Pacman reigns anew!

The whole country celebrated the triumph of Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez of Mexico. Everybody was glued to their T.V. sets, radios and the Internet as Manny beat his Mexican foe.

Passing by City Hall on my way to L’Fisher, Bacoleños watching the match were not bothered by the heavy downpour. L’Fisher was also fully booked and latecomers like me, Pacquiao fans and boxing aficionados, were rushing to get inside the La Proa ballroom where a huge screen was installed for a better view of the fight.

Perla L. and Moi were wearing our lucky shirts and pants. For the past three boxing bouts of Pacman, we have worn the same attires. And lucky indeed are our outfit as Pacquiao always wins!

Lucky for Ninfa L. as she was watching at ringside. We are looking forward hopefully to watch our ring idol, at ringside, too.

Everytime Pacman scored everybody shouted and clapped. When Marquez scored, I think everybody was praying.

While waiting for the final decision, everyone was tense. But with the announcement that Pacquiao won, Filipino fans shouted as if they had won the Lotto.

Everybody then rushed to Ripples for a buffet lunch awaiting the hungry boxing crowd.

To Pacman, the world champion, congratulations. We are proud of you as the adopted son of our city.

***

Personal: I would like to extend my condolences to the family of the late Gov. Joseph Marañon. He was one of the best governors of Negros Occidental, and was a loving husband, a devoted and supportive father, a kind, hard-working, good provider and above all very generous, especially to the poor.

Just look at Sagay, the Provincial Capitol, Silay hospital and Mambukal Resort … for these, we can say – SALAMAT GID Gov. Marañon.

Remember: Friendship is a Golden Chain, the links are friends so dear, and like a rare and precious jewel, it’s treasured more each year.*