Pacquiao unites nation

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Managing Editor ANTONIETA B. LOPEZ Business Editor ODETTE MONTELIBANO Desk Editor MARY ANN BARCELONA Advertising Coordinator RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete

ANDRES R. LEONARDIA Managing Director

Manny Pacquiao, in proving that he is the World Boxing Council international super featherweight champion in his 10th round victory via knockout over Eric Morales, united Sunday morning the nation in spirit and passion and made Filipinos forget for at least a day the threat of a coup and other political woes rocking the country.

Sports, once more, proved, just like in the recent hosting of the Southeast Asian Games, that it can make people forget their political and ideological strifes and social differences. Officials of various persuasions and political blocs aired similar optimism and felicitations for "Pacman" in his successful campaign. Consequently, Pacquaio's latest conquest has provided a great sense of restored pride to a nation that has been getting flak from overseas for its various socio-economic and political problems.

Manny's triumph also serves as a reminder - and more so, an inspiration - that those who possess the determination and the will to beat the odds, especially after being humbled and regardless of one's social status and background, will eventually hurdle the challenges, as Manny has proven in his awe-inspiring conquest.

In his Las Vegas victory, Manny remained humble and has taken it upon himself to serve as a rallying point for the nation as he stressed that his win means so much not only for himself and his family but also for fellow Filipinos and his country. Pacquiao, in becoming an icon for the Filipino nation, draws inspiration, particularly for those who have less in life, that they, too, can carve their own niche if only they possess the discipline, dedication, focus and temperance that make one an outstanding athlete.

How we wish that the united national thought and spirit that we have seen in the past days will remain as our nation moves ahead toward the healing of its political and social wounds and rifts. How we wish that the Manny mania will not be short-lived. On a more realistic note, however, we dread the thought that officials will soon go back to their old ways and resume the intense rivalries and intramurals they have been staging for so long to the detriment of the nation.*