With success comes great responsibility to fans?and Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao is no exception.
On Sunday, he visited the military headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo and told the military to maintain discipline and determination so that they can realize their aspirations.
He thanked the military, especially Armed Forces Chief of Staff Alexander Yano, who have supported him since the early days of his boxing career.
Pacquiao recently returned from Las Vegas, where he defeated David Diaz for the World Boxing Council lightweight title. The win put Pacquiao in the history books, having won four world titles in as many weight divisions.
In his speech Sunday, the boxer said he is proud to be to be a member of the military as a reservist with a rank of a master sergeant, confessing that being a soldier was a childhood dream of his.
?I am very proud to be an Army reservist. I have been bragging about it even in America,? he told the troops.
Pacquiao also lauded the military for its non-stop work in extending assistance to the victims of the Typhoon Frank.
?I saw in the media how you helped the typhoon victims in Iloilo and in other places like Romblon. Our soldiers really helped, and I am proud of you,? he added.
Yano said he hoped that the boxing champ will continue to serve as a good example for the public, particularly the youth and soldiers.
?We have witnessed his determination, his courage and sacrifices, even when he was just starting as a young boxer up to the time he became a world champion,? the general said.
Since joining the reserves, Pacquiao has been promoted each time he won a fight. But this time, Yano said the champion can?t be promoted anymore as he has reached the highest rank for an enlisted personnel.
