The Heroes in Each of Us

I think it's a very interesting sociological phenomenon that the Philippines is holding its breath during these few days for Manny Pacquiao. And I can understand. I mean, you have all the men united -- and talking. They're not just appearing bored or drunk, or bearing up with what's happening. They are animatedly talking. In fact, they are actually lining up and betting. But then, it's not only the men. The women too. Well, everyone actually. Everyone is rooting for Pacquiao. And I find this really interesting. It's not just that the guy can box, because he can. His footwork and boxing certainly looks fancy enough for a boxing nitwit like me. And it's not just that he has x-factor because the guy has it. It's that the Filipinos are rooting for him as one. It makes me think that our country must be so in need of heroes that nowadays, as long as it's at least legal, the people will root for you. There were the athletes for example who won the latest ASEAN Games. Of recent past, there was Ms International Laura (is that correct?) Quigama.

I do not belittle this people because what they did or are doing are admirable. But that we as a nation is looking at the feat of Manny Pacquiao as something of national pride makes me wonder if our need for heroes have become so bereft in the usual places we should be looking for them that nowadays, we have to look for them in sports or entertainment. Are we so short of a Ninoy Aquino, or a Rizal, or a Mabini? Do we not have heroes in business or literature or in the church? If we have in any of those fields and they are not being recognized, are we as a people redefining what is admirable? Are we now looking up to people who are excelling in a field where individualism or personality are important? Where personal discipline are musts? And are we then now embracing it as a nation, as something admirable?

I don't know if Manny will win. I sure hope and pray he does. Still, I also hope that whatever the outcome may be, our people will find our sense of oneness and pride not so much in someone winning a boxing fight, or any other sports event, or a beauty pageant, but that we as a nation are really putting our act together and working for a better Philippines: finding the heroes in each of us.