I must confess, I have never been a boxing fan, and I am pretty sure, I'll never become one. But meanwhile I became a fan of Manny Pacquiao. If I read all published articles and columns about him, I can't help myself, agreeing with them all. Even as an expat, who really doesn't like boxing.
Manny is Maximus. And as a Manila Bulletin writer voiced out: "He is pound-for-pound the best boxer in the world, the Fighter of the Decade, the People's champion, the fighting pride of Sarangani, a testament to the Filipinio spirit, a symbol of national unity, an inspiration.
Yes, I don't enjoy watching this bloody sport too as it pits one with killer instinct over another, as Philippine Star columnist Domini M. Torrevillas,wrote a couple of days ago. But, of course, it feels good that there is someone with brave and simple "probinsyano" (provincial) charm giving the Philippines a good image.
Boxing is a job, but as he said, he'll not do it forever. Filipino people love him, people in general, people everywhere... .
For living up to his "lofty billing as the mythical pound-for-bound best boxer in the world when he dominated and outclassed his American opponent Sugar Shane Mosly", ComVal Rep. Zamora-Apsay commended Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao in House Resolution No. 1207, which she filed on May 9, 2011.
"We have so gotten used to his victories that there is no doubt he will win every time he steps on the ring, But his latest triumph cemented the recognition that he is one of the history's best if not the best prizefight ever", she said.
HR No. 1207 also recognizes the fact that rep. Pacquiao continues to make the country proud and the House of Representatives in particular being the only elected official in the Philippines to have won a world title in the sport of boxing.
"What makes Congressman Manny's accomplishment extra special and meaningful is the fact that he dedicates every fight and victory to the Filipino people. He even symbolically wore yellow gloves to call for unity among Filipino", the lady solon added.
Manny Pacquiao - not such a successful boxer here in the Philippines. For some readers surely not easy to understand and believe... .