KNOWING Fernando Poe Jr., who genuinely cared for his poor countrymen, he would not like to see them grieving.
He had spent the best years of his life trying to bring them hope.
His heart melted each time he would see a cold, hungry kid out in the streets.
So, listen please.
This one is meant to help ease your grief over the untimely passing of this great gentleman popularly known by his initials FPJ.
FPJ lapsed into a coma on Saturday feeling like a Christmas tree.
You’re free to believe that or not.
That could be a bit exaggerated, but based on reports and the testimonies of people around him, FPJ suffered that fatal stroke while celebrating the knockout victory of Manny Pacquiao on Saturday.
He was also in his element, preparing packages for victims of the watery disaster in the provinces of Quezon and Aurora.
* * *
FPJ must’ve jumped with joy after Pacquiao had disposed of his Thai foe.
There were unconfirmed reports Pacquiao and FPJ were able to talk on the phone before the great actor collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.
We would try to confirm that with the victorious fighter.
But it’s like this: FPJ felt ecstatic because he sincerely felt that Pacquiao’s feat had brought instant joy and hope to countless people around him.
As a genuine sports fan, FPJ did swim in the post-fight euphoria.
But above all, the man deeply relished the quick victory because of its happy impact on the lives of poor people.
* * *
Too bad FPJ never had a chance to witness how things were in the various poorman’s places the morning after.
Oh, he must’ve nodded in genuine delight to see how it was at the wet market, all other haunts of the mob that scratch the earth for a living, on Sunday morning.
There was a distinct holiday lilt out there.
It was sunny, but doubly bright were the smiles on the faces of the small people, the countless poor souls who themselves felt deeply rewarded by Pacquiao’s screaming triumph.
Of course, Pacquiao himself knew the far-reaching effects of his effort.
Pacquiao, a onetime construction worker, knew the aspirations of the hungry horde.
He need not ask a psychologist what great goodness he had caused in a country badly wanting in winners.
* * *
Did FPJ manage to make a last wish to Pacquiao?
That, again, is hard to determine.
But it goes without saying that, whether or not FPJ was able to utter it, he would’ve asked Pacquiao to be super fit for his next big assignment.
Why? Because Pacquiao no longer fights for himself alone.
Not for fame and fortune only.
But for all his countrymen, mainly the poor.
He must do his utmost best to again stay at peak form.
OK. The Pacman celebrates his birthday Dec. 17.
Former national Tour cycling champ Jess Garcia Jr. celebrates his the following day.
But take it from Cycling Jess: If it’s not asking too much, Pacquiao could try and dedicate his next fight to the memory of FPJ.
* * *
In order to do this, Pacman should now avoid short cuts.
He could do this by reporting to the Wild Card Boxing Club of Freddie Roach ahead of the original schedule.
He could try and cut short his holidays, fly to the US the day after Christmas.
Pacquiao must bear in mind that he would again be facing Juan Manuel Marquez, a fitness freak who managed to give him hell after he had downed the sweet-punching Mexican three times in the first round.
If Pacman manages to do all these, he would be aptly honoring FPJ, whose lifetime motto had always been: Give all your best for your poor countrymen.
Anyway, if FPJ had had any regret about the last presidential election, it was only one thing: his failure to fight his own fight and save the country from monstrous corruption and decay.
Goodbye, Manager.
