I'm really not a sports fan, much more a boxing afficionado, but I was one of those who registered for the pay-per-view offer of Dream Satellite for the fight of Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales.
I had to dole out P300 to watch the fight live and direct this Sunday, Jan. 22., at the comfort of my home. Of course, those who don't have Satellite connection must bear the fact that the boxing fight will surely be bombarded with gazillions of commercials. In fact, the commercials will even be longer than the 3-minute per round fight.
I don't know what's with Pacquiao that so many people are going gaga over him everytime he climbs the boxing arena. We've had so many great fighters before - Espinosa, Peñalosa to name a few - but this southpaw from General Santos City is a real crowd drawer.
He is also the richest boxer the country has ever had. With this fight against Morales, Pacquiao is assured (win or loss) of a purse that is equivalent to P100 million. Should he win this fight, Pacquiao is assured of a $3-million purse on his next fight, whoever his opponent is.
With the political turmoil, economic crisis, and civil unrest in the country, Filipinos find a respite from the hassles of daily living in the fight of Pacquiao. Bored by the usual political bickerings being played up in televisions and other media, the people see the boxing fight as a needed breather.
Win or loss, Pacquiao will always be in the hearts of the millions of Filipinos who have seen their own hopes and dreams in every punch that Pacquiao gives out.
Here's wishing you good luck Manny!
