Jinkoidization

     Manny! Manny! Manny!

     Another Manny Pacquiao fight just ended and won. And so, the world may ask, what is it to me? How will Manny's apparent victory change an ordinary Jinky, not his very own Jinkee who for sure would gladly welcome additional Hermes and LV bags diamond-encrusted edition?

     Well for one, his fight personally reminded me how beautiful our national anthem is! (Thanks to international Pinay sensation Charice). The las time I really sang itwas way back high school. Last full shows don't require me to sing as the anthem played is an MTV. I just need to stand up and put my right hand on my chest. But it is such a beautiful song that never fails to rouse the fire and love for my country. It brings me back to my youthful ideals but at the same time reminds me that it was never quenched at all: I am still Gabriela, Melchora and Corazon. Ever changing face of Pinays but the same fervor and pride.

     "Lupa ng Araw, ng Luwalhati't Pagsinta

     (Land of the Sun, of Glory and of Love)

     Buhay ay langit sa piling mo

     (Life with you is an eternal bliss)

     Aming ligaya nang pag may mang-aapi

     (It is our joy that when oppressors come)

     Ang mamatay ng dahil sa yo"

     (To lay down our lives for your sake)

     Second, for a few minutes in history, Manny being ever proud of his roots, reminds not only the world but much more us the Filipinos what we are made of -- world class quality! Wherever we may be, we should not forget our identity. We can be Financial Analysts in multinational banks, construction workers in Middle East, health or domestic workers in the US -- but job titles do not define who we are but what we give. We give out knock-out punches, sound critical lending decisions, robust manpower and sincere care. We are passionate. We are able and trained. We are hardworking and purpose-driven. We are world-class!

     Manny reinforces some obvious values that we most too often neglect. For one, nothing beats hardwork. It is not as if Manny just jumped into the boxing ring all fit and strong. Leading to the big showdown are months and months of strict and disciplined training. Like in life, it takes great preparation for one glorious moment. It is not one-off. It is not luck. It is not always successful. It is steel determination to stand up after a fall and say "I learned. I will try again."

     Manny lifts up everybody's spirit, stirs the hearts of Pinoys and unites us to a common goal. (Although I wish it would also apply to his governance which would constitute another topic). He divides the wall and makes us forget our differences even for a while. Zero traffic as almost everybody's stuck at home watching, or somewhere Pay Per View. Zero crime rate as even offenders pause to hear Manny offer his triumph to Filipino people.

     So what is it for me if Pacman is now again multi-million dollars richer? What is it for me if he gains another product endorsement in additiion to his ever-increasing web -- Nike, Rexona Deodorant, Head and Shoulders Shampoo, Alaxan Fast Relief Pain Reliever, Datu Puti Vinegar and Soy Sause, Ginebra San Miguel, Vitwater and so on? What is it for me if he conquered Hatton, Cotto, Morales, Mosley and the likes? Answer is, Pacman is proudly a Filipino, the same way I am proudly a Filipina. His victory is my victory. His honor, I can call mine. So Congratulations Pacman! Good job!

     Manny! Manny! Manny!:D