If one will tactlessly declare that Manny?s source of strength is steroids, man, I tell you, over 90 million Filipinos will go against you! This time you will realize that they can bite at you far worse than mosquitoes. Undeniably, Manny Pacman is not only a Congressman in the Philippines, but his persona has been treated by many as a super hero, who is revered similar to a demigod. In fact, a number of pacquiao?s ?extreme fan-based defenders? and the so-called, ?pacnut-huggers? are Pacquiao / Pacman fanatics or Pac-maniacs – who will never allow any space for any opponent or critic to gain any leverage to harm their idol. They are considered the ?kamikazes? of Pacman?s legacy. Tell them that Pacman is on steroids — and you?ll find yourself being hit with destructive comments like a countless magnum bullets and detonated C4 bombs smack on your forehead!
Look how Pac-maniacs despise Paul Malignaggi who publicly accused Manny for steroid?s use. Remember also how they condemned the comedian icon, Adam Carolla, whose racist statements against Pacquiao created massive attacks and threats on his person. Fortunately, Carolla caved in to the heavy pressure and forced him to make a public apology. Of course, Yahoo?s Kevin Iole also felt the heat from thousands of angry Pac-maniacs who violently opposed his opinion and choice in installing Floyd Mayweather as the new pound-for-pound king after Mosley?s fight.. Also, look how ESPN commentator Teddy Atlas? email-gate issue against Pacman?s camp which was bombarded with curse words upon him. You can also observe how the wrath of these Pac fanatics blasted Oscar De La Hoya?s arrogant statements which consequently, Golden Boy has been a subject of mockery in some boxing forums, including Mayweather and his cohorts. It seems that this extreme adoration transforms into a new religion in the Philippines. One mind, one heart, one interest, one belief, one inspiration- one Manny Pacquiao –seems to qualify this burning passion into a religious cult of Pac-maniacs.
Pacmania runs wild when its fight day. Thousands crowd into a Manila gym to Pacquiao vs Hatton on public TV.
If Pacman is a religious leader, he can surely command millions of followers!
Remarkably, a number of religious Filipino leaders were able to draw a throng of Filipino fanatics and believers to patronize their philosophies and dogmatic beliefs. To mention a few, Gregorio Aglipay did able to call hundreds of thousands of followers in his established Iglesia Filipinista Independiente church, while Felix Manalo?s Iglesia ni Cristo, Eddie Villanueva?s JCIL, Apollo Quiboloy?s Great Commission Ministries, Eli Soriano?s Ang Dating Daan have been drawing millions of Pinoy devotees and loyalists who are faithfully submitting to their respective religious views. Interestingly, Pac-maniacs reach millions in number, hence, if Manny Pacquiao is a religious icon, he could easily command a whooping tens of millions of followers in his church where Pac-maniacs are his ministers. What name would be it be?
Pinoy fanatics are in search of a similar boxing god
Today, with its extreme adoration, Filipino die-hard Pac-maniacs are desperately seeking for the ?Next Pacquiao.? They keep on waiting for someone who resembles exactly ?like-Pacquiao.? Someone who can also perform with similar feats like what Paquiao has achieved. Likewise, these extreme fans always compare any prospect-fighter to the qualities of Pacman, omitting the universal principle or law of nature on ?individual differences.? If possible, his look and physical make up must be ?like Manny.? Coupled with the boxing abilities that can match, if not surpass his performance. Pac-maniacs often use Manny as a gauge for comparison to anybody in terms of power and speed. Even the prominent characters of Pacman have been mirrored to dissect the prospect?s character- if he has this humility, for instance.
It can be remembered that the once-undefeated Boom-2x-Bautista was eventually placed on the sideline after a brutal knockout he suffered from Ponce de Leon. Pinoy fans? were so upset and their level of excitement for Bautista drastically declined – as if they said, ?you are not like Pacquaio!? They also added, ?you?re not humble as Pacquiao.? Furthermore, they also once tried to look a great hero in Randy ?Komong Bato? Suico, a knock-out artist, yet again failed to meet their expectations and concluded that he?s not with the level of their idol. Then, the rest like Rodel Mayol, AJ Banal Bazooka, Brian Viloria, Marvin Sonsona, including, Bernabe Concepcion, and lately, Johnriel Casimero – were sent to the frontline battles in order to prove their mettle of invincibility –only to find out that they were just overhyped prospects.
Unfortunately, for the Pinoy Pac-maniacs, they were just ?false hopes? and disappointments for their search of a similar boxing god. The agony of defeat suffered by these prospects are also laced with moral injury when these self proclaimed ?avid boxing fans and supporters? turned their backs and called them, ?bums.?
Now, all eyes are on the one they call ?Pinoy Flash?. Nonito Donaire is probably the ?Last Man Standing? in search for the ?Next Pacquiao.? Donaire has been consistent with his superb performance, dominating most of his opponents. Pac-maniacs admire Donaire because they can clearly see the resembling ?speed and power of Pacquiao? in him. For them, the Flash will be the ?Next Pacman!?
Ooophs, never say any bad word against Pac!
Be careful of what you wish for, one false lip against Pacman, means a million bites! For the Pac-maniacs, the famous saying which states that ?if anyone throws you a stone, throw him back with a bread,? may no longer be applicable in the Pac-maniacs religion. Once you criticize Pacman -expect something -far worst than stones?enraged Pacman kamikazes will come at you, fully-loaded!
Art Babao- Cagayan de oro city- 8CN Article Writer-Contributor
