GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Time seemed to stop here as almost every household was glued to the television, waiting for the Pacquiao-Morales rematch.
The streets were practically deserted.
When Manny Pacquiao sent Erik Morales to the canvas in the 10th round, residents yelled and jumped in jubilation. Many came out of their homes and danced in the streets.
But Manny’s mother, Dionisia, told reporters that she was not happy that Morales lasted until the 10th round.
She said she wanted the match to end early to spare her son from a beating.
But she was still thankful her son won the fight.
She was also grateful to the Filipino nation for praying for her son and for continuously supporting him in his boxing career.
Dionisia was rushed to the hospital in March last year when she found it difficult to breathe after learning that her son had sustained a cut in the right eyebrow during his first fight with Morales.
Pacquiao lost that fight.
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Pacquiao’s residence in Labangal village was teeming with supporters, all rejoicing at the victory of their townmate.
Rey Golingan, chair of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines here, said he was surprised Pacquiao was not as aggressive as in his previous fights.
Golingan said the Filipino fighter could have knocked Morales down early in the fight had he fought more aggressively.
“My prediction was two rounds short. But just the same I was confident Manny will win in the rematch,” he said.
He advised Pacquiao to remain humble.
“I hope he will take good care of himself and his finances. It is public knowledge that he wasted millions in cockfighting,” the boxing official said.
In Pagadian City, businessman Profito Luab, 56, had to postpone Sunday Mass to watch the fight.
“I guess God can forgive me for watching this match first before going to church,” said Luab, a member of the Knights of Columbus and a devout Catholic.
Luab’s son, Glenn Mark, did the same.
Father and son had to shell out P300 for a pre-paid card for their cable TV so they could watch the live broadcast of the fight.
Neighbors swarmed into the house of the Luabs as the family was the only one with pay per view access in the area.
The sight of First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo congratulating Pacquiao after the match triggered catcalls from viewers in Pagadian City.
“Mike Arroyo should have been in Congress for the Senate jueteng probe. He should not be there in the match,” Roger Brazil, a student, said.
“Mike Arroyo is really not concerned that his wife may be ousted by rebellious soldiers,” Brazil said. With reports from Jeoffrey Maitem and Michael Sarcauga, PDI Mindanao Bureau
