Boxing welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is an example of a sportsman who draws the attention and interest of regular and casual boxing fans and of people from the broader spectrum of society because of his superior boxing ability and concern for always giving spectators their money’s worth.
His explosive boxing style is liked by all fans and the general public because the skills and power involved are easily understood and its entertainment value readily appreciated. What can be more entertaining than a knock-out delivered in spectacular fashion? The subtle skills and accomplishments of a defensive fighter like Floyd Mayweather Jr. is regarded as boring by fans because it is not readily apparent and lacks visual impact. Fans want graphic entertainment for their money, which is why ultimate fighting matches are getting popular.
In addition to this, the Filipino icon also possesses the X factor that makes masses of people want to see him in person and appreciate his other activities and anything about him. Of course, he is also an elected public official, a Congressman from Sarangani who has significant plans for improving his district.
I fully appreciate the accomplishments of Manny Pacquiao at this point. He comes from a broken family in General Santos City who was forced to stop schooling and become a boxer in order to survive and was able to sustain his boxing triumphs to be able to climb to the pinnacle of his sport. What makes him stand out is his being magnanimous in victory, his genuine gratitude for those who have helped him and for those who continue to support him, his being deeply religious and his continuing desire to learn and be of service to the Filipino people.
His rise from poverty to unimagined sporting acclaim, fame and fortune has served as an inspiration to all Filipinos to strive harder for success in whatever field of endeavor. People have relearned the values of discipline and hard work and being in the grace of God from him, and feel that these will also help them to be successful in their own way.
Pacquiao’s accomplishments and character as a sportsman have made people from around the world aware of the Philippines and Filipinos. His impact in terms of renewed interest in investment, tourism, sports and solicitation of aid for worthwhile projects like the Gawad Kalinga in the country is significant. In these times of continuing high prices in prime commodities, services and utilities, the man has provided a sense of relief and renewal of spirit to the general public which cannot be dismissed.
As a person, Manny Pacquiao is also remarkable for being a passable singer and musician and for also being proficient in basketball, darts and billiards. He is a prime endorser of various Philippine and global products and carries his own brand name in a variety of wearable items and accessories. He is also fairly successful in his TV program appearances and in the cockfighting field.
I feel that there is also much value in Pacquiao’s being able to understand and express himself in the English language because not all foreign national sportspersons can do so. He does not try to change his unmistakable Visayan accent, which is what endears him to native Filipinos and Fil-Americans alike, and is in fact what advertisers have used successfully in marketing because it is readily memorable to the consuming public.
Pacquiao’s continuing impact on all sectors and segments of Philippine society is borne out by the facts of a temporary ceasefire between government and armed rebel groups, very low incidence of crime and work stoppage every time he fights because viewing the action becomes paramount to almost everything.
I think that Manny Pacquiao will be a force to be reckoned with in the highest political contests in the Philippines in the future because of his natural appeal to the masses of voters and various influential groups and stakeholders and his deep financial resources.
