Hello, Philippines!
This time, "hello" meant a virtual "Open, Sesame!" of cheerful greetings for a man, who, with his victory, let a nation bid goodbye to its foibles and squabbles for one glorious Sunday. (And hopefully beyond, but that might be too much wishful thinking!)
When President Gloria Arroyo chirped "Hello Manny" over speakerphone to WBC super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao at the ring that sealed his victory over Erik Morales, not a few Pinoys were reminded of the two most famous (and infamous) words of 2005 (Hello Garci!) Those words almost brought a president down, but Hello Manny will hopefully bring a nation back on its feet.
And why not! Its like a zillion endorphins and serotonin were unleashed into a nations collective psyche, giving everyone a natural, hopefully sustainable high. Its the high you get after eating chocolates, and the high athletes get after a good workout.
Like Manny, the Philippines is an underdog in this world. To be brutally frank, Filipinos are usually shorter, hungrier and poorer (as Manny once was) than most people in the region and in the world. We have to work harder, stronger and faster to catch up with those who have had the benefit of better bone structures, a more disciplined temperament and a less fractious political system.
Morales probably came from a pueblo that isnt First World either, but he was taller, with a longer and broader reach, than Manny. Physically, he had the edge. But those who are usually born with less work harder to get ahead.
(Which reminds me of what Gen. Carlos P. Romulo answered when he was asked how he felt among the western diplomats around him in the United Nations, and he answered proudly, "like a nickel among dimes!" He was smaller, but he was worth more.)
I asked Allure columnist, psychiatrist Dr. Nina Halili-Jao the reason why, from time immemorial, men and women have enjoyed combat sports whether between gladiators in the Roman Coliseum or present-day pugilists.
Dr. Jao said people enjoy watching boxing matches and other duels because of every mans innate need and desire to win. According to her, it also brings out the sado-masochism that may be lurking in our depths. (Dr. Jao will elaborate in her own column in Allure.)
Now, is boxing, because of the hurt inflicted on the protagonists, morally wrong?
I asked Fr. Aris Sison, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cubao, what the Churchs stand on the matter was, and Fr. Aris told me that in general, the Church is "positive about sports."
What the Church frowns upon is what goes on the sidelines of sports like cheating and gambling.
Otherwise, the Church is all for sports because "it is healthy and especially if it promotes positive competition."
Including boxing?
"Well, boxing is a legitimate sport," says Fr. Aris. "I have not read anything against boxing in the Bible or in any of the Churchs teachings."
So there.
We dont admire (maybe we even secretly envy) those who win the lotto, or those who were born with the good looks that were their ticket to fame and fortune. They had it relatively easy. But those who have had to sweat like slaves to get to where they are now (Manny just bought a Porsche) make us believe that we can go for our dreams.
Already, you could see Manny evolving, speaking damn good English. Manny was quoted as saying, like a Miss International hopeful on pageant night, "I thank God for giving me great power, but with power comes great responsibility."
Now, I wonder if even Cinderella was as quotable?
While on his knees, Manny Pacquiao brought his nation to its feet.