MANILA, Philippines–Most patients at the Philhealth Medical Ward of the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City were glued to the only television set at the nurses’ station to watch the rematch of Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera on Sunday.
Even those with dextrose would stand up and go to the station, carrying the bottles with them, to watch the fight closely.
Some of them would go back and sit down on their beds during the commercial breaks but three of them remained glued to the TV.
“At least we have a break from our sorry condition,” said one who temporarily forgot the pain he still had after surgery.
In Lucena City, Ronnie Fernandez, a third year college student at the Enverga University, expressed disappointment, saying the fight was boring.
?Except for round 11, the Pacquiao-Barrera fight was one boring boxing match. Bad trip. The dull performance of the Mexican boxer in the ring showed that he climbed the ring not to win but only to survive to keep his honor intact. Pacman was a shadow of his old self. He disappointed his legions of fans by failing to fulfill his camp?s prediction to land Barrera to the canvass. Nevertheless, with his victory, he once more brought honor to the country,? he said.
Tomas Veloso, a jeepney driver in Lucena City, claimed Pacquiao lacked the killer instinct.
?I lost P200 bet money that Pacman would defeat Barrera by knockout. It seemed that Manny lacked the killer instinct to finish Barrera once and for all. Maybe, that?s the effect of having millions in the bank. He is now only after the money. But that?s life,? Veloso lamented.
Several priests in Laguna were among thousands of spectators who waited excitedly for the rematch game.
The parish priest of the University of the Philippines at Los Ba?os, in coordination with the Parish Pastoral Council and Lay Ministers for Holy Communion, organized the uncut viewing of the fight for its community at the university?s Baker Hall.
Fr. Thor Villacarlos said the proceeds of the fight for a fee of P50 and P100 per ticket were for the ongoing church projects in the parish.
Fr. Ruben Dagala of the Our Lady?s Nativity Parish told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) in jest that he sided with Barrera out of pity.
Fr. Anthony Arnaiz of Cabuyao parish expressed disgust that the television viewing was delayed compared to the broadcast of the fight in the transistor radio.
