Before the sensational Azkals could cement their love affair with Filipino fans following a romantic victory in Rangoon last week, there was already Manny Pacquiao pledging undying faith on the national football team. ?I used to root for Mexico, but now we have a national football team called the Azkals,? Pacquiao declared. This pledge of admiration and support for the Azkals, who had to rise past adversities that culminated during the Rangoon competition, Pacquiao made during the Philippine Sportswriters Association annual awards night at the Manila Hotel earlier in the month. * * * In the same PSA affair, Pacquiao took time out to humble himself. Pacquiao, the guest of honor, gave the floor to the Azkals. There?s more to Philippine sports than boxing, he said. He stressed there?s more to Philippine sports than Pacquiao! The most successful living fighter in the world swore you cannot afford to be full of yourself. If there?s anything he wanted to be truly proud of, it?s in being a true Filipino. * * * There were no sound bites, no empty threat against wailing wang-wangs. He did not vow ?Kayo ang Boss ko.? There were no empty promises, there was nothing faked. There was also a prepared speech, but the most touching lines were the ones Pacquiao preferred to ad-lib. No wonder, he looked and sounded every inch a genuine self-made superhero. * * * Anyway, nearly a couple of weeks after that memorable appearance, Pacquiao was back at center stage during the Elorde Awards night, also at the Manila Hotel. Pacquiao was a guest speaker again after the Azkals had triumphed in Rangoon to earn a slot in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup?s main tournament. Please note that not a few Azkals diehards were already preparing to be burdened or jilted after their puppy loves were forced into a must-win situation in Rangoon. Maybe these same fans were teetering towards downgrading their instant devotion (on the Azkals) to simple infatuation. That dramatic 3-0 comeback win over Bangladesh, following shaky, pitiful draws in their first two games in Rangoon, however, shook the dance floor. The explosive victory turned that infatuation into a full-fledged love affair. * * * There?s no turning back. What came about was an unshakeable embrace. This is not puppy love. Anyway, Pacquiao explained during the Elorde Awards that, as a Filipino, he decided to dream big and conquer the world. Said the Pacman: ?In the midst of all our achievements, there is more to accomplish; there is more for us who believe in the magnet of dreams and the power of God.? And maybe also referring to the Azkals, he added: ?We took a choice to believe in triumphs in the midst of adversities.? In conclusion, and maybe in reference to the Azkals again, he explained, ?We are living testimonies of how we can rise in the midst of pain.? Of course, this should also be taken as a wake-up call for national sports officials, mainly those in the Olympic movement, to put an end to intrigues and politicking. The once-neglected Azkals were among the big victims of this unsportsmanlike practice. * * * (FIRST NATIONAL WORKSHOP: The Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines, in partnership with the University of San Jose-Recoletos, presents its First National Workshop, entitled Embracing the Challenge: A Closer Look into the Pastoral Setting, on April 1 and 2 at 8:30 a.m. at USJ-R in Cebu City. It will focus on the important role of church-based workers in the community. Pinoy Laughter Yoga ushers in the various topics like: Discovering the Hero Within, Integrating Skills in Family Dynamics, Suicide Prevention, Self-care in Work Place Setting, etc. For inquiries, contact the secretariat (02) 7034593, Maureen N. Sandejas 09178436455, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.fpcap.org.)
