Casual talk for Pinoys from Hollywood, California – Let me tell you nothing is humbling than considering Nonito Donaire, Jr’s latest statements on his Facebook account which was posted 6 hours ago, saying:
“Sportswriters nd 2 stick 2 sports. I hv apologized to my family abt wt I hv said n done. The media should do the same because they are not faultless in stirring the emotions of our family unless they hv too much pride n self-righteousness. Its sad that Im getting calls from US writers asking me “What the hell is wro…ng with these people? Dont they know better?” pertaining to how pinoy journalists act and react.”
At this outset, I would not judge him further. I’ll leave him to your modest sensibilities and to the Supreme One as I am not perfect, either.
My first realization today I was hooked on Donaire-Media rift was when I ponder one of mankind’s dilemmas: whether to forgive or to continue the battle. Even if I win the case or not, it does not matter. I rather find it heartwarming to just put things in a proper perspective: Everyone makes mistakes. And so we must move on.
My objectivity in reporting can really hurt sometimes as I must examine all angles and expose them, regardless of whether they are positive or negative, Filipino or not. But, I am not beholden to any fighter nor to the Nonito Donaire, Jr., my fellow Boholano who will surely have a bigger “Flash” even after this concession and even after any revelation of his potential insurmountable greatness in the ring of madness. Truth really hurts. But when the milk of kindness starts to flow, it blurs the distinction of it all.
Let me underscore the appeals of my three fellow Boholanos who have sent me their personal letters (unedited):
1. Message: Good day Paisano. I called you Paisano because my roots came from Bohol. I am now based in Cagayan de Oro City with my family.
I am a boxing fan of Manny Pacquiao and beginning to like also Nonito Jr., the subject of your letter. Nonito Jr. is the opposite of Manny in many ways. Manny has remained humble, God fearing and respects his parents very much though his father left them when they wanted so much his support (financial and love).Nonito Jr., on the other hand, has been enveloped in the height of his success that hot air is evident, disrespectful to his parents and driven by his love to his wife that he is (it seems) very “under the saya”. He has somehow imbibed the American culture forgetting his roots (sorry for the judgment). The statement of your colleague (Manny Pinol) that Nonito Jr. claimed that what appeared in his Twitter was the making of his PR men and the family of his wife only indicates that Nonito Jr. needs help not from his wife but from the media. Kalooy sab Sano nga kini nga tawo nagdamgo pa ug dili makatindog sa iya kaugalingon nga tiil. Sayang ang iya ABILIDAD sulod sa ring kung didto sa prisohan siya makapaingon unya.
Let’s help him and God will do the rest.
Regards,
Pete Bahian
2. Message: Hoy Paisano,
There’s no way Nonito Donaire, Jr. could win. He clearly made a mistake. But, I hope you forgive him. He is growing. It could be that everything is getting in his head. And he cannot seem to spell it out properly. We know he is not humble. But, you pride and humility would be in question if you stood down to his level. Just forgive him. You’ll be happier. We are all Paisanos. Ayo ayo diha’. I know you, Manny Pinol, Chino Trinidad and Nonito, Jr. will have a reunion someday.And fans will be happier, too.
Regards,
Joseph Garcia
Law Student, Tagbilaran City
3. Message: Hello my Paisano,
I came across to your very emotional column today. Once again I salute you for having the gift of conveying events through writing, and maybe through speech too. I know you came from a very prestigious university, Silliman as I assessed your skill.
I was born, raised and graduated from Bohol, Holy Name University (not a good writer like you) but I can say proudly that I am a true blooded Boholano and real descendant of Dagohoy, who mounted the longest revolt.
Here’s my two cents about this issue I raised. First and foremost, I am praying that this will be settled soon peacefully. I don’t want to hear really that this will blow out of proportion. This will be a no-win situation to both of you and the rest of the parties involved. You are already acting globally and I hope you will think locally, meaning please do think of our country, much more our beloved Province of Bohol. I understand that Junjun is not at your level of maturity. You graduated from a top school ( I believe with honors) and a law student in California, while Nonito, I am sure did not finish college and have still the euphoria of his success. I do not know him personally since I only shake his hands when I was there during the victory party held at Ayres Hotel in Anaheim after he won the fight against Sedorenko last December, but as I observed, Junjun is a naturally nice guy, like you and the rest of Boholano blood around the glove. Your last name “Ampong” is a native Boholano like “Donaire” as pronounced in Bohol “Donayre” not “Doneyr”.
This will be an opportunity for us Boholanos and Pinoy as well, to have another star and I am afraid that this will be jeopardized due to this matter. I understand your situation since that will be my feeling too if that will happen to me but please think twice before yo do your next move. I know that you are winning this case if you will push through of what’s in your mind but as I said, this is a no-win situation.
You will earn a lot of money out this but this will also ruin your status as a great writer because this guy has a lot of followers who will remember you as a person who has no patience who reacted that way. T
hose fans out there is not as mature as you. Don;t deprive our country to have another pride. Don’t go down to his level of immaturity right now but instead lift him up to your level.
On the other hand, I still admire you for giving him enough time to undo of his wrongdoing but please give an extension of your 24-hour ultimatum if he fails to do so. Maximum tolerance is necessary ‘sano.
Modatu ra ug samot ang America kung modemanda ka sano kay kwartahan ra mo duha ani sa mga lawyers. Ipadala na lang na sa atoa, makatabang pa mo.
Anyway, I appreciate of your “spanking” to him and hope that he will be awaken and ask for public apology and will not do it again.
Daghang Salamat ug maajong adlaw diha!
God bless!
Hermes
All these three have influenced my perspectives, and I rather rest my case.
More power and blessing to the Donaire family!
Meet me at Facebook: Granville Tolo-Hayag Vergara-Ampong
