Pacman
There’s an outbreak hitting Philippine shores and beyond national borders. If you’re Pinoy and you are not infected by this fever, then you’re definitely missing out on the epidemic everyone is caught having.
The culprit? Manny Pacquiao no other!
During the height of the fist battle, the nation experienced symptoms including raised temperatures, rapid pulses, restlessness, vocal strains due to loud cheering, and increased muscle tensions because of the frequent high arm-raising alongside recurrent exhilarated leaping. The fever, in a wider scale, caused loosened traffic jams, reduced surplus of mallrats in shopping buildings, and ceased operations of several establishments. Crooks and cops took a break, and roads were literally swiped clean at the time of the bout. People were either in homes glued to their TV sets or were found swarming in movie houses, gymnasiums, sports venues, or in any place broadcasting the fight—be it all access live coverage or local telecast.
The epidemic will remain widespread. It will further invade the infecteds’ senses, moving outside of the ring into vast regions, media especially. News will feed you with the littlest updates, prints will spurt with Pacman articles. You will be hearing Manny’s songs constantly played in the airwaves, and Pacquiao’s idol appearance will further frequent advertisements, adding up to the list including a wireless telecommunications company, a fast food chain, pain reliever, herbal supplement, condiment, socks, dairy milk, ice cream, beer and the famous karaoke microphone.
But beyond the whole Pacman hype, more than the title belt and the frenzied celebration, Manny Pacquiao indeed made us Filipinos proud. He gave his countrymen something to unite about. Rival politicians, opposition and pro-administration officials have a reason to nod in agreement. A sense of pride stirs the spirits of Filipinos all over the world. Pacman’s raging fists, along with the rest of Filipino geniuses, are placing the Philippines permanently in the map. It only shows that Pinoys are an exceptional bunch, a breed with world-class caliber.
Call him a hero, whose sense of nationalistic pride evidently resonates. As what Pacman always say, he doesn’t fight for money nor for his personal fame, but for the nation’s fame. We just couldn’t deny it, as we see our prized fighter getting teary-eyed while hearing his national anthem being sung before the fight. He who wouldn’t mind sitting down a couple of hours in a cramped suite just to sign autographs for his fans and fellowmen, even if he hasn’t gotten a decent rest. He who never forgets to thank his countrymen and give his glory to God in every interview he encounter.
Manny Pacquiao is more than a boxer, he is an advocate for love of country. Let us be more than fans then. Let this sense of national loyalty operate not just in the heat of the epidemic while everyone is in euphoric festivity, but allow it to become a benign condition in our hearts. We are Filipinos. Be proud you are one.