HE has been named as the Pacman, Pambansang Kamao and pound-for-pound king. He is an eight-division boxing world champion. He has added Congressman of Sarangani Province to his curriculum vitae.
Yet, Manny Pacquiao, the man with multiple monikers, continues to rake in more titles — adding more to his already impressive list of accolades.
Early this week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines gave Pacquiao a testimonial parade as a way of recognizing his performance as an outstanding sportsman and a member of the Philippine army.
In his speech during the ceremony, Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz said: “Not only the House of Representatives has ran out of awards and accolades with which to honor him for his great victories but also for the Philippine Army as well. It is in this light that we bestow him this testimonial review and recognition for his exceptional achievements and valuable account of glory and the great prestige he brought to our organization, the Philippine Army and our country.”
As a reservist in the Philippine Army who enlisted in April 2007, Pacquiao has been bestowed the rank as Senior Master Sergeant “for never failing to inspire his fellow soldiers,” said AFP spokesman Col. Antonio Parlade, Jr., adding that Pacquiao’s “excellent personal discipline and quest for excellence are worthy of emulation.”
A medallion and plaque of recognition was given to the Pambansang Kamao, to cite his “outstanding accomplishment which brought lasting honor to the Philippine Army and the Filipino people as a whole.”
He currently holds the title of Command Sergeant Major of the 15th Ready Reserve Division of the Philippine Army.
Among his other numerous awards and recognition from the military include the Philippine Legion of Honor with the Degree of Officer which was given to him on the 73rd anniversary of the AFP in 2008; and the Outstanding Achievement Medal which was given to him on Sept. 4, 2009.
And that’s not all.
Habitat for Humanity adds even more sheen to Pacquiao’s gleaming reputation by naming him as Habitat hero ambassador at a small private dinner in Habitat for Humanity Capital Campaign chair Fernando Zobel’s home.
“For a person [who] has accomplished so much fame, he continues to be incredibly grounded, humble, down to earth and very sincere. It is such an honor for the sports hero to lend his name and trust the work that Habitat has been doing all these years.”
“I Build Filipino Pride” is the pound-for-pound king’s new campaign. He seeks to knock out an even bigger opponent: poverty. He seeks to achieve this by committing himself to the “Manny Pacquiao Build” in Sarangani, allotting 3 hectares of land to build houses for poor residents.
While his vehement stand on the RH Bill may have been found wanting during the plenary sessions in Congress, Pacquiao’s capability to inspire is still undeniable. It is one that has earned him his rightful place — a source of pride and a figure to be emulated.
Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao truly lives up to his name (Emmanuel in Hebrew means “God is with us”) by exemplifying the virtues of humility, prayerfulness and faith.
And above all, love for his countrymen.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend June 4-7, 2011 Sec A pg. 12)