IN a public opinion poll conducted by a reputable survey organization several years back, the respondents were asked the question, what makes them proud to be Filipinos? The plurality of the respondents identified a compatriot?s achievement in sports as a source of pride. Such perception is justified by the fact that despite the meager resources poured by the public and private sector into sports, many of our compatriots continue to excel in their chosen field, in track and field, gymnastics, the martial arts, equestrienne, billiard, and boxing.
The most recent source of pride for our nation is world super bantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao. The underdog in a match that was very clearly weighed in favor of his opponent, Manny Pacquiao took it upon himself to make it clear to boxing afficionados that the Filipino would not be deterred in pursuing victory. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion proceeded to conquer the Mexican fighter Marco Antonio Ba-rrera.
