The anatomy of a winning Pacman

As usual, the Pacquiao-Hatton fight put a stop to the life of every Filipino, on an early afternoon, Sunday; and I am sure that even more than half the world awaits on whether which will prevail – the east or the west.

I was never a Pacman fan, but I must admit, whether just curious on who will win, or just don’t want to be left behind in an after-match tete-a-tete in almost every corner in the country, or just because I have no choice because everyone in the house would watch; I watch his fights, and I don’t miss a single one of his well-publicized, and high earning international bouts in this century, except for this one.

But even if I wasn’t able to watch the second round which again defined Pacman’s (and the Philippines’ sports) victory, I had every detail of that momentous triumph. Thanks to the news – TV and print, and to the buzzing storytellers I could easily get from almost anywhere. And well true enough, it was again where the news revolved, and where again for many times now, has shadowed even the worldwide phenomena of the spreading Swine Flu Virus or the unusual striking of a typhoon in the Bicol Region, in early May when we’re still in the summer season. And like the lost summer heat, it was hot news!

But I respect the fellow. I admire his being disciplined, determined, strong-willed, and Christ-centered. I’m honored I’m a Filipino because he is and because he makes us proud to be one; and because every time the Philippine anthem is sung (even when the melody seems altered all the time, every time: just differently composed) and the Philippine flag is raised above the millions of boxing fans or mere spectators, it makes me more boastful of my race.

And we must admit too that he has created a group of followers – commoners and politicians alike. He has made for him a name that is his – Manny “the Pacman” Pacquiao. He is revered to as our day’s hero; for as how they would report it in the news, crime rates go down when he fights, but note that watching his fights also creates death caused by either heart attacks or strokes by overly excited and eager fans. Pacquiao is simply making boxing loved by every Filipino more than basketball, I guess. Where this popularity leaves him is still the big question, but years ago, the people of his home province has already witnessed the desire of this aspiring congressman, to win not just in the boxing ring but also in the political arena. As critics would say, he simply has no experience, he don’t even speak straight English (but he’s learning) how could he author a bill and even defend them? “gagamitan lang siya ng ibang pulitiko para makakuha ng boto.” The news again of his vying for a seat in Congress is all over the radio. Proof perhaps of this ardent desire, is his going to high school (minimum educational requirement). This road to being a politician, aside from his stint as a TV personality and an actor, and as being once again or rather now, given the highest ranks for a reservist, is well a long path and I know he has made it clear like his boxing career.

Again, I am not a fan, but I acknowledge his works and his accomplishments as having six belts in various weight divisions; and as Bob Arum called him after that 2-round winning fight, “He is the greatest fighter the world ever have.” It was normal, for a promoter who has again grew his stake into bigger fortunes, because some boxing analysts would call him as still, ONE of the greatest; and yes, he his perhaps, in my lifetime, one of them. And honestly, I would love it as that. The picture of his kneeling down in one corner of the ring after every win, whispering a silent prayer of perhaps, gratitude; and his raising of two hands in a stance, so powerful and signifying of every Filipino’s pride, his thankful bow, and proud, sometimes, arrogant smile - I would want it to remain that way.

It may not be fair to say he is incompetent of the job he is seeking. No one could really tell how good a Congressman he may be or how influential a leader he may be. A joke was said; he could not and would not be corrupt like most of them do, because he’s wealthier than all of them combined. Or it maybe, that if he wins a seat, he would ask for more than what the others would, because compared to the fortune he has, it may be “chicken”. A comment was also said, with his charisma, he could easily make the others to vote for a cha-cha or con-con, no questions asked; or that he could easily get a commanding vote. Another would ask what does he knows. But others would also say, whoever said that only the educated can serve? Or only the experienced can run for an office? True enough, leadership should not be equalled to a degree, profession or fame, it must not.

For now, I can only insinuate what may happen, and what may not. Whether the Pacman would go as far as extending the ring one mile further, I'm not sure, but for now, it may be better if he don't.