I was ambivalent about Manny Pacquiao’s fight. Even though the major networks were really advertising the fight as one of the most touted in recent years, I was one of the very, very few who were not excited about it.
There were many things that prevented me from showing my enthusiasm at all about any Pacquiao’s fight.
You see, it had nothing to do with Manny Pacquiao. He is the best that this country has seen in decades. He is truly an influential figure now here and abroad. The likes of which, could really command the masses and even the elite.
My hesitation has more to do with the following:
Did you notice the migration of the government officials during Manny’s boxing bouts?
One of our good friends shared with us her thoughts when she watched the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya fight in Las Vegas last year. She said “I was so embarrassed seeing so many of our congressmen and government officials all over the different hotels in Las Vegas – many of them were all over the casinos. Many of them were staying at the most expensive rooms in the Bellagio and other posh accommodations in Las Vegas…”
That was the time when no less than the Vice -President of the country hugged the “Pambansang Kamao” after beating the Golden Boy Dela Hoya.
Since when did Vice-Presidents do that?
And now I was also afraid to hear the hordes of congressmen in the US around this time because of Manny’s fight.
In a country recently revealed to be one of the hungriest in the world (4 out of 10 Filipinos go hungry everyday), more than 100 of our congressmen reportedly did not show up at the Congress’ last session. Less than 100 showed up out of the total 263 elected at the congress. Even the Speaker of the House declared himself to be part of “Team Pacquiao”….
Could you imagine all the money that they all spent in the US just to watch the fight? Could you imagine if there was a travel ban for all government officials during Pacquiao’s fight and they, like the rest of us, simply watch the fight on the big screen (P600+) or in the comforts of their own homes.
But what are the immediate benefits of a Manny Pacquiao fight?
The traffic situation is simply the best whenever there is a Pacquiao fight. Last sunday, what would normally take us a little more than an hour to drive, took about 35 minutes. We still made in on time for the church service despite the late start.
It has been reported that every time there is a Pacquiao fight, the crime rate goes down. Even the military encounters with the extemist in Mindanao were all stopped by both parties.
I am happy that Manny won. I expected the fight to last for more than 6 rounds with Manny really battling it out. But I did not expect it to last for only 2 rounds! All the money that the people spent to go there and the fight was good for only 2 rounds! They should have all just stayed at home!
It is just too bothersome that what unites us is not our vision, not our programs, not our concerns for the plight of the many who have lost their jobs or do not have food on their tables. We are united behind a set of powerful fists that blasted the mouth of a proud Briton.
I am really proud of Manny.
But I also want to be proud of our country – not because of what Manny did – but because of how we really prioritize the needs of our country.
It was only Manny P who racked millions and many more in endorsements – and I do not know how the bragging rights we have earned last Saturday night in Las Vegas, could put more life in our economy.
I agree. I watched one congressman defend his choice to watch Pacquiao’s fight live in Las Vegas by proudly stating, “I’m paying for my trip with my personal money, I did not touch public funds.” Arnz and I were like, “Hello?! Who’s paying for your salary, duh?” OK, I hope he said that because he was rich BEFORE he ever ran for public office. But I seriously doubt that. Congressmen like him are all public servants receiving salary from the people who voted for them. They should be more wise and sensitive to the economic challenges that their constituents are facing.
They may have used their personal money – I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
What really saddens me is the apathy they have toward the plight of the common people.
Sure they can afford to stay in those hotels and spend their money… but one single room expense could send so many students to school this coming school season.
How they can spend thousands of dollars in the US for a boxing fight – when they could have invested that amount into summer programs that would benefit their youths for example…etc
I am not really after their money… I am more interested in their sensitivity to the plight of the masses that voted them into such high and lofty position.
We used to say that we have the delicadeza factor. We should re-write our history and sociology books and say “there was a time when we were conscious of how these actions would impact the country, such consciousness arise from the attitude called delicadeza… BUT TODAY, we do not have that anymore…”
<> you said that right. Election time is around the corner, so for sure a lot of them will be “polishing” their images and will definitely be “extra” sensitive to the plight of the “masa” in the coming months. Especially in front of cameras. Haaay. On the bright side, I hope and pray that voters will be wiser than the candidates this time.
Very good blog post I like your blog carry on the good articles