Pacquiao calls for unity in 2007

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao said the other day his new year’s resolutions are to do everything possible in his power to unite the Filipino people, to eliminate the heated issues that divide the nation and to create opportunities for the less fortunate to gain more in life.

On a personal note, Pacquiao said he will be more prayerful and offer more of himself to the Lord this coming year.

"I owe everything to God," said Pacquiao in English and Pilipino. "I never thought I would find the strength to knock out (Erik) Morales in our last fight. I was feeling bad and weak because of my fever and I didn’t know how long I could last. After the first knockdown, I couldn’t believe I had so much power. I never felt that way before. I knew my power came from God."

Pacquiao said with so much pressure on his shoulders to win for the country, his faith in God is what gives him the inner strength to cope.

"Before the fight, I never prayed to win," said Pacquiao. "I prayed for God to protect Morales and me. Boxing is a tough sport and fighters go out to hurt each other. I just prayed that neither of us would be injured or hurt badly or be hospitalized. I prayed that whatever happens, the Filipino people would be happy."

Pacquiao said his trust in God makes it easier for him to carry the burden and handle the pressure of fighting for millions of his countrymen.

As for his wife Jinkee, she said her new year’s resolution is to be more patient with others.

"I pray for good health for my family," she also said. "I pray that Manny and I will stay forever, that our relationship will last long. I pray for peace of mind and love for one another."

Pacquiao said he learned the power of prayer as a young boy from his parents Rosalio and Dionisia. As a former altar boy, Pacquiao prayed the rosary everyday and has always been a devotee of the Blessed Mother. His three children’s names have religious significance — Emmanuel, Michael Stephen and Mary Divine Grace.

"Ever since I was a boy, the first thing I do after waking up in the morning is to pray and thank God for giving me another day in my life, three meals a day and good health."

In their newly-built home in General Santos City, the Pacquiaos made sure builder Raoul Lachica set aside a prominent place for a prayer room which is in the center of the second floor of the main structure, in between the library and one of the two boys’ bedrooms. Pacquiao said he stops by the prayer room when he leaves his bedroom in the morning and just before retiring at night. The prayer room has a kneeler for Pacquiao and his wife and an altar.

Pacquiao said there are three ways of saying prayers.

"First is you pray for something and you expect it to happen right away," he said. "Second is you pray with your mouth, not your heart. Third is you pray to the Lord for something and have faith in God that He will do what is best."

Pacquiao said signing a four-year deal with Top Rank Promotions owner Bob Arum was the best option at this point in his pro boxing career. He said he leaves it to Arum to arrange his next fight, possibly against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Sources said while the general terms of the contract are agreed in principle, Pacquiao’s company MP Promotions and Top Rank are still negotiating to finalize the details and finer points of the pact.