Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

MOST would think that after a week, all the hype about Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao knocking out Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton in Las Vegas would die down.

Well, at least a bit.

But then again, we could all be wrong—because despite of the A(H1N1) or swine fl u virus scare or the continuing downfall of the global economy, people are still talking about Pacquiao. In fact, Filipinos back home were so excited in welcoming the boxing legend that they didn’t care if he might be carrying the deadly virus. For them he is still their hero—with or without the flu.

Pacquiao’s homecoming was a National Day of Celebration, an event fi t for a hero. Aside from winning over Hatton, he was also named in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Infl uential People list. This is an affi rmation of Pacquiao’s popularity not only in the ring, but also outside of it.

So we turn our heads and see Pacquiao in many forms—boxing champion, devoted father and loving husband, a singer, a good son and brother, and possibly a politician. But most of all, we see him as a hero to many Filipinos, a role model for those who aspire to be where he is and who he is today. (AJPress)

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on May 9, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A12 )