Metro Manila streets virtually became empty at noon Sunday as motorists stopped and took time to watch “People?s Champ” Manny Pacquiao dish it out with Mexican legend Erik Morales, ABS-CBN News reported.
Pacquiao sent Morales to the canvas three times before winning their 12-round matchup at the Thomas and Mack Center Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Driver Michael Ocado parked his bus along United Nations Avenue in Manila just to catch a glimpse of Pacquiao doing the deed. After the match, Ocado went on driving his passengers to Quezon province.
“Huminto muna kami para panoorin. Exciting ito (We stopped by just to watch. This is exciting),” said Ocado.
Policemen and their detainees at the Ermita police station in Manila also had their eyes glued to the television while rooting for the Filipino boxer. They broke into boisterous cheers every time Morales hit the canvas.
Even criminals spent a day off Sunday as police reported zero crime.
“Napagbuklod na naman ni Manny ang mga Pilipino. Sana laging may laban si Pacquiao para tahimik ang Pilipinas (Once again, Manny united us Filipinos. I wish Pacquiao would always fight so that the Philippines would be peaceful),” said Superintendent Joveth Asayo, Station 4 chief of the Manila Police District.
Mothers, meanwhile, who just delivered their babies at Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, named their boys Manny after the Filipino ring idol.
Analyn Alba, who went all the way to the Manila hospital from Masbate, said she will name her son “Manuel.” Alba hopes Manuel will save her from poverty like what Pacquiao did for his mother. Pacquiao’s real name is Emmanuel.
Daisy Maceda said she and her husband already agreed that they will name their son “Emmanuel.” She said Pacquiao served as their inspiration.
