MANNY PACQUIAO GOES BACK HOME

Manny PacquiaoManny Pacquiao, the world’s best pound-por-pound boxer, and now the most famous Filipino, has gone back home yesterday after winning in his latest bout against Ricky HattonRicky Hatton who was knocked down at round 2. As expected, he was on primetime broadcast news that night and on newspaper front pages the following day. With one focus, the media were able to create several stories: Manny comes home despite virus alert. Manny’s three kids awake the whole night awaiting his coming home. Manny is happy to see his kids again. Manny’s wife cries after seeing the interview with her children greeting her “Happy Mother’s Day.” Manny’s mother says Manny won’t be Manny if not for her. Manny goes to Quiapo church to thank God for his blessings. Manny donates dollars to the church. Manny likes to eat Nissin cup noodles when he travels. Manny is running for a political post in the coming 2010 election to help the poor. The news about Manny Pacquiao running for political post didn’t come as a surprise for many Filipinos. Manny tried it last election but he didn’t win over his opponent. Seeing Manny Pacquiao rise to fame and glory is such an inspiration for most Filipinos. Knowing his life and how he started as a boxer, the only thing that most Filipinos wish for him is that he would not give in to what the people around tells him. Manny is a boxing icon but the ring is not to be extended to Malacañang. The problem with the politicians in this country is that they equate popularity with election. Manny should know that the politicians courting him to run in the coming election are not asking him to do so because of the cliché that he can help the poor. These “crocodiles” who court him to create a party and run for office have their own agenda. They surely would use Manny to advance their own interest – to get a position using Manny’s popularity. While Manny and his crocodile friends are praying to win in the coming election, most educated voters are hoping that he would not make it. After all, he doesn’t need a position in the government to help the poor. His mere presence and essence as a world boxing champion is enough to keep the Filipinos going. In times of economic turmoil and in the middle of a seemingly corrupt government, it seems like only Manny Pacquiao can make the Filipinos truly proud. With fame, glory and so much money, Manny is sure to attract friends, enemies and even opportunists. The challenge for the Filipino’s pride is to become a champion not only in the boxing ring but also in the hearts of the boxing fans who all wish he could knock down selfish politicians who can bring him to a downfall is he fails to be saved by the bell. With all fairness, Manny is still a true Filipino who humbly goes back and stay in his home country despite fame, glory and money. While many Filipinos hope to live abroad, this champion wishes to stay home.