This nameless fan had a point when he said the Journey’s Arnel Pineda outshone Manny Pacquiao out there in Arlington, Texas, last Sunday.
Pineda, who delivered with gusto in singing the national anthem, was a knockout.
Pacquiao was not.
* * *
That, of course, was the view of many disappointed Pinoy boxing fans.
What was truly odd was this claim, allegedly from the National Historical Institute, that said Pineda butchered the national anthem.
That trash talk against the acclaimed Pineda was below the belt.
In the first place, how could Pineda be accused of doing something beastly when the official style on how to sing the national anthem is vague?
* * *
Yes, all this razzmatazz about our national anthem being rendered in martial tempo was, at best, only a suggestion.
In fact, no matter how you listened and looked at it, the Pineda rendition was anything but a desecration.
Pineda brightly lived up to his reputation as a celebrated Pinoy world talent.
OK, there’s a Republic Act on how to do “Lupang Hinirang” here and abroad.
But, in case they find Pineda guilty, what to do with the talented fellow next?
* * *
Shouldn’t Pacquiao be made to alter some of his fighting ways?
That suggestion, mind you, came from a Filipino sports show host.
He asked this minutes after the Pacquiao-Clottey fight.
The television talent was, just like the majority of those who saw that bout, feeling disappointed.
* * *
Nothing to change, he was told.
If there’s something that must be corrected, it’s the way Filipinos view or appreciate the sport of boxing.
There was nothing wrong with Pacquiao’s style and, in fact, he was at his best.
If he failed, it was because fans failed to properly appreciate what he had achieved.
* * *
“I’m truly sad for Pacquiao,” rued Dagupan City Mayor Al Fernandez in a telephone call from Pangasinan Monday.
Why?
“He did everything, but still failed to please many fans.”
What do you think went wrong?
“Nothing really, it’s just that everybody thought Pacquiao should’ve knocked out Clottey.”
What would you like to do?
“To tell everybody out there that Pacquiao, and great boxing for that matter, is not only about knockouts.”
Touch?.
