Pacman unites pinoys again

CEBU, Philippines —  The “Pacman effect” still rippled through Cebu City streets with light to moderate traffic and only two minor road incidents recorded during the former senator Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas yesterday, according to the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).

CCTO assistant head Kent Jongoy told The FREEMAN that traffic was “generally very light to moderate,” with most vehicle movement concentrated around commercial establishments especially those offering viewing live feeds of the fight between 8 A.M. and 1 P.M.

These patterns were confirmed by the City’s Eagle’s Eye Command Center, which monitored a steady flow of vehicles heading to viewing venues across the city.

The two recorded accidents were a multi-motorcycle crash in the mountain barangay of Taptap, reportedly caused by brake failure, and a collision involving four-wheeled vehicles near the Shell gasoline station along Pope John Paul II Avenue. No major injuries were reported.

“During pag-fight nilang Pacquiao vs. Barrios, mingaw g’yud kayo ang atong kadalanan. Karon kay naa nay pipila ka mga sakyanan nga nangagi pero normal ra gihapon basta Sunday,” said a staff on duty at the command center regarding the traffic scenario.

The subdued traffic showed the Cebuanos’ and the rest of the country’s collective attention on Pacquiao’s comeback bout against Barrios in Las Vegas.

The fight ended in a majority draw, with one judge scoring it 115-113 for Barrios and the other two calling it even at 114-114.

Despite the outcome, Pacquiao’s performance at age 46 was widely praised, with many noting his tactical approach and enduring grit.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, a longtime friend and admirer of Pacquiao, shared his sentiments.

“I have the privilege of having known Manny personally for over 20 years, and more than a friend, I am a fan. Proud of his performance today. Gave it his all, as he always does. Gracious in and out of the ring as he always is. I believe no single person today is more responsible for making so many proud to be Pinoy.”

Osmeña also posted a nostalgic video of Pacquiao playing the piano in his home, a quiet reminder of the boxer’s grace beyond the ring.

Meanwhile, Filipino pride extended beyond the main event.

Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial opened the fight card with a commanding third-round technical knockout of American Bernard Joseph, improving his professional record to 6-0 with four knockouts. Marcial’s power and precision were on full display, with a series of left hooks ending the bout at 1:55 of the third round.

Mark Magsayo, former WBC featherweight champion, also delivered a strong performance in the undercard, defeating Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar via unanimous decision in their 10-round super featherweight clash. Two judges scored the bout 100-90, while the third had it 98-92, marking a decisive win that brings Magsayo closer to another world title shot.

As fans trickled out of viewing centers and traffic slowly returned to its Sunday rhythm, the morning’s stillness stood as a testament to Pacquiao’s enduring power --not just as a fighter, but as a unifying force for Filipinos again. (CEBU NEWS)