HEARD the latest news about Manny Pacquiao and how he earned nearly half a billion pesos, or roughly US $7 million plus shares in both the US and Philippine cable pay per view rights which would amount to something more or probably enough for one to build a cozy retirement nest and enjoy the rest of his or her days in comfort and luxury.
While a lot of Filipinos would probably do a lot of things just to earn those millions of pesos–heck, somebody may be willing enough to kill anyone to earn that kind of money–Pacquiao didn’t exactly come to land the big bucks just by sitting pretty and opening his mouth and wishing that the apple would fall on his mouth much like the legendary Filipino figure of Juan Tamad.
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Probably back when he was still slugging and pounding his way out of the sweaty smelling gym in his bometown did Pacquiao dream that he would be half as successful as he is now.
No matter how many times one sees the original “Rocky” movie, one can perhaps hardly comprehend what boxers really go through to earn a ticket to the big time.
One could only hope that Pacquiao doesn’t wind up losing his millions like Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky Balboa” character as he got swindled out of his money by crafty accountants. Save money for a rainy day while the sun still shines so to speak or else one winds up cold, friendless and freezing in the harsh chill of poverty.
With the millions he earned right now, Pacquiao could comfortably rest on his laurels and perhaps take time to teach other boxers like him on how to win the big fights that lead to the big money championships. And he has other outlets like an acting career and businesses to take care of which also bodes well for him.
Speaking of pay per view rights, some executives at GMA TV network held a dinner at one of the local restaurants here in Cagayan de Oro and one of the topics that came out was the public complaints on TV advertising during the Pacquiao-Barrera fight that delayed the match by over an hour.
Not a few city residents tuned into the radio where the results of the Pacquiao-Barrera fight came out just as the opening bell for that match tipped off on TV. So while Filipinos ground their teeth awaiting the litany of commercials, Pacquiao was already resting and contemplating probably what gifts to buy for wife Jinky on the way home.
Still, GMA TV executives explained that it was Solar Sports which had the exclusive rights for the Pacquiao-Barrera fight and their channel merely provided the airtime. And it certainly hurts that a lot of Filipinos made bets that Pacquiao would knock out Barrerra in a couple of rounds.
The debate on whether TV channels would broadcast any future Pacquiao fights commercial-free may go on for sometime, but it would certainly waste a lot of precious time for more urgent legislation. Anyway at least Pacquiao could bask in his victory after that congressional loss in the May 2007 elections.
