The Victor

A HERO is an inspiration – an entity that invokes the beleaguered spirit. A hero is a source of strength that keeps his peers going.
Political controversy, growing unemployment, poverty, and suffering through natural calamities are unforgettable experiences crippling the Philippines right now. Many people learn to live through such difficult times with the help of heroic figures.
Athletes (or modern warriors) do more than just represent their nation’s flag. Their presence in every sporting event gives their countrymen hope, self-respect, and to many people – pride in who they are.
On February 4, Nonito Donaire Jr. seized this opportunity when he captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight crown at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The fierce Filipino-American right-hander defeated Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. – granting him his fourth world title belt.
Like other boxing icons, Nonito Donaire Jr.’s undertaking in the ring is comparable to that of well-known kings and conquerors from ancient times. They offer a model for what should be a man’s attitude toward his own society and in his own life.
There is a long list of great boxers out there – boxers who do their best to entertain and win while putting on a show before, during and after every fight. Donaire separates himself from the pack by providing people with inspiration and hope.
They say champions are born, and not made. Some people exert hard work in training and are very dedicated, but to be a champion in any sport a person must be born with a natural gift and Donaire was fortunate enough to have that.
One of Donaire’s assets as a boxer had been his superior conditioning. Like what he does with pretty much everything he attempted in life, he threw himself into training with fury and was almost always the better-conditioned fighter.
His commitment to the sport, and dedication to winning have catapulted him to be one of the most famous opponents in boxing. His career so far, embodies the stuff legends are made of.
More than a cause for celebration, every Filipino triumph like that of Donaire’s, should be a source of inspiration to every Pinoy he is representing.
Like Manny Pacquiao, and other prominent Filipino athletes, Nonito Donaire Jr. paves the way for Filipinos to go beyond human foibles, and advance through education, the arts, and economic progress.
In the world of boxing a lot of important names arose and heroes have been born. These individuals have bravely confronted battles within the square with courage and determination.
A hero in his own way, Donaire encourages us that if you persevere on fighting – even with a formidable opponent – you can claim victory and be a hero yourself.
Times are cloaked with uncertainty. Every journey will be brutal, hard-nosed and beautiful. Donaire’s recent victory in the ring is a reminder that during hard times, thanks to many great sport figures like him, life has some moment of great pride and joy.
Enter the “ring” with confidence. Ignore naysayer, grab chances and be your own hero and source of inspiration. Heroes come from all walks of life and in any profession.
Not all heroes die in the battlefield or killed in line of duty, some heroes are just ordinary men and women who inhabit extraordinary lives that make a change and inspire other people.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek Feb 8-10, 2012 Sec A pg.6)