Philippines: Boxing Champ Captivates a Nation · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is already one of the most popular icons in the Philippines today. His successive victories in the ring inspired a nation in need of a modern hero. The poor adores Manny, who is also called the ‘nation’s fist.’ Politicians take advantage of Manny’s popularity to win the hearts of the people. Companies swamp the boxer with advertising deals.
Image from danielhsu's Flickr photostream under CC license
Paglipad ng Diwa uploads a video of Manny’s last fight against Mexican boxer Erik Morales in Las Vegas.
Kuykuy describes how Filipinos react everytime Manny’s fight is shown live on television:
“Prior to the fight, the streets of this city were almost deserted as people are either in their homes or in carinderias, restaurants and other commercial establishments waiting for the fight of their hometown hero. Vehicular traffic resumed moments after live broadcast of the fight ended.”
Hide your monkey reports that blog traffic in the Philippines was down on the day of Manny’s fight in Las Vegas.
Dead End believes Manny is already in showbiz and politics.
Misteryosa.org is against the proposal of the Mayor of Manila to build a monument for Manny:
“Does winning a boxing match enough for someone the likes of Pacquiao to achieve national hero status? Is it even fair to forget the other athletes who have offered their lives to make us proud and instead focus on this one monkey who throws mean punches every now and then? Boxing is a violent sport, a bloody one, and we’re actually hailing Pacquiao for sharing the instinct serial killers posses.”
There are reports that Manny is being enticed to run as Vice Mayor or even Mayor of Manila. Reacting to this proposal, Filipina Soul has an appeal for Manny:
“Manny Pacquiao has won the hearts of countless Filipinos for his victories in the boxing ring. Always, he wears the Philippine colors proudly. So this is an appeal to the Pacman to please, please, please stick to doing what you do best. Boxing. Endorsing products. Even singing. But please, please, please do the country a favor and never run for public office.”
Coffee Time briefly forgets her problems while watching Manny’s victory.
“But just this once, for a fleeting moment, I am bouyant. I am happily entertained. I wonder what the next drug will be?”
Missions and Theology on what Manny accomplished which the church and politicians failed to do. Noisy noisy man blogs an imaginary interview with the boxer. The Warrior Lawyer asks for prayers for Manny “to save him from the circling sharks.” Newsstand on the soundtrack of Manny’s training camp. Fast pace in slow motion is disappointed that the boxing match ended only after three rounds.
Salamin ponders why Filipinos don’t excel in team sports.