You blink and you are surprised (caught unaware?) that the 2022 elections are lurking in the corner. It’s only one year and two months away, folks! Several names figure in surveys as “most likely” to run for President, among them Sen. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. He’s also reported to be ready for a “big fight” and the question is: in the usual ring or in the political ring?
Those around Pacquiao are making no comment, not yet anyway.
I will share with you this interesting “throwback” story about Pacquiao’s long journey from nobody to somebody, a story for the books that needs retelling, especially now that he’s rumored to be aiming for the land’s highest office. Actually, it’s a story about Pacquiao being an endorser of Alaxan, the pain reliever by Unilab, Inc. (UNILAB) described as his “partner” (in his fight against the usual aches and pains).
“I never imagined life would bring me to where I am now. I never dreamed of all the accomplishments my future would hold,” wrote Pacquiao in one of his social media posts. “Boxing changed my life forever. It lifted my family and me out of poverty, brought me to places I never dreamed I would be, and provided me the opportunities to help others along the way.”
Pacquiao had his professional boxing debut on Jan. 22, 1995, at the age of 16. He won via unanimous decision after a four-round bout.
“Being born into poverty is not a choice. My siblings and I grew up with nothing. No food, no shelter, not knowing if we could survive another day without food. That did not stop me though. I didn’t have time to be lazy. My family’s life was on the line. I could not just stand by and do nothing. I had to fight.”
And fight he did — all 71 of them, as noted in the UNILAB release, including his record of an unprecedented 62 wins, 39 knockouts and 12 major world titles. His victories inside the ring earned the respect of famous athletes and Hollywood celebrities alike.
The next fight is yet to be announced. There were reports in September 2020 about a boxing match with Irish boxer Conor McGregor happening this year but no confirmation has been made. More recently, news about a fight with American boxer Ryan Garcia surfaced when the latter teased about it on his social media account.
Meanwhile, outside the ring, Pacquiao is an incumbent senator and a military reservist with the rank of colonel. He is also a family man to wife Jinkee and children Jimuel, Michael, Princess, Queenie and Israel. Above all, he is a man of God.
Speaking at the Cambridge Union in 2018, Pacquiao said, “Without the benefit of hindsight, I have realized that it is by the grace of God that transformed me from nothing into something…Opportunities came knocking at my door one after the other. But although I have savored the perks of luxury, the wedges of poverty are etched in my memory.
“It is too much I know to wish that no one would have to live in poverty anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, poverty is a harsh reality we must accept. What I can do is use my struggle to convince others that there is a reason to fight, that giving up should not be an option and that winning despite the odds can happen.”
It’s been 26 years since Pacquiao began his journey. He has never forgotten where he came from and the people who have supported him along the way. In fact, every year, he lets the world know how grateful he is through social media. Recently, he posted in his Facebook and Instagram accounts about his journey as a professional boxer.
He added, “My secret is speed — in my punches and my pain recovery. Most of all, it’s my family and friends, my fans, my coach and team, and my partner Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR), kasama ko sa laban since 1995.”
Alaxan FR (Fast Relief) has been tried and tested for more than 50 years. The brand’s current campaign #LabanLang resonates with Pacquiao’s warrior spirit, a fighter who never backs down on anything despite troubles and hardships.
“I dreamed about success when I was young. I dreamed of becoming a world champion one day. It didn’t come easy. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. I had to work for it. If the world knocks you down, get up. If all things conspire against you, fight back. Quitting is not an option,” Pacquiao as quoted in the UNILAB story.
Joke time
We all need something to laugh about in this time when laughing is not easy thing to do. Here’s a post-Valentine reliever forwarded to Funfare by my friend Ricky Reyes:
Buti pa ang Parañaque, may BF.
Buti pa ang patay, may dumadalaw.
Buti pa ang NatSci, may chemistry.
Buti pa ang rosary, may mystery.
Buti pa ang tindera, nagpapatawad.
Buti pa ang telepono, may nagsasabing “hello!”
Buti pa ang sapatos, may ka-pair.
Buti pa ang picture, nadedevelop.
Buti pa ang baga, malapit sa puso.
Buti pa ang scientist, may lab.
Buti pa ang deadline, hinahabol.
Buti pa ang Centrum, already complete.
Buti pa ang bee, mayroong honey.
Buti pa ang Simbahan, may Papa.
Buti pa ang Wifi, may connection.
Buti pa ang probability, may chance.
Buti pa ang military, may engagement.
Buti pa ang Grab, tinatawag na mahal.
Buti pa ang stocks, binabantayan.
Buti pa ang kuryente, may sparks.
Buti pa ang ADMU, may MU.
Buti pa ang posporo, may match.
Buti pa ang weather, may PAG-ASA.
Buti pa ang kalendaryo, may date.
Buti pa ang Hershey’s, may kisses.
Buti pa ang saging, may Puso.
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)