Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) ? Manny Pacquiao has long been the face of Philippine sports.
Pacquiao has set the gold standard for Filipino athletes with his larger-than-life achievements. He was able to do what no one could all these years. That is to inspire and unite the nation during his battles inside the ring.
“Pacquiao has done more than enough for the sport for our country. And those spectacular wins with the people’s champ about to wrap up an extraordinary career, many say we may never see another athlete quite like Pacquiao,” Sev Sarmenta, Sports Desk senior sports analyst, says. “[B]ut it is a difficult story to follow. I think there will be other Pacquiaos but none in the same mold. This is huge.”
Related: Pacquiao on next opponent: ‘We haven’t finalized it yet’
“I don’t like talking like this. It’s horrible. It’s like you’re so ungrateful. But at the same time you have to be realistic. This is a career that has stretched itself already,” Sarmenta adds.
In basketball, Gilas Pilipinas is preparing for tougher battles ahead. The national team competes against international powerhouses, like Italy and France, in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT).
Related: FIBA to announce OQT hosts in January
By having the PBA’s best players, and even college basketball’s brightest stars, Gilas hopes to assemble the best team possible as they aim for a spot in the Rio Olympic Games.
“I think we still have to keep on playing, keep on trying. Just because the chances are slim doesn’t mean we should not send our best team,” Sarmenta says.
Meanwhile, Chris Tiu has this to say: “We have so many, a huge pool of players. I mean we have a lot of potential players coming from the universities and colleges too. Now that’s a good sign for us.”
Related: Ravena, Ferrer take part in Gilas training
In football, the journey to the World Cup may be over. But the fight goes on for the Philippine Azkals. The Azkals hope to get back on their feet as they begin their campaign in 2016.
“I think they’re coming into 2016, especially the latter part of 2016… there’s gonna be a lot of pressure for these guys. You know, they’re the top ranked team in Southeast Asia,” SportsDesk football insider Simon McMenemy says.
