/09, Bayron, H)

“Unbelievable. Manny just destroyed him. Spectacular performance. Freddie Roach called it. The man knows his stuff. This crowd is a mix of excitement and stunned silence. What a victory for Pacquiao.”---Sports Illustrated.com (05/02/09, Mannix, C)

“The greatest fighter ever!” ---Philstar (05/04/09, Cordero A)

“Coming off an overwhelming win against Oscar De La Hoya, Pacquiao was even better against Hatton, knocking him down two times in the first round before stopping him with a left hand that dropped Hatton for good in the 140-pound title bout.”---New York Times/ AP (05/03/09)

“I join the whole nation in thanking Manny for the glory he is bringing to our country,” said South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Custodio who beat Pacquiao in the 2007 elections. ---Philstar (05/04/09/Romero, P)

“Pacquiao's best on this night quickly quieted a boisterous crowd of 16,262 at the MGM Grand arena, many of them who came over from England to sing and chant Hatton's praises. They didn't even get a chance to warm up, though, before Hatton was on the canvas for the first time of the night.+----CBS5.com (05/03/09,)

“Manny is unbelievable. He made me look good. He listens, and he’s getting better all the time.”---- Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s Boxing Coach. Manila Times / AFP Xinhua (05/04/09, Medina, J)

“You're going to be the greatest fighter who ever lived," Bob Arum, Boxing Promoter Honolulu Advertiser.com/ AP (05/03/09 Dalhlberg, T)

“Inspirasyon ka namin, Manny. Napakasarap ng pakiramdam na ang tinatalo nating mga Pinoy ay malalaking lahi na tulad ni Hatton. Tama ka, kaya natin umangat. Puwede rin tayong tingalain,” naiiyak namang pahayag ni Augusto Sandoval, construction worker/driver sa Bahrain, na ang tinutukoy ay ang awiting “Pilipino ang lahi ko” na kinanta mismo ni Pacquiao at siyang pinatutugtog habang paakyat sa arena ang Pambansang Kamao.---Abante (05/04/09, Miranda, R, Mantining, D, Marfil, R) (Photo Credits: AFP/ GettyImages/ Bello A; Hong, JaeC; Philstar)



RELATED BLOGS: "Pacquiao KOs Hatton in 2 Rounds" Posted by upibalonbicol at 5/03/2009; "50 Congressmen and the harm they do for watching Pacquiao in Nevada when the swine epidemic rages" Posted by mesiamd at 5/02/2009; "Pacquiao among Time Magazine’s most influential people of 2009" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Pacquiao KOs Hatton in 2 Rounds

Put to rest the doubts that Manny Pacquiao won against Oscar de la Hoya because the latter was too old. This time Pacquiao sent a young and strong Ricky Hatton into the canvass twice before knocking him out less than 10 seconds remaining in the second round of their battle for the IBO and Ring Magazine's Junior Welterweight title in Las Vegas.

The Pacquiao-Hatton fight was dubbed as the battle between East and West, Hatton being UK's boxing hero and Filipino Manny Pacquiao, the current pound-for-pound king, having a whole nation in his corner. Filipinos all over the world rejoice over Pacquiao's latest victory. The predominantly English crown was stunned at the ease with which their champion get demolished.

Some analysts believe that this loss marks the end of Hatton's boxing career. Pacquiao's career meanwhile remains as bright as ever. The Pacman, as widely speculated, takes on the winner of the July fight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez.

PostHeaderIcon 50 Congressmen and the harm they do for watching Pacquiao in Nevada when the swine epidemic rages



It’s as if House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles and the 50 representatives of the Philippine Congress are kids. As excited as immature people, they couldn’t be dissuaded from missing the Pacquaio-Hatton fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in spite of the seriousness of the swine flu epidemic.

Perhaps they want to show they have “personal money” to spend abroad unlike the cash-strapped regular Filipinos. The congressmen are determined to risk their health and that of the nation just to satisfy a fancy to be where the action is. Surprisingly, only few Filipinos air their disappointment versus the wasteful travel to Las Vegas.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales was right in expressing his frustration of having leaders in congress spend big money to travel with no apparent benefit to the Filipinos. As the cardinal said, the presence of congressmen close to the boxing ring will not change the outcome of the match.

The Department of Health (DOH) is trying to safeguard the country of the deadly influenza infection and the congressmen are uncooperative. They show again the lack of responsibility that many people associate with politicians. Seeing the congressmen huddled in the sports crowd that potentially harbors the pig virus is despicable. The P90 miliion the DOH has prepared to spend in case influenza reaches the Philippines is hardly enough for the country’s preparedness.

“Rosales believes that during this time of global economic crisis, it was a “waste of money” to spend on a boxing match, even if it is one of the most anticipated sport events of the year.”----Philstar (05//02/09, Edheminada, P)

Little can be said about these short-sighted congressmen who are insensitive to the needs of their constituents. At the very least, they don’t even know how to set a good example. For insisting on their travel, they need to be quarantined for at least 10 days ----to watch for signs of the H1N1 flu infection---an unnecessary move if they heed to forgo with non-essential trips abroad. (Photo Credit: Sheltercrow)=0=

RELATED BLOG: "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Pacquiao among Time Magazine’s most influential people of 2009

At the eve of this fight with British boxing professional Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao, Philippine’s phenomenal boxing super-star is celebrated among TIME magazine’s 2009 most influential heroes and icons.

Pound for pound, Manny Pacquiao is the best boxer in the world. But even more important than holding that distinction, Manny has connected with the people of his home country, the Philippines, to the point where he's almost like a god. The people have rallied behind him and feel like they're a part of him, because they can see his talent, his dedication, his grace and his class.”---Time (04/30/09, Lennox,L)

The only Filipino in the list, Manny ranks 22nd among celebrities and personalities like Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, US president Barack Obama, conservative radio talk show broadcaster Rush Limbaugh, actor Brad Pitt, Airline pilot Chesley Sullenberger, TV host Oprah Winfrey, and religious leader Rick Warren.

“Only two other athletes landed in the Time 100, top Spanish netter Rafael Nadal (60th) and Olympic hero swimmer Michael Phelps (72nd). Outside the 100 were baseball star Alex Rodriguez and golf great Tiger Woods, who wound up 106th and 134th, respectively.”---GMA.TV. News (04/28/09)

It’s certainly a cause of joy for the multitude of Filipinos who need a boost of hope in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. Pacquiao, aka Pacman, the once unknown 30 year-old from Mindanao, catapulted himself in sports with his expertise and winnings in international boxing. His humble beginnings, generosity, and astounding talent have earned him respect and admiration from his countrymen and his fans worldwide. (Photo Credit: Manresa Class of 1983) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near



There is a reason to be proud of super boxing hero Manny Pacquaio. That’s why in spite of the money crunch brought by the recession, at least 50 Filipino congressmen will fly to Las Vegas to watch the sensational boxing battle between Pacquiao and Britisher Ricky Hatton on Saturday, May 2, 2009 (Philippine time.)

“I have never missed his fight. He is the pride of Mindanao and I am part of his team. I've never used government funds to watch all his previous fights, including now.”----House Speaker Nograles ABS-CBN )04/30/09)

It must really be exciting to be on the ringside to see Philippines’ fighter extraordinaire who inspires almost everybody fight in the MGM arena. But one wonders if the trip by the members of the House of Representative to the United States is worth their “personal money” which has a good chance of mixing with “public money.”

A trip abroad is expensive and the salary of these congressmen isn’t that much compared to the dollar earners. Besides they have expenses that spill as money paid for by the government. In a climate of corruption, they need to be honest. The public knows they are not rich and the people they serve are poor.

The attendance in the House or Representatives as of Wednesday dropped 62% with only 100 out of 263 members. Obviously showing lack of responsibility, no legislation or discussion helpful the nation could proceed. The charter change (Cha-cha) initiative by the congressmen were put on hold to give way to Pacquaio. Embarrassing, but true!

A Pacquiao-Hatton encounter, no matter how exciting, must not take precedence on duty at work. Abandoning the congress to watch a boxing match doesn't give a good signal. Those who take public service seriously take this as a black eye on the performance of congressmen, but almost almost no one protests.

The congressmen are even oblivious of the pig flu epidemic making rounds in America. With the swine virus on its way to become a full-blown pandemic, the congressmen should be taking the risk of travel seriously. Some members of the Obama entourage who went to Mexico last week manifested flu-like symptoms. A Mexican who shook Obama's hand reportedly died of the flu. As advised by health authorities, one should avoid non-essential trips these days, especially in the epicenter of the epidemic to avoid getting sick and transmitting the disease.

Pacquiao also worries of catching influenza. He is good to see in a giant screen, but the 50 congressmen can’t be dissuaded from the ringside. The Las Vegas boxing arena where a mix of Mexican and Americans will is just the right place for contagion to lurk and spread in the crowd. (Photo Credit: Philippine Affairs/ Congress of the Philippines)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Manny Pacquiao receives a doctorate degree



Southwestern University conferred a doctorate to outstanding boxer Manny Pacquiao for his excellence in sports. The honorary degree in humanities was given at the Grand Ballroom of the Cebu City Hotel to the most famous Filipino pugilist who is an inspiration to many Filipinos.(Photo Credit: Philstar/ Freeman) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Pacquiao wins over De la Hoya on a 9th round TKO



When I attended the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York a few hours before Manny (Pacman) Pacquiao faced “golden boy” Oscar de la Hoya on the welter-weight boxing ring, Fr. Jose Marabe asked those present if they prayed for the Filipino fighter to win.

The hushed laughter in the packed gothic cathedral on December 6, 2008 seemed to confirm that many sought God's help for the most famous Filipino pugilist. The trust on Manny's winning was as high as the people's trust in God. Manny's fans knew the power of faith.

I too offered prayers for Manny to win. I wanted to have that good news for the country, something that most kababayans could relate to. After all, Manny is among the few Filipinos who captivates and inspires the nation. When he fights, Manila literally stops. His homegrown fans in the Philippines go wild watching the TV beamed from Las Vegas.

When I arrived home from church, the game was already underway. It was Manny who was dominating the fight. De la Hoya seemed worn-out to match Manny's solid jabs. The famous 10-time world champ and 1992 Olympic veteran wobbled as he took Pacman's strikes.

By the 8th round, the Mexican-American boxer got his puffed eye which proved too cumbersome for him to go on. The befuddled De la Hoya soon lost the match on a technical knockout (TKO) after failing to answer the 9th round bell.

It was a glorious moment for Pacquiao, a beaming instant for Filipinos. Manny said he felt early on that he would win. Riding high on adrenaline, he wanted to fight again when the pay is right, perhaps after some rest. He set a personal record by wrecking the stellar reputation of the famous De la Hoya.

Manny demonstrated to be the better boxer. Prayers did work for him. On his return to the Philippines its the same prayers (add praises and admiration) that await him.w He once more raised pride for his people. He is an excellent boxer--- better than the aspiring politician from Gen. San he wanted to be. (Photo Credits: AP/ Mark Terrill; AP/ Jamison, E; AP/ JaeChong; AP/ Jamison, E) =0=



RELATED BLOG: "A Postscript To Manny Pacquiao's Outstanding Wins" posted by mesiamd, Wednesday, 07 July 2004 11:54.


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PostHeaderIcon A Postscript To Manny Pacquiao's Outstanding Wins

When Manny Pacquiao said he’s dedicating his boxing match with WBC lightweight champ Mexican American David Diaz on June 28, 2008 to the victims of the Typhoon Frank, it’s the best the fighter can do for the Filipinos. At a time when there has been much to despair about in a country rocked by unsolved scandals and natural calamities, Pacquiao dashed out in the wind to stand firmly on his word.

On Saturday, in the Mandalay Bay Events in Las Vegas, Nevada, the boxer from Gen. Santos City electrified the nation anew with a record-breaking performance.

"Manny Pacquiao knocks out David Diaz in the ninth round to become the new World Boxing Council lightweight champion. Pacquiao has made history as the first Asian to win world titles in four different weight classes, and the first Filipino to become a lightweight champion. Inquirer (06/30/08)

“What a masterpiece,” the president said after watching Pacquiao demolish his opponent. “Manny once again showed the sterling quality of excellence of a Filipino at his best. We rejoice with the whole nation in his victory,” Mrs. Arroyo said in statement released by Press Secretary Jesus Dureza. Philstar. (06/30/80, Romero.P.)

Sen. Benigno Aquino III said Pacquiao's win also boosts the country's "wounded pride," after having landed in the top list of most corrupt nations. Malaya (06/30.08, Vigilia W.et al)

Surely Manny is great! (see AP/Reuters photos) Millions of people simply adore him. His phenomenal boxing record makes his fans forget their failures and despair. Because of his winnings, he is rich in almost all counts. His triumphs and fame attract all kinds of people whose motives anyone could guess. In spite of his meager education, politicians think he’s a good material for an elective post in the government. In May 2007 elections, he ran for a congressional seat in his town but lost.

For all the thrills and allure of boxing, there’s a price to pay. Adding to the face-disfiguring cuts, bruises, and scars a boxer endures, there is his brain, like a jello, that’s repeatedly jabbed, rattled, and whacked by a pugilist’s glove. There are those who die with lethal injuries in the sport. This is a reason why boxing, like bloody cockfighting, is such a controversial sport. You only need to watch the great Muhammad Ali wobble with tremors, fidget in his festinating gait, and put up that wry smile with mask-like plasticity to understand why. =0=

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