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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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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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=