It was ominous and clear as day…. The November issue of the iconic Time Magazine, in its Asia edition had him as the cover ….an honor only afforded rulers of state, pop stars like Michael Jackson and even the Philippines’ Icon of Democracy” the late president Corazon Aquino.
Matter of fact, Manny Pacquiao is the only Filipinos boxer to have landed as front cover with the prestigious newsmagazine.
Manny Pacquiao, November 14, in Las Vegas wrote world boxing sports history when he dismantled welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico and in effect became the only person to hold seven world titles to his name.
And if we were to believe boxing experts and pundits, indeed, the Pacman as he is also known thus becomes the greatest fighter in this time, perhaps greater than the “Greatest Muhammad Ali” of heavyweight boxing fame.
From the opening rounds until the fateful and dying minutes of the 12th round, there was no denying that Pacquiao had already the World Welterweight championship added to his already six titles as he pounded
the dethroned champion to a bloody pulp, knocking him down several times.
For the former champion Cotto, it was the first time that he was ever knocked down by an opponent and the second loss only in his storied career.
For Pacquiao, he remained undefeated since his last several fights when he conquered in succession Erik Morales, Antonio Barrera, Juan Marquez,
legendary Oscar “Golden boy “ De La Hoya and Briton Ricky Hatton, all champions and great fighters in their class.
With his victory, Pacmania fever reached its feverish state not only in the Philippines, the United States, Mexico but also around the world.
What’s next ? Mayweather ?
PACIFIC PRESIDENT ? Having been raised in Indonesia and Hawaii, US President Barrack Obama now calls himself the first US “Pacific president “ after starting a nine-day official visits to Asia.
His jaunts took him to Tokyo, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and China in what he described as giving emphasis and impetus to this part of the world, where past US Presidents like George W. Bush had allegedly neglected the area because of the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Noticeably, The Philippines, a very strong ally of the US , was not included in his itinerary when Singapore is only a mere 3- hours away from the Philippines.
Instead, what we got was a token visit from the US secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who to most Filipinos is a well-loved figure, having been to the country during her husband Bill’s presidency.
Pundits believed the presidential snub was not aimed at Filipinos but at the current administration but nevertheless, Secretary Clinton came with a $5 million package intended for victims of typhoon Ondoy.
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Speaking of typhoon Ondoy, employees of a Canadian medical rehab institution raised a total $5,000 days after learning of the devastation in the Philippines. Custom Rehab and Assessment Canada Ltd. led by Devin Govindasamy, a self-made man who parlayed a small venture from his basement house to what is now one of the top ten independent medical assessment companies in Ontario said that as an immigrant coming to Canada with his parents, he feels a “connection and a deep empathy for Filipino-Canadians “.
Its heart-warming indeed that even non-Filipinos like Devin has extended their helping hands to our unfortunate compatriots in the Philippines.
This is a credit to us Filipinos because as an ethnic group here in Canada, we have integrated well in Canadian society and also lent our support to many humanitarian activities for other ethnic groups.
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Congratulations to Ms. Flor Marcelino, a member of Manitoba’s legislative assembly for being appointed as a cabinet minister for Culture, Heritage and Tourism . She took her oath last Nov.3 making her the “first person of colour “to assume such position. Marcelino follows in the footsteps of Dr.Rey Pagtakhan, former MP of Winnipeg who also held a cabinet position as secretary to the Prime Minister .
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EVENTS AND MILESTONES: Happy birthday wishes to our colleague, Ace Alvarez, publisher of the Manila Media Monitor and producer of the TV program “Frontpage Philippines “(Nov.11) ,Ace is also the vice-president of the Philippine Press Club of Ontario (PPCO).
Felicitations also to Ms. Evelyn Asensi on her birthday (Nov.11) and to my only daughter Anagaile O. Soriano (Nov.23).
CONCERT : My kababayan Darius Ciria heads a Christmas concert Dec,.4 at the Rembrandt banquet hall in Scarborough along with young and upcoming singer Inah Canlapan, Josie De Leon and a host of others. For the first time also, Kuyaz Fault, a new band composed of young Mangante siblings namely Raymond, Yoyo(perhaps the youngest bass player in the business) and Jacqueline will also be performing. They are children of Rolly Mangante of the Philippine Consulate general who is also a businessman and impresario.
UNITY CONCERT: “Rebuilding People’s Lives II “ is scheduled on December 13, a community-wide Unity concert aimed at raising funds for victims of typhoon Ondoy, Pepeng and Ramil. The concert, featuring singers and performers from the Filipino-Canadian community who are donating their services, will be held at the prestigious U of T’s MacMillan theatre, a venue for operas and other theatrical events. The concert is a multi-community organization endeavour involving various sectors.
Lets support this event !