On Manny Pacquiao: The “Pacman” of Boxing

I kind’a skip from the usual stint here – a bit of refreshing news aside from the heavy political news. I find this particular fighter, exciting – Manny Pacquaio from the Philippines – hailed as the world’s number 1 pound for pound fighter. Manny Pacquiao has brought an electrifying win over the Golden Boy “Oscar Dela Hoya” last December 6th. And it was a historical fight – a fight that has been deemed to be a mismatch, a fight that is like more of a David vs. Goliath, a fight that has predicted the taller guy, Oscar Dela Hoya would  win. But Manny, fighting with textbook perfection, the precision of a hitman, the devastating punch of a heavyweight coupled with lightning fast attacks which made Manny looked here, there, and everywhere Dela Hoya turns.

Manny Pacquiao connects to the face of Oscar Dela Hoya / Photo by Yahoo Sports

I have been a fan of both fighters. I have followed their careers way back in my high school days. I knew both fighters are extremely good and capable of damaging each other. When I first heard that Manny will be taking on Dela Hoya, a few months after Manny’s fight with David Diaz, I thought Manny has gone nuts. I can say that the matchup is quite insane, and yes, it is so damn historical. I never thought a Filipino fighter, such as Manny Pacquiao will be facing the Golden Boy, Dela Hoya.

I held my qualms to this match until I saw the fight over the internet and local televisions. I have rest my fears of Manny getting pulped by Dela Hoya – and indeed, the fight is really electrifying. It is capable of sending shockwaves of victory across the pacific – to Manny’s homeland, the Philippines. People over there have stopped in everything that they do, gathered around their televisions to watch their national pride’s fight. And when Manny scored a TKO in the 8th round and his victory announced, 70 million Filipinos went rejoicing for the victory of their own man.

Manny Pacquiao, I can say, has the heart and humility of a true champion, not only in the boxing ring, but for his country as well. It felt like as Manny’s punch are coupled with the prayers and aspirations of his countrymen. Philippines is one of the developing nations struggling to fight poverty and provide better welfare to their people. His countrymen have endured the toughest of the tough times and yet – they are still as resilient and strong as Manny Pacquiao. Honestly, I also have my roots to the Philippines, and it makes me proud to see someone, like Manny Pacquiao, fought like a true Filipino champion – which stirred up the Filipino blood inside of me.

Here is a video that I have got from Youtube which shows the 8th round of this historical fight:

Manny Pacquiao’s victory is well deserved. The guy trained hard for this one. I knew Manny has the tendency to overtrain himself but I am glad that the great Freddie Roach is there to supervise him and teach him properly. I felt nostalgic when I saw Manny’s first fights which has been shown that time in a local television program,”Blow by Blow”. The Manny Pacquaio that time is a slugger, has not developed his own style yet he has the gift of handspeed. When Freddie teamed up with him in 2001, Manny evolved into a thinking fighter. Not only that he has his devastating left punch but he trained his right to become damaging too – he became a dangerous, relentless, and quick ambidextrous fighter. And now, he has also developed his lightning fast footspeed. Speed has become Manny’s greatest asset and Oscar Dela Hoya cant seem to figure out where Manny will punch him – it was just his speed is so overwhelming and Manny is here, there and damn everywhere.

Manny’s namesake is true after all – he has been called “Pac-man”. Not only this namesake meant Manny Pacquiao in reverse (just work out the words eh), but it also meant a dominating fighter – ready to gobble up anyone in his path. (and I liked this one better than the “Mexicutioner” namesake)

And oh boy, I cant wait to see his fight with the other two great names in boxing, Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Spreading Cheers and $100 Bills: The Secret Santas

I just want to share this a bit of news that I have came across over at Yahoo.com. In Kansas City, a legacy is being relived – Two secret santas are giving out $100 bills to the needy people – without second thoughts – but on the condition that the person given will spread the kindness to others. Here is a snippet of the article from Yahoo.com:

At a suburban Goodwill store on Friday, Theresa Settles selected a large, black comforter to warm her family until she can raise the money to turn the gas heat back on. A petite woman approached, her face obscured by dark sunglasses and a wrapped winter scarf, and handed Settles two $100 bills stamped with the words “secret Santa.” “The only condition,” she said, “is that you do something nice for someone. Pass it on.”

“I will,” Settles said, the only words she could get out of her mouth.

The secret Santa was a protege of Kansas City’s undercover gift giver, Larry Stewart, who died of cancer nearly two years ago. Stewart roamed city streets each December doling out $100 bills to anyone who looked like they might need a lift.

For full Yahoo.com article about the secret santas in Kansas City, click here.

We have heard the story of the foreclosure angel, Marilyn Mock, who bought the house of Tracy Orr in an Austin, Texas auction and surprisingly gave it back to her. Now we are hearing these secret santas roaming around Kansas City – gicing $100 bills plus warm hugs to the needy people. Whoever those secret santas are, they should be applauded for their kind works.

I also encourage you, my dear readers to check their site:  http://secretsantaworld.net/

According to the site, here are the characteristics of a secret santa:

ecret Santas share the following characteristics and values:

• Anonymity: They do not draw attention to themselves and strive to protect their personal identity and those of other Secret Santas.

• Leadership: They lead by example.

• Humility: Through belief in the human spirit, they share their wealth in a humble, selfless way.

• Compassion: Through random acts of kindness, they tap into the human spirit and try to create in the recipient hope and a belief that they are worthy of unconditional love.

• Humor: They would rather lose every dime they ever made than lose their sense of humor.

• Friendship: They value their association with people of like mind and character; they are each a true Elf

I hope everyone will follow their lead too. In these times of crisis, a little dose of kindness can make us feel a lot better.