19 Nov 2006 - For less than 9 minutes
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!!!
