Pacquiao for world champ

Manny Pacquiao better come back right down to earth before he does anything that would ruin not only his boxing career, but also his life.

While I admire Pacquiao's desire to serve the public, I believe he can best do that as a boxing icon rather than a politician.

His triumphs on the ring have brought a lot of hope to the Filipino people in general and helped us regain much of the pride we've lost through all the scandals that have rocked our nation.

The millions that he has made on and off the ring have attracted many people with one common agenda - their own and definitely not of the boxing idol's.

Now, Manny says he is sure he will run. For what position, he doesn't know yet.

If the boxing icon would throw his hat into the political arena then I'd say that will be the end to his boxing career. It will be the death of the goose that lays the golden egg.

Sure he can turn to show business and maybe make more records, that is if he really can sing like the professionals and not just bank on his popularity to sell his records.

He can maybe try the movies and end up with just bit parts as his acting doesn't seem to convincing enough to earn him a FAMAS award or make box office hits.

I am not anti-Pacquiao, I am just trying to be very honest about what his options might be once his career is over if he decides that politics is better than boxing.

Pacquiao is already serving our country more than any other government official as he has united our people torn by so many forms of feuds everytime he climbs the ring.

We enjoy his song because it reminds us that we are a people that can be the best in the world.

We buy the products he endorses because we idolize him. We spend good money to watch his fights live on wide screen and not hours delayed in our homes.

Manny Pacquiao has done so much for the nation already and I hope that whoever is advising him would also tell him to stick to what he is doing now.

His boxing career would not last for many more years, but then why shorten it further?

To those people surrounding Manny, please don't trick him into doing something that would not be good for his career and for the Filipino people in general.

Pacquiao will definitely win if he runs for public office with his popularity, but then after that what comes next?

Haven't we learned yet?

If this trend in Philippine politics continues, then I better get myself and family ready to leave the country and join millions who have done the same.

If there's anything that Pacquiao must pursue, it should be a legitimate world title. Pacquiao for world champ!

* * *

MILESTONES: Happy birthday to Charito 'Chat' Labay, who turns a year older today.

I also send belated birthday greetings to my cousins Jose Carlos 'Jolo' Q. Miranda (Feb. 1) and to Vincent Theodore Q. Cruz (Feb 2).

More power to all of you!