Pacquiao: What Heroes Are Made Of

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Turn a Different Corner

Decided to not to watch TV and use Facebook for a week. Think it will be for longer, however, I think it best to start small. Not that TV is entirely bad. Not that Facebook is not without purpose and benefit. I just would like to see what I would choose to do instead of these things. Bucket List, radio, reading, and a new Blog Take one picture every day of the year:  So far.  

“What would I do differently?” This is what I thought about driving to the Wild Card gym for Media Day. What would people choose to do instead of what they are doing now. What are peoples’ wishes, dreams, and aspiration? Let me ask you this, “If you were not doing what you are doing now, what would you be doing?” In other word, What If?

Long Road

Our lives follow a certain path. At times, we choose to follow conventional wisdom and do what others expect of us. At times, we chose to go a different way. These are the regrets and hardships people make for themselves. It is also the place where something wonderful and exciting exists. It is the road less traveled.

My Heroes

Larger Than Life

The original intent of writing this blog was to explore Heroes in many areas. Comics, sports, movies, religion, mythology and so forth. 

The Hero I’d like to talk about will be fighting in a couple of weeks. His name is Manny Pacquiao. Saw him less than a week ago. Driving his black Mercedes. Dressed in red, and headed to Media Day. His trainer, Freddie Roach was already speaking. It was a sight to see. He is not that tall physically. Reminds me of my cousin, Brian. My other cousin, said he looked my Uncle Juhn. Lol

May not be tall physically, but he is giant. A giant in the Filipino community and the world. Heard from friend, that they call him “King” back home. Maybe he is. Who knows? I grew up in the waning days of Muhammad Ali. A loud, boisterous, confident, no apologies, charismatic, brash boxer. Manny Pacquiao is the opposite. Soft-spoken, well-manner, religious, self-deprecating person. Both are giants and both deserve a place in boxing pantheon. Both seem to reflect the best in people. I like them both.

Hopes and Dreams, Being Human

Undoubtedly, there would be some tragic flaw that we are not aware of. Most people do. This is alright. This is the human condition. No one is perfect. It is these idiosyncrasies that make it so human. So enduring and everlasting. So real. Still despite his many athletic accomplishments, the things that I find admirable is the stuff heroes are made of is this. It is the ability to stand firm and adapt. It is the ability to withstand titanic shots and get up despite the body’s want and will to stay down. It is ability to go on and move on. It is the ability to transform and be more than what others expect and to be what one personally expects.

Manny vs. Cotto top right

Collage

I remember being at few parties and bars when Manny fought. Being the only Filipino in the mostly Mexican crowd, it was intimidating. Can’t tell you how much cultural pride one feels when seeing a representative of your people wins despite peer pressure. Still, what I enjoyed the most transformative effect winning has. After future wins against Spanish opponents. After future wins against British fighters. After wins from African warriors. It was winning just for winning. No race involved. It was just one man winning, carrying the weight of a peoples hopes and dreams.What I enjoyed most was being in the same parties and bars, where the same people were once foes were now friends. It was rooting with the Mexican fans, the British fans, the African fans for one man. Just watching greatness.

End, Maybe Near?

I’ve read a few posts on various legitimate websites and post that this may be Manny’s last hurrah. This may be the last fight. Not sure how true this, but still. Win or lose, the thing is that he fought, fell down, fought again and fought so more. World champion several times over in different weight classes was secondary. Bearing the weight of all the Hopes and dreams of a people is the stuff legends are made of. This is what Manny has done and I am sure will continue to do.

Guess, this is why fans, of all shapes, sizes, ages, cultures, and professions from around the world wait for a chance to glimpse of greatness.

Paycheck Players

What I admire most is that he has chosen to go on and move on. His trainer Freddie Roach said, in effect, that he is not as focused as before. He may not be. His opponent is a shamed boxer suspended for cheating. What I like about Manny in the upcoming fight is what he said. “His opponent served his punishment and everyone deserves a second chance.” Everyone needs Redemption.

  

Saddleback Butte Re-Dedication

Bloodsport

Manny would have liked to fought another caliber fighter, like Mayweather, but none would step up. Guess, there is a difference in quality in fighter, and quality of character. In case you missed it, Floyd Mayweather, it is okay to say one is scared; however, sniping from the sidelines is unbecoming of a true champion.

Fighting is one way to make money. People have different priorities. Timing is everything; Guess, he Floyd Mayweather missed his. Guess that is difference between the headlines and side notes. So if this is Manny last pugilistic hurrah, I hope he fights well. Win or Lose, I hope that Manny’s success in the arena will translate to success in the other blood sport. Politics.We need heroes here, too.

Fall Down Seven. . .

One door closes (maybe) Another opens. They say God does not take a gift without giving something bigger and better.  We all face challenges. Sometimes we battle with others. Sometimes we battle nature. Sometimes we battle time. Too often, we battle ourselves.  Sometimes the lesson learned is not how well one delivers a punch, but how one takes one. There is an old Chinese saying, “Fall Down Seven, Stand Up Eight.”