Pride of the Philippines rewrites the history books

Karl Wilson, Foreign Correspondent

• Last Updated: November 15. 2009 11:16PM UAE / November 15. 2009 7:16PM GMT

Pacquiao celebrates his victory over Cotto. Al Bello / Getty / AFP

MANILA // Danny Saracin, a second-hand book seller from Manila, was beside himself with joy; tears welling up in his eyes, he said: “Manny carries the pride of the entire Filipino nation. He is our hero, the only one we have, and God are we desperate for heroes right now.”

For just under an hour yesterday, the Philippines came to a halt to watch their hero, the boxer Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, rewrite the history books.

In a blistering display, he became the only prize-fighter in history to claim seven world titles in seven weight divisions, after his technical knockout victory over Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in the 12th round of their title fight in Las Vegas. Filipinos sat around tables watching the fight on a flat-screen TV in a small establishment in Legaspie Village, Makati, Manila’s financial district.

They ducked with each blow Pacquiao rained down on Cotto. Roars erupted when Cotto went down twice in the early rounds – and an even bigger roar went up when Pacquiao won.

Children watched with their parents, although most seemed a bit bemused by all the fuss and preferred to sing Christmas carols.

In the Philippines, Pacquiao is not just a boxer, he is the pride of the nation. One patron said: “I know the country is not perfect, but at least to the outside world they can see another side of the Philippines and not one which is constantly hit by natural disasters.” A spokesman for the president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, told local radio that she hoped Pacquiao’s triumph would serve as an inspiration to the youth.

The army said Pacquiao, who is a master sergeant in the Philippine reserves, had once again “displayed the courage and determination of a true Filipino warrior.

“His victory showed us how we can be united as a people. May this spirit of oneness continue so that lasting peace and development in our country can be achieved soon”.


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