The Pac-Man ripple effect
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — What do economic stimulus, pep rally, preventative medicine, civil stability, and pride of a nation have in common with a boxer? Sit back, read on, and I will tell you. The legacies you leave are often predicated by your actions in life. One will always remember Manny Pacquiao as one of the Philippines’ finest boxers, and within the boxing world, as “the best fighter pound for pound,” but his legacy might be better carried by his sheer generosity and the kind of charisma he commands; this, too, that can carry a nation, here and abroad.
Can you imagine? Manny Pacquiao has attained the power to uplift a slumping economy, even if for only a weekend. Las Vegas has seemingly slowed down into a ghost town over the past year; even the Consumer Electronics Show last January (the biggest electronics trade convention in the world) couldn’t pack Vegas the way “Manny-mania” managed to do this weekend. It was a last-minute decision for me to come to Vegas to watch his fight, but after watching the Pac-Man train earlier this week in Hollywood, I couldn’t break tradition. I needed to make the journey back to Sin City. With only a few days’ notice, attempting to book a room was a nightmare. Let’s put it this way: in my colorful “Vegas past life,” I made it a regular habit to pay for thousands of those glittering light bulbs that line the Strip. Because of this reality, I generally never have trouble getting a complimentary room at some of the Strip’s finest hotels. When I called to make a reservation, several hotels on my A-list were oversold and the ones available were going for five times their usual rate during fight night. When I asked my casino host why this was the case, he concluded: “It’s because of that big fight this weekend!” I began to realize that Manny had managed to jump-start Vegas!
His ability to revive a fading sport has been unmatched since the days of Ali. Let’s face it, UFC and mixed-martial arts have dominated the lion share of organized pugilism for the past few years now; the only real excitement in the traditional boxing world these last few years has been Manny and whoever he chooses to do battle with. His efforts and amazing track record are breaking barriers and paving a road wherein the words “Philippines” and “champion fighters” are synonymous.
You might have already heard, but in the weeks leading up to his fight, Manny organized his own “Biggest Loser” contest. Manny gave the incentive of greenbacks to inspire his friends and training camp to lose weight. The task was simple; those who lost 10 percent of their weight in a little over three weeks’ time were rewarded with a monetary sum of $3,000. The biggest loser would earn a whopping $10,000 prize. Manny wanted those close to him to appreciate the diligence and hard work required to stay fit while training for a fight and experience what a fighter goes through to “make weight.” Of the 75 participants involved, a total of 64 “made weight,” prompting Manny to pay out well over $220,000. With fists that can end careers, it’s his heart (and spare change doesn’t hurt) that inspires us to better health.
“Let’s go, Spartans!” Manny chanted to his fans and media at the Wild Card gym this last Monday. While most fighters choose to hold private camps and despite the fight drawing near, Manny never turns away a fan, always putting on a good show, dancing while shadow boxing, and signing autographs between sparring/training sessions. With his growing popularity, it’s not uncommon to see the likes of Christian Bale or “Marky Mark” Wahlberg, both Pac-Man fans, dropping by the gym to show their support. With the fear of Manny losing focus in the weeks prior to the fight, training camp was (atypically) closed to outsiders. However, in the last sparring session, the Monday prior to the fight, visitors were met with an open door with media and fans alike packing into the gym to catch a glimpse of their hero.
Time and time again, Manny proves that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Whether it’s his dollar-driven inspiration to be healthy, or a simple autograph that often comes with his charismatic smile, a look into your eye, and an acknowledgment of your presence, it’s giving that makes him happy. His charisma and charm elevate his personality beyond the power of his fists, but his piety and sincerity to others make him truly admirable.
“Manny is often heard referring to God, and you know, God touches certain people. When He touches those people and gives them great ability they then feel that in response they have to give back. And the only way they can give back is to their fellow human beings.” This according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. Manny balances this God-given talent and the fruits of his success with this statement: “I believe our mission in this world is not only to make money but we have a big responsibility. If you get the blessing from God, we are to give… especially to the poor.”
Whether it be athletic or creative ability, many superstars let it go to their heads and it can sadly lead to their downfall. Manny could not be further from this fault. It is a ritual for him to hold a Catholic Mass within his Las Vegas suite on the morning of each fight, welcoming as many fans that can safely fit into his luxurious accommodations. He is often seen praying in the ring before and after a fight, always acknowledging and giving credit for his success to his spiritual guidance from above. But in a brutal sport where warriors must travel to the darkest corners within themselves to find the will to endure, Manny often exemplifies the contrary. You’ll never hear him “trash-talk” an opponent. “I respect Ricky Hatton. He is a good person,” says Pacquiao, often praying and hoping that after their fight, “No one will be seriously hurt.”
Manny has never acted superior toward anyone, not even his opponents. His only goal has always been to do his job well, and entertain his fans with what he does in and out of the ring. After dethroning the “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya last December 2008, Manny still referred to the Mexican as a mentor, even telling his losing opponent, “You are still my idol.” With sincere and mutual admiration, Oscar replied: “No, you are my idol.”
You can read all the sports stories leading up to the fight elsewhere, but I wanted to share with you a story more tangible. A story about a people’s champion, so humble in his nature that even a common soul, like myself, can walk in his footsteps and observe him up-close and realize that, despite his elevation to truly “Superhuman” status, he is still one of us: a loving husband and father, a brother, and friend to you and I alike.
On Saturday evening, May 2, 2009 (Sunday morning Manila time), most crime will cease and the chaos of our streets will pause, and for a moment there will be solidarity, as we come together to cheer for our hero. Regardless of the fight outcome, Manny will always be an inspiration and his legacy might even prove to be bigger than boxing itself. It’s not whether he wins or loses; it’s how kind he is to the common person. That is what I will always remember.
