MANNY & EFREN

Two authentic sources of pride for the toiling Filipino and the beleaguered nation, world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and world billiard champion Efren “Bata” Reyes.

Those who know boxing history may quickly recall the greatness of Flash Elorde. But without doubt, Pacquiao is the richest of them all; and has inspired this nation and its young pugilists like no one has ever done before. Bata Reyes, on the other hand, is acknowledged as a legend in the world of billiards, and perhaps the best the sport has ever known. The similarity however ends here.

Pacquiao has allowed himself to be used by powerful politicians whose motives are far from pure. He even allowed them to manipulate him into running for a seat in Congress, only to be knocked out by the experienced and principled young woman-legislator, Darlene Antonino-Custodio. All the talk of national unity from Pacquiao’s mouth, while well-meaning, is unintelligent and merely sensationalized by this administration’s political spin-doctors.

Early in his stint as a world-class boxer we have already heard of Manny’s drinking sprees, womanizing and love for gambling. There is talk nowadays of his swooning attention towards a sexy actress. You will hear of none of these in the case of Bata Reyes. Even his demeanor bespeaks of humility.

During the awarding rites of the 2006 World 8-Ball Championship which he won, Reyes was asked by the emcee for a statement. He said, “I don’t speak good English. Can I speak in Filipino”? And he went on to spontaneously speak in Filipino without an interpreter. Indeed, he makes you proud you are a Filipino. Unlike Pacquiao whose English has only earned millions for Smart and Globe in terms of text jokes.