Heroes and icons

MANILA, Philippines - Although politics and religion manifest the will and soul of a nation, sports also permeates its very fiber. Its sporting history reflects the mood and temper of the times. It soars to great heights with every heroic feat of its athletes and yields to despair on their crushing defeat.

But mostly, it’s the victory – the triumph of the spirit that is best remembered – that serves as tonic to the adoring fans. And there’s no better take than to see the nation savoring the moments of a favorite native son, capturing the hearts and minds of a global audience atop the boxing ring where he was destined to be.

He would later shine as the brightest star in the country’s sporting firmament. On The STAR’s silver anniversary, the sports section pays tribute to this boxing superstar and other heroes, icons and achievers as they relive their exploits the last 25 years.