He is the most influential and polarizing figure in the Philippines. Even the level of popularity that Michael Jordan and Julio Cesar Chavez attained in their own countries pale in comparison to the heights he’s achieved. Even more amazing, his fame probably doubled in the past year ever since his impressive victory over Oscar De La Hoya. But why are Filipinos so passionate about Manny Pacquiao?
For non-Filipinos it may be difficult to apprehend why an athlete is given such a high degree of attention. But for Filipinos, it’s more than just Pacquiao and the sport of boxing. It is the first time that a Filipino has been considered the best in any major sport around the world. For a community with a large number of its young generation still searching for their identity, it has given many a role model that makes them proud of their heritage.
Filipinos are the second largest Asian group in the United States, yet they are the least represented on television. Take the show ER for example. Now, when was the last time you went to a major hospital and didn’t see a Filipino nurse? It’s a travesty that the one particular show where you would expect to see a Filipino does not feature any at all.
Pacquiao’s rags-to-riches story not only gives inspiration to a country where the majority of its citizens are in poverty, but it also embodies the experiences endured by Filipinos around the world. It’s the story of a young man from a broken home, who sold bread on the streets to help his family. He grew up on an island where violence is part of everyday life, but through his talent, combined with unrivaled determination and work ethic, he was able to overcome all the obstacles thrown at him to become successful. His story is a constant reminder to Filipinos, especially the less fortunate, that they can control their own destiny no matter what their current status in life is.
It is also a fact that, like citizens from other third world countries, a great number of Filipinos are forced to leave their loved ones behind to secure a better future for themselves. Manny’s life was no different, forced to leave Manila by himself at a very young age in order to further his training with the goal of being able to bring his family out of poverty. Those experiences that Pacquiao endured are shared by Filipinos around the world.
But the most significant contribution that Pacquiao has given to his countrymen is a glimpse of what their nation could and should be. For a country stricken with poverty, political instability and violence, so long as Pacquiao is in the ring, all of the people in the Philippines unite as a nation. When he fights, people from all walks of life, from squatters to business executives, all stand side by side as they cheer for their champion. Filipino Muslims can enjoy a beer with their Filipino Christian brothers, both hoping and praying for the same outcome. Children on the island of Mindanao can play freely in the streets without the worry of being in the middle of a gun battle.
Like Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson, Manny Pacquiao’s legacy will stand the test of time due to his positive social contributions moreso than his accomplishments in the ring. Filipinos can only hope that the “intellectual” politicians in the Philippines learn from Pacquiao and lead the nation on the right path. This is why Filipinos are so passionate about Manny Pacquiao. Simply put, he brings hope to a nation.
