Not that it was a weekend but the nation stood still yesterday noon as it cheered for Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao in his grudge match with Mexican rival Erik Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Torn down were the boundaries in age, religion and social classes as every Filipino rooted for Pacquiao and later rejoiced as one in celebrating the Filipino fighter’s 10th round knockout victory at the Thomas and Mack Center thousands of miles away in the United States.
The Catholic Youth Society of San Roque, Navotas officials put on hold the start of their fund-raising bingo session as the entire community avidly watched the bout on television.
Even before their event finally got going, the participants were one in saying they would go home happy, win or lose, because of Pacquiao’s vengeful triumph over Morales.
“Para na kaming tumama ng jackpot lahat,” said Sammy Talon, a participant.
Tricycle drivers in Sitio Bisalao in Bagbaguin, Valenzuela parked their vehicles and converged at their terminal also to stay glued on TV during Pacquiao’s fight.
“Maraming naglakad na lang. Parang may-strike ang mga drivers habang lumalaban si Manny,” said Ome dela Cruz, among the drivers in that route.
“Pero kahit napilitan naglakad ang mga tao, hindi sila galit. Alam nila lumalaban si Manny. Gusto rin sigurong manood ng laban, hindi lang magawa at may lakad,” Dela Cruz added.
Of course, there were those who weren’t able to watch the fight like workers or employees on duty and people attending pressing matters.
Among those unfortunate ones was Cynthia Cortez, a saleslady at SM Cubao. She said: Gustong-gusto kong manood, kaya lang wala akong magagawa dahil on duty ako. Pero masarap din ang pakiramdam ko noong nabalitaan na namin na nanalo si Pacquiao.”
Then there were those more fortunate who were able to get tickets at SM Cinemas which featured the fight live via satellite.
“The SM Megamall cinemas (in Mandaluyong) couldn’t accommodate all the people who trooped there to watch the fight. It was such a big hit they had to shoo away some people who toed the line as early as 6 a.m.,” said veteran sports columnist Beth Celis.
