President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led Filipinos in hailing yet another victory by ring idol Manny Pacquiao, who successfully defended his World Boxing Council international super featherweight title by unanimous decision against Mexican Marco Barrera in Las Vegas yesterday.

Negrenses also joined in celebrating Pacquiao's triumph, which Arroyo called a "well-deserved victory". In a statement, Arroyo said Pacquiao once again buoyed the nation's spirit with his excellent fighting form and indomitable spirit.

Our "Pambansang Kamao" is the Philippines gift to the world of boxing, she said.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who was in Las Vegas to carry Pacquiao's WBC belt, said the General Santos City-born Pacquiao is "truly a role model and an effective uniting factor."

"As the country came to a standstill, Filipinos in the States and elsewhere gathered in virtual reunion to watch the Pinoy idol in action," Leonardia said.

Filipinos in the United States and even in Mexico gathered at homes of friends to watch the fight together, Leonardia said.

"The Pacquiao mystique continues to grip the Filipino people," Leonardia, who conferred on Pacquiao the distinction as an adopted son of Bacolod, said.

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, himself in Las Vegas to witness the fight, said that while the whole country celebrates Pacquiao's victory, it was a bit disappointing because he did not knock Barrera out after four years of better training.

"But how can you knock Barrera's brain out when he was running the whole night? Barrera didn't have the will to win because he kept running," Puentevella said.

He added that Pacquiao also did not have much will to knock Barrera out.

"Not a perfect night. It could have been better," Puentevella said.

Gov. Joseph Marañon also lauded Pacquiao for bringing honor to the country again.

"Pacquiao is one great promoter of our tourism industry since he has put the Philippines in the world map as the home of a boxing champion," Marañon said.

Vendors, security guards, employees and bystanders gathered in front of Bacolod City Hall, where a television set connected to large speakers was installed beside the Fountain of Justice, to see the fight.

Although the delayed telecast started at 1:30 p.m., some fans converged early at the viewing area.

Security guard Roger Bayoneta said it was a "slow starting" fight with both Pacquiao and Barrera assessing each other's strengths in the early rounds. By round eight, Bayoneta wanted to see Pacquiao knocking out Barrera.

Housewife Normy Yancha said she was not much of a boxing fan but she was moved to tears seeing Pacquiao determinedly fighting Barrera for the pride and honor of his country.

Vendors at the Central Market were also glued to their television sets to watch the fight.

While some complained over the 10-minute commercial breaks between rounds, others used the gap to attend to their stuffs and customers.

There was frustration, too, inside the Robinsons Bacolod Cinema as Barrera fended off Pacquiao's bid for a knockout.

"Barrera tarantado (Barrera is a coward)," an apparently disgusted man shouted, after seeing the Mexican trying to evade Pacquiao's combinations in the later rounds.

While he was glad for Pacquiao's successful defense, driver Danilo Dadivas was not satisfied with his overall performance. He said he was expecting swifter moves and explosive punches from the "Pacman."

Barangay tanod Mark Tan said Pacquiao could have sent Barrera to the canvass in the 11th and 12th rounds. He was disappointed to see the fight ending in a unanimous decision in favor of the Filipino boxer.

In Murcia, where Sunday is a market day, people packed the foodcourt of the New Public Market as early as 10 a.m. where a live telecast of the match was aired.

Cheers resounded in the 11th round as everyone was expecting to see Barrera hitting the canvas only for Pacquiao to get a foul punch from the Mexican.

Senate President Manny Villar and Sen. Mar Roxas also commended Pacquiao.

"We are truly grateful to Pacquiao for once again giving glory to the country and making every Filipino proud of his nationality. He represents Filipinos who have the heart of a fighter," Villar said.

Roxas said "Pacquiao deserves a hero's welcome not only for successfully defending the title but also for creating a special bond among Filipinos, here and abroad."*NAB

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