THIS Saturday, April 9, could be the last time we will be seeing and cheering for Manny Pacquiao fighting for the belt in the boxing ring. As his camp announced, the Philippines’ Pambansang Kamao is expected to hang up the gloves so he could concentrate on serving the Filipino people as senator, and probably as president in the future as some reports say.
Pacman was emotional in his last interviews at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, where his rise to fame started. He reminisced about his humble beginnings, and said he has been blessed more than he had ever wished and prayed for, and gives the glory back to God. He said he wants to leave a legacy of inspiration, especially for the Filipino people.
You may not agree with Pacquiao’s politics but I am sure he has earned the respect and admiration of many of us with what he has already achieved in the boxing world. He has brought pride to the Philippines, and has been a role model for those who may be knocked down in life because of poverty and helplessness. Through Pacquiao’s life story, he has empowered so many people to roll with the punches of life and continue standing after each fall.
As he faces Tomothy Bradley in the ring for the third time, let us wish him well and offer some prayers for him. May he win this fight.
After this, win or lose, he moves on to fight for a seat in the Senate. May God direct his every step and guide him how he could serve the Filipino best. Win or lose, a good heart like his will always find ways and means to continue to be of service and an inspiration for others.
MABUHAY KA, MANNY PACQUIAO!
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
