EDITORIAL - Nobody beats Gloria in terms of luck

The Philippines never runs out of incredible happenings. Just consider this: The most popular man in the world at this very moment just paid a visit to the most unpopular woman in the country.

Manny Pacquiao, whose name is on everybody's lips after battering the legendary Oscar De la Hoya to submission, went straight to Malacañang after returning to the Philippines to pay a courtesy call on President Arroyo.

It is not difficult to imagine how many politicians must have salivated to be in her position in that one shining moment of glory. Just as easy to imagine would be her enemies gnashing their teeth at an opportunity that will never come their way.

Arroyo is playing Pacquiao. But Pacquiao has no choice. It is always customary for a hero to pay a courtesy call on the leader of the nation during his homecoming. But this is no ordinary leader. She had been his patroness in more difficult times.

If there is one admirable trait about Pacquiao outside the ring, it is his ability to never forget past favors and to remember to constantly pay it long after the actual favor has long been repaid.

He has "utang na loob" and that insulates him from potential political snipings of those who may feel slighted by his preference for the company of a controversial personality instead of those who proclaim themselves to be more righteous.

Besides, his frequent mingling with the masses, and the things he does for them, are more than enough to kill any negativism that may arise from his dealings with the Palace. It is a win-win situation for him, and for Gloria as well.

Oh well, let the woman have her day. That is simply the way the cookie crumbles. So no use fretting. After all, going by the law on averages, it cannot be all salty and sour for the president. She needs a little sugar in her life.

The uncanny thing is that, of all who can give her some breathing spell, it had to be Pacquiao. Life is indeed strange. Perhaps that is what makes life so beautiful, that little strangeness in the proportion.