Heart-warming advocacy of Pacquiao

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

WE saw how two of our three remaining world boxing champions successfully defended their diadems last November 30 at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Donnie “Ahas” Nietes demolished his Mexican foe Sammy Gutierrez via third round stoppage to retain his WBO (World Boxing Organization) light flyweight crown and improved his record to 32 wins, 18 by kayos, against one setback and a single draw.

Meanwhile, our undefeated WBO minimum-weight titleholder Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo escaped with a split draw verdict to save his title against co-undefeated Nicaraguan Carlos Buitro. Sabillo now totes a 23-0-1 record with 12 kayos. The 31-year-old Nietes, who has held a world title since 2007 and whom I met in Cebu City last March 2 and defended his title via a disputed draw decision against former world champion Moises Fuentes of Mexico, is now closing in on the record of our former world junior lightweight king Gabriel “Flash” Elorde from Bogo City, Cebu for keeping a world title for the longest time.
But what touched my heart even more last December 1 was when I saw our boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on TV personally giving away P1,000 and the Holy Book of God to each victim of typhoon Yolanda that he met. To me, that was really a praiseworthy gesture of the lawmaker from Sarangani. We know that despite the much-publicized tax woes that he’s encountering now, he still did his part to help with some cash (reportedly borrowed because the BIR has frozen his bank accounts). These were part of his earnings from his sweat and pains during his successful battle against Brandon Rios last November 24. Pacquiao, who is an avid Holy Bible reader (like me), told the victims that the Holy Bible is more important than the money he gave to them, and they should read the Good Book and persevere because he, himself also persevered during his trials and never quit asking help from God. He reminded them that his life was also so miserable then, homeless like them now (because of Yolanda), that at one point he even slept on a piece of carton as his mat and that despite the adversities that he encountered during his youthful days, he did not lose hope and just continued believing in himself and kept trusting the omnipotent God, always thinking that someday he will be blessed. And it came.

Yes, two weeks ago, Pacquiao, the only boxer in the world to win eight world crowns in different weight divisions, lifted the nation’s spirit especially the Visayans with that comeback victory following two consecutive defeats. He clearly proved to us (especially to the critics) that he’s still far from finished. He was reenergized, rebuilt and has redeemed his image that he lost in 2012 and ready to rumble again against the best pugilists in the world. We should continue to pray particularly for his next assignment on April 12 against an unknown opponent yet (as of this writing) that it will be another conquest for him so he can continue to share his blessings with the less fortunate. Without a doubt, he’s our hero in the field of sports – unselfish, humble, persevering, compassionate and most of all a patriotic fellow. And whether you like it or not, I honestly believe that he’ll be a senator in 2016.

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My big congrats to our two local duathletes, Robeno Javier and Jeric Buhian of Urdaneta City and Asingan, respectively, for winning in their respective categories in the 2013 Philippine National Duathlon Championships held in Subic Freeport, Zambales last December 1. This should be one of the sports that our local and provincial governments should give more attention since height is not a factor to win the event unlike in basketball and volleyball. The two, aside from their province mates Jefferson Valdez and Robinson Esteves, are proving that this is the sport that Pangasinenses could excel in. Paging Guv Amado T. Espino, Jr. We need your help.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9: 6

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