In the morning of his fight against Erik Morales here last Saturday, a Mass was celebrated by Fr. Marlon Beof in Pacquiao’s two-bedroom suite at the Wynn Hotel. About 50 relatives, friends and fans joined Pacquiao in the service.
Fr. Beof asked the congregation to voice out their supplications in the prayers of the faithful during the Mass and Pacquiao spoke out. He didn’t ask to win. He only asked for God to spare Morales and him from harm and for an outcome that would make the Filipino people happy.
Among those who attended the Mass were the Solar top brass — president William Tieng, chief operating officer Peter Chanliong and vice president for finance Ronald Tieng, Freddie Roach, Wakee Salud, Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, Patrick Antonio and No Fear’s Tommy Ong.
Fr. Beof, 38, said he bumped into Pacquiao at the Manila international airport when the fighter was set to leave for the US to train for Marco Antonio Barrera three years ago.
"We kept in touch," said Fr. Beof, one of nine children. "I told him I am with the Tagaste Monastery in New York and he wanted me to celebrate Mass before every fight in the US. When he goes to Los Angeles, he phones me in New York and sends for me."
Fr. Beof studied in Baguio and was based in Spain for studies before he was ordained in Mexico. He has now served six years in New York. His parents Jose, a retired seaman, and Lolita migrated to the US in 1989.
"Some of my brothers are seamen like my father once was," said Fr. Beof. "I’m also in that line of work as a fisher of men."
"Of course, I never expected it," said Jimenez, a former newspaperman. "I thought Erik would win. He was in condition to win. Maybe, the long layoff had an effect because he’s never been as inactive as now, coming from a 10-month rest from fighting. His timing was off and I noticed for the first time, he repeatedly lunged at Pacquiao."
Jimenez said Morales has nothing to be ashamed of in a 13-year career that brought three world titles in as many divisions.
"He had a great career," said Jimenez. "Now, it’s time to move on."
Morales, 30, said he will soon decide whether or not to finally hang up his gloves.
"I’ll have to take some time off and think things over," said Morales. "I told myself if I can’t take the punch of a 130-pounder, I have no business moving to lightweight or superlightweight where the fighters are stronger. It’s possible I’ll decide to just stay home in retirement."
"Manny’s thinking of staying longer in Vegas then visit the Nike headquarters in Beaverton ( Oregon ) on the 21st," said the insider. "The original plan was to leave Los Angeles for Manila on Wednesday but that might be postponed for a day."
Pacquiao recently signed a two-year contract to endorse Nike footwear. Nike has launched a print ad for Pacquiao and unveiled a huge EDSA billboard showing the fighter with both arms raised. — Joaquin Henson