You da Manny

I'm not really that much into boxing. Well, at least not as much as Dad is. Considering the fact that my brothers and I were trained in boxing for 5 years or so, I should be more interested in the sport. But I'm not. Neither is Biboy. And Kuya Marv, I think he just likes to watch.

Today, the world stopped to watch Manny Pacquiao. As Fr. Dave said in his sermon this afternoon, the good thing about having a Pacquiao fight is that the country becomes more peaceful. Less traffic. Less people in the streets. And even if I didn't watch the fight, I found out about the results as soon as Manny took down Ricky in Round 2. That was because everyone was talking about it. From the security guards to the sales ladies, the street vendor to the regular by-stander. Everyone was happy for Manny's victory.


(Photo credits: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Among Manny's other fights, this was the fight I wanted him to win the most. The reason being that a lot of people was hoping he would lose. Maybe it's the crab in the Pinoys, but the days leading to the fight, people were trying to knock him down. The newspaper today had his fight as a banner story, and it's funny because their veiled hope for a defeat was quite obvious.

While I was watching a show in Channel 2, there was a portion about Manny and people started sending in comments like: "Sana matalo si Manny kasi ini-snub niya si Ms. Dyan sa Las Vegas," or the very mean "hindi naman siya lumalaban para sa bayan, lumalaban lang siya para sa pera." Hmmm... hell hath no fury like a network scorned? Harhar.

Whatever Manny is becoming because of his fame and fortune, I say it's his right. It's his body that's being used as a punching bag, it's his safety on the line during each fight, so he deserves every victory, adulation and money that comes along. So if people think he's a show-off that wants to flaunt his cash and give it away, or a swell head who's letting all his titles into his ego, I say let him be. It's his money, and it's his ego. And it's his hardwork. So he can do whatever he want.

And of course, the great thing about Manny's victory is that it gives the Pinoys a reason to rejoice and be proud again. Even for a day, or a week. Really, a man who can make the country stop, watch with bated breath, and cheer in unison is worth the admiration. So, to the people's champ, Congratulations! You da Man!