Bacoleños broke away from their routines yesterday and rallied behind their adopted son, Manny Pacquiao, who emerged victorious in his quest for the World Boxing Council super featherweight title.

Public utility jeepney drivers took a break from work, and parked their vehicles in front of the Bacolod Arts and Youth Center to witness the live showing of the fight.

Together with other Bacolod residents, they left the BAYS Center relieved and happy as Pacquiao was declared winner via split decision over his Mexican rival, Juan Manuel Marquez, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Like in the BAYS Center, residents watching at the Bacolod City Hall grounds also erupted in cheers when Pacquiao was declared  champion.

“I am very happy that Pacquiao won,” Carlito Montinola, a janitor, said. Montinola had to watch the fight at the BAYS Center because his TV set at home was defective.

Others, like sidewalk vendor Merly Pasto, though were not totally happy.

Pasto was hoping to cash in on Pacquiao’s appeal but because the fight was aired without commercial breaks, she was unable to earn as much as in previous Pacquiao fights, which were aired on a delayed basis.

Also at the BAYS Center, Businessman Adonis Vargas offered technical analysis, saying Pacquiao’s strength negated Marquez’s counter-punching style.

He said the Mexicans were stunnedand demoralized when Pacquio scored that third round knock down.

About 400 people watched the match at City Hall with some of them reacting upon seeing Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia hold the championship belt of Pacquiao.

“Si Mayor Bing (That’s Mayor Bing),” some of them were overheard as saying as Leonardia stood behind Pacquiao during the pre-fight ceremonies.

Leonardia, in a text message to the DAILY STAR, said Pacquiao is a national treasure all Filipinos can be proud of.

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, who was also in Las Vegas to witness the match, said he thanked God that Pacquiao won “in his toughest fight in the last five years”.

“It could have gone either way. Marquez played it smart,” he said. Manny is now a genuine world belt champion, he said.

 Against a formidable opponent and with a deep cut that later required 18 stiches, he proved at the world center stage that he can prevail, Leonardia said.

 The picture of Marquez with his back flat on the floor, after getting Manny’s legendary punch, says it all, Leonardia said. Manny has the heart of a champion and Bacolod is privileged to have him as an “adopted son,” he said.

Ring magazine, considered the bible of the boxing world, is absolutely right in listing Manny as the world’s second best ‘pound for pound’ boxer, next to American Floyd Mayweather, Leonardia said.

“We are pleased that in Bacolod a record number saw the match live,” the mayor said.

Acting Bacolod Mayor Jude Thadeus Sayson said about 5,000 people filled the Brgy. Sum-ag gym to watch the live telecast of the fight.

They were nervous at first because Marquez was a strong opponent, he said. But the people cheered when Pacquio won in the end, he said.

“Despite our problems, the people became united because of Pacquiao, Sayson said.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also hailed the win of Pacquiao, saying the victory of the “People’s Champ” over his Mexican opponent “has again brought immense glory to the Flag and Filipino with his hard fought victory.”

The President said,that with the WBC superfeatherweight title added to the Filipino champ’s string of boxing victories, Pacquiao has once more “inspired us with his big fighting heart, his determination and grit.”

“He is truly one of our nation’s heroes who can units us even in times of divisiveness. An icon of the masses, Manny Pacquiao mirrors the champ within every Filipino, here and abroad,” the President said.

“I join the Filipino people in savoring this moment of sweet victory and national unity prompted by the courage, discipline and fighting heart of our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao,” she added. *CGS

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