Ladies and gentlemen, this is (not) me…

For less than 9 minutes, I felt the Philippines again.  And it is such an overwhelming one.

Manny "The Pac Man" Pacquiao had just defeated Eric Morales.  Manny, the pride and joy of the Philippines.  The hero at a time when we need one.  He, once again, lifted us up.

Around 18 of us pinoy’s (a jargon us Filipinos call ourselves) have agreed to subscribe to the Pacquiao-Morales pay per view.  Fantastic food was served - inihaw na baboy (roast pork), fried chicken, seafood kare kare and pancit canton.  We are celebrating even before the match started.  We know that Manny will never let us down.

Sarah Geronimo, a bright young Filipina singer, did the most patriotic act - sing the Lupang Hinirang in worldwide television.  And she did a good job.

You can see in Manny’s eyes the determination, the fire, and the love for his country.  Each punch, each deadly strike he threw to Morales, is like a response to the poverty and oppression in the Philippines.  And every hit he lands, whilst it hurt Morales, it made our hearts jump.

And in less than 9 minutes, it is over.  The Philippine flag waving triumphantly.  Manny did it…again.  And we love him for that.  For less than 9 minutes, 18 individuals united and became 1 in heart.

Manny Pacquiao, thank you!!!

Philippine call details using my Digi prepaid
Last call duration:  21:31
Last call cost:  RM15.91
Call rate:  RM0.74 per minute
Expensive:  Yes.

Last night, I called home.  I talked to my brother.  I have never talked to my 16-year old brother like that.  And I think it is good for the both of us.

I hope he managed to listen to everything I said despite the fact that I woke him up at 12MN.  And I hope that it is not his sub-conscious mind that were doing all the talking, as well.

I miss him.  I miss him a lot.  I watched him grow up during the first 13 years of his life.  But the next 3, I can’t seem to remember.  Darn.

The good thing is, it is not too late.  It is never too late.  I know he can make it.  I believe he will make it.  He will.  Now that someone will be looking up to him.

Just before the line went dead, I managed to say "I love you".  I hope he heard it.

Last call duration:  21:31
Last call cost:  RM15.91
Call rate:  RM0.74 per minute
Expensive:  Definitely NOT.

Today is All Soul’s day.  For us Filipinos, today is a day to remember our departed loved ones.  Most of us join the "exodus" to our provinces, dying to be with them (pun definitely intended).

But for me, All Soul’s day is not just for the dead.  All Soul’s day is for all souls.  As we remember our faithful departed, let us remember as well the people who are faithfully part of us.

As I pray for Nanay, Tita Vernie and Kuya Cheche, I pray for my family, too.  I have a beautiful wife, very supportive parents and lovely siblings.  Such beautiful souls, indeed.

And I pray for you, too.