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People in conflict and disagreement become buddies and share the same point of view. Busy streets become unbelievably free of traffic. Almost everyone stays at home watching TV holding breath with every blow of hits and misses; punches and counter punches; and round after round of an exciting fight.

I am not a boxing fan but I am always stunned by how people react and take things with regards to boxing. The culture of boxing goes beyond demographic borders and breaks economic stature.

Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao is a hero to many people, a champion, a movie star, a celebrity endorser, and a musician who carries peoples expectations into every bout. In a country where chaos every so often seems a never ending story, he is the only person among 87 million Filipinos with the power to unite the nation.

After Pacquiao upset Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003, he was given a Congressional Medal of Achievement in Congress.

"Manny Pacquiao has united our people under one flag, inspiring hope and national reconciliation and pride in being a Filipino amidst the uncertainties, challenges and hardships we are currently facing."

Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri


"It is unfortunate that Manny cannot fight every day."

Senator Jinggoy Estrada

Malacaang congratulated Manny Pacquiao for his victory over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, saying his victory had once again proven that the Filipino can excel in any endeavor.

"I join the Filipino people in savoring this moment of sweet victory and national unity prompted by the courage, discipline and fighting heart of our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao,"

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Once again the Pacman has proven that the Filipino can excel in any endeavor and that we can all be united as a nation for the interest of out country,"

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo

President Arroyo said Pacquiao has brought "immense glory to the Flag and Filipino" with his victory. "Once more, he has inspired us with his big fighting heart, his determination and grit," she said.

President Arroyo also called Pacquiao as "one of the nation's heroes" and "an icon of the masses" who can unite the Filipino people even in times of divisiveness. "Manny Pacquiao mirrors the champ within every Filipino, here and abroad," she said.

President Arroyo, whose administration is presently being shaken by allegations of corruption brought upon by the ZTE broadband mess, said that like Pacquiao, the Filipino nation can hurdle every challenge the future holds.

"Like him, we, too, shall overcome the battles ahead, with courage and a steadfast faith in ourselves, our country, and the Lord Almighty," President Arroyo said.

A Narrow Win

Manny Pacquiao won a narrow split decision to claim Marquez's WBC 130-pound title Saturday night. Judge Duane Ford favored Pacquiao 115-112 and Jerry Roth called it 115-112 for Marquez, while Tom Miller gave a 114-113 edge to Pacquiao despite giving the last two rounds to Marquez. The Associated Press narrowly favored Marquez, 114-113, on the strength of his 12th-round performance.

"I don't like the decision," Marquez said. "I still feel I am the champion. It was a bad decision. That first knockdown, he got me cold, but then I adjusted my game plan and I thought from then on, I dictated the whole fight. The people are the best judge, and the people are booing him. I won."

The Business Is Over

Their first matchup ended in a draw in May 2004. Marquez was knocked down three times in the opening round, but improbably rallied to win most of the later rounds in a possible career-saving performance.

Manny Pacquiao's rematch victory over Juan Manuel Marquez was worth every minute of the four-year wait.

"I don't think so," Pacquiao said of a third fight with Marquez. "This business is over."

source: elyong.blogspot.com

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