Lessons from
Pacquiao and Viloria

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor ERIC T. LORETIZO Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Filipinos had another day of triumph yesterday with the victory of young boxer Brian Viloria over his opponent in one of the most-awaited matches in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was also the place where Manny Pacquiao, another world champion in the sport, demolished the Mexican legendary pug, known as "El Terrible" because of the terror he had given his foes in the ring.

Pacquiao humbled Erik Morales, a world title holder, while Brian Viloria defeated Jose Antonio Aguirre, also a Mexican champion, dubbed as "El Jaguar" for his cunning in fighting. In this sport, at least, our athletes have proven themselves of international caliber.

But there is something that these accomplishments of our boxers are suggesting to our people. Note that boxing, where we have shown excellence, is an individual sport, one where only one person carries on the fight, is pummeled and hurt and nurses his injuries alone. It is also a sport where the contender, once in the ring, has not a single second to relax, to catch his breath or get second wind. A fraction of a second that he loses his guard may give his opponent the opportunity to deal him a punishing blow or even knock him out. Several years ago, a former president of the National Press Club of the Philippines who became the head of one of the country's top sports association, in a meeting with a promising young athlete from Bacolod, advised the girl to shift to an individual sport like shooting, golf or swimming. "We have more chances of winning in international competitions in individual sports," he said. "You will fare better in them".

We often talk about our people's tendency towards the crab mentality, our inability to unite and work together for a common goal. Was that what the sports official was referring to, even if he said it more than 20 years ago? Our Pacquiaos, Vilorias, Jacas and other sports champions did it by themselves. Our teams seldom go as far as they have done. What a sad commentary on our character as a people.*