Of Manny Pacquiao And Mar Roxas

Two weeks ago, the country was glued to the TV waiting for the Dela Hoya-Pacquiao Dream Fight. Incidentally, the crime rate was zero--the criminals are also watching! Manny who is fondly called Pacman didn't disappoint his countrymen. He did what he said he'll do, and I think had he lost, nobody would have been disappointed. His training regimen is sometimes shown on prime-time news, and he's really doing his best to turn his body into a rock, and no beating from Oscar would affect him. The maxim "no pain no gain" really is true. Oscar is now definitely retired after that 8-round punishment, and I respect him for standing opposite a respectable boxer.

Congratulations Pacman!

A few days later, a large political rally (called "interfaith" rally) was held at the financial district of Makati. I would like to please the participants in saying that there was a "massive" crowd as reported by a news channel, but just a few went there (I'm speaking in relative terms). Just to make the story short, Mar Roxas, a "respected" senator, had his 15-minutes of fame on stage delivering a speech on the many ills of the country caused by the government. That's alright--we all respect the people's right to speak freely in a democracy. I was horrified--he cursed in no vague terms! I can't even mention what he said; we were trained from childhood to refrain from saying bad words. There goes that "good boy" image to the trash bin.

Worse, he refused to apologize to the people. How can he present himself for a higher office later? No congratulations for you...

Wherever we are placed, at home, work, on the street, or others, we must always do the right thing, big or small. People always cried that we have corruption all over; if we all become faithful in small things, we'll be faithful in larger things, ergo, no corruption. We all like to hear our divine master tell us one day, "...Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25.21 RSV)."