SUPER SUNDAY
It was ballyhooed as a battle between two proud fighting races. Mano A Mano: Philippines vs. Mexico. July 2, 2006 saw the country at a standstill once again as her favorite son fought another gritty Mexican warrior. In the end, Manny Pacquiao and the other Pinoy pugilists carved out one stirring triumph after another. Pandemonium, bedlam, unabashed merrymaking and all other adjectives that usually accompany a Pacman victory gripped Las Islas Filipinas. I, for one was just completely ecstatic and overwhelmed to witness the spectacle live and for FREE at the historic Araneta Coliseum. The perks of being a Kapamilya, indeed.
They say that you’ll never forget your first time. Ditto. This was the first boxing match I saw live and it was truly an unforgettable and exhilarating experience. The tension was palpable, the atmosphere festive and the arena all abuzz as a virtual “who’s-who” in Philippine politics, showbiz, sports (not to mention those ubiquitous Pacman hanger-ons) and thousands upon thousands of common folks congregated under the Big Dome.
Didn’t mattered if you were seated at the ultra-expensive ringside section or seemingly in outer space within the “pang-masa” general admission area. Just being there to witness a Manny Pacquiao fight in the flesh is sheer, bliss. We cheered lustily with every haymaker he landed and groaned collectively with every big blow he absorbed.
He won in 12 rounds (approximately 50 minutes) but it seemed that the entire bout lasted for 12 hours. The experience stays with you long after the final bell has sounded.
Thank heavens I was there at the Dome for those 12 action-packed rounds. Watching the uber-delayed telecast might have brought out the “El Terible” in me. Next up: Las Vegas, November 18, 2006. Pacquiao vs. Morales III. Guess I’ll have to sit through that dreaded “delayed telecast” for that one.
