Based on Mrs. Dionisia Pacquiao’s interview in GMA-7’s ‘Unang Hirit’ program, the matriarch of the famous Filipino boxer (Manny “Pacman’ Pacquiao), is firmly advising her son to quit the ring. In her son’s recent pugilistic foray with Joshua Clottey, she reportedly dedicated 3 hours praying in front of their altar.
Similar previous bouts, her prayers, and the nation’s hopes of victory for the “Pacman”, was granted.
But only a day after the celebration, the colorful “Aling Dionisia”, as she is fondly called, minced no words announcing her growing resistance to her son continuing in the pummeling match.
When asked regarding the growing clamor for a Mayweather Jr. challenge against the pound-for-pound champion from General Santos City later this year, like a loving mother, she offered herself instead, in place of Manny, in the ring. In said interview, Aling Dionisia also revealed, trainer Freddie Roach’s private prodding for Manny to retire undefeated. Wise counsel which this corner strongly endorses.
The clock is ticking against the ‘Pambansang Kamao” (national fist). Knowing when to quit is the mark of a true champion, specially one who has endeared himself (on his own merits & coming from humble beginnings) in the hearts of his countrymen. Nobody but nobody can knockout father time.
That is the folly of most athletes, specially boxers, or fallen titans attempting a comeback.
Manny Pacquiao has contributed more than his share uniting the country, albeit even for several rounds every fight, with every Filipino proud of the many honors bestowed on the Philippines, for his every victory.
Mother knows best, as the tried saying goes. Better for him to quit now and be the hero talked about as he hangs his gloves & fades into the sunset, the stuff that turn tales into legends.
At this point, he has more than enough money (at least $12M Dollars for the Clottey win) to secure the future of even his grand-children and then some.
In his retirement, let every gathering whisper, when he walks away with back turned, “There goes a true Filipino, unbowed & undefeated.” And for generations to come. Rather than, “A pity he lost. He should have quit while he was ahead”. And we will all be shaking our heads after.
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PCSO Director and “Dial M” host Manoling Morato (NBN-4 Tuedays & Thursdays 9:15pm) revealed to this corner the late President Corazon Aquino’s counsel to her son Senator Noynoy Aquino.
That he should first finish his 6 year term in the August Chamber, before aspiring for higher office.
In his usual colorful verbiage, Morato threw, borrowing a boxing term, an upper cut on the now Liberal Party “presidentiable”. “How can we vote for Noynoy, when he is a disobedient son.
He has gone against the last wishes of his mother. That he should finish his term as senator before he aspires for the presidency”.
Morato also took a swipe at the other siblings, now that their beloved mother is no longer alive to guide and counsel them. “Naku, gising na ang apat na magkakapatid na babae!” (“Oh my, the four sisters are already awake”).
The youngest of them, not escaping his blunt sniping of her ways & attitude. He mentioned some past events, which out of respect for our womenfolk, and due to the delicate matter of the revelations, this corner will not repeat in print.
