Even if psychologists would be unable to find ?real evidence? of a Pacquiao effect on Filipinos in terms of enhancing national pride, there is plenty of data to support that the Pinoy boxing superman has boosted the country?s image abroad more than any Filipino politician or entertainer, living or dead, can. After breaking all world boxing records, Pacquiao has become, along with the late president Cory Aquino, the most recognizable Pinoy anywhere in the world.
There is logic in asking Pacquiao to become the poster boy of Philippine tourism but given his numerous concerns in sports, politics and entertainment and the social calls required, I doubt if Pacquiao would be able to find time to promote the country?s tourist destinations. Industry stakeholders would love to see the boxing great endorse all the tourist spots the country has to offer but the job entails more than just doing adverts. The task requires massive commitment and at the moment Pacquiao can barely organize his time to manage all his interests.
Inquirer columnist Conrado de Quiros wrote an insightful piece about the Pacquiao effect on Pinoys and emphasized that for our country to move forward, we need a model to inspire us to be patriotic. Former President Cory Aquino did that during the Edsa Revolution and immediately after her death people recalled her role in the ouster of the Marcos dictatorship. The Cory magic has not waned but I believe De Quiros implied that since the beloved icon of democracy came from the ruling elite, Filipinos can?t totally identify with her. The real deal is in Manny Pacquiao, whose humble beginnings, boxing exploits and gentle personality are sure to endure for generations.
As a sports fan, especially in the game of tennis, I am moved to contribute my piece on the Pacquiao phenomenon because on the opposite side of the globe, a country is trying to rise from the ashes of war on the wings of a sports team headlined by a person, who, very much like Pacquiao, has boosted his nation?s image around the world. I?m talking about the three-day Davis Cup competition which reels off today in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
Serbia is in the finals of the match that had 13 or so countries competing for the world title that began in March. The whole of Serbia is agog over the tennis match especially because their hero, Novak Djokovic, headlines the national team. Novak is currently the world number three who won his first Grand Slam title in Australia in 2008. His numerous titles from various professional tennis competitions and his flamboyant personal style have made him the most recognizable Serb on the planet. More importantly, he has lent a face and a brand to his country.
Novak and his team will face the French players in the Davis Cup finals and the fierce matches are being viewed in light of the Serbia?s struggle to claim its rightful place in the global community. To recall, Serbia used to be part of six territories comprising Yugoslavia, but civil strife in the late ?90s resulted in the division of the old socialist republic. Novak Djokovic and four other professional players including women tennis glamour girls Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Yankovic, grew up hearing explosions from tanks of NATO forces brought in to quell the political turmoil of 1998. Today, sportswriters recast their story from a purely sports angle to a narrative that embodies Serbia?s aspirations, thanks to a hugely patriotic team led by Djokovic.
I?m not sure if Manny Pacquiao fully understands the role he needs to play in boosting our country?s natural reserves, that is, the 90 or so million Filipinos whose talents can do a lot in pushing this country forward, but I hope he will have the good sense to look beyond fame and fortune.
The Pacquiao effect is still evolving because as a congressman he will necessarily involve himself in various causes. I am delighted that despite popular support for the Reproductive Health Bill, our boxing hero has come out steadfast against artificial birth control. By saying that corruption, not overpopulation, is the root cause of poverty, Pacquiao highlights the issue of crooked government in programs that supposedly address the problem of poverty.
