On loving God more than politics and anything mundane?
By Aquiles Z. Zonio
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 24 Feb 2016
THOSE who have closely witnessed the real-life story of senatorial aspirant Manny Pacquiao could easily figure out the fans? mounting furor against Nike.
In Cebu, a man burning a pile of Nike shoes in support of Pacquiao had already gone viral on the Internet.
The protest campaign against Nike has started to snowball, prompting Pacquiao to call on his diehard supporters to stay calm and forgiving.
Nike dropped Pacquiao as one of its product endorsers last week after the Filipino boxing icon described same sex marriage in his media interview as ?worse than animals.?
Albeit, Pacquiao was not bothered even a bit by the loss of Nike?s sponsorship, the company?s actuation was viewed by many as smack of professionalism.
It could have been better if Nike cut ties with Pacquiao without going public.
Dropping the Pinoy boxing hero like a hot potato then making it known all over the world was tantamount to adding salt to injury.
In crisis situation, Nike showed its real color ? that it doesn?t know how to value longtime relationship and partnership. Nike is just a user, to say it bluntly.
Nike was trying to please the LGBT community, obviously unmindful of a backlash from millions of Christians and Pacquiao?s diehard fans worldwide.
Nike?s decision to drop Pacquiao without giving him a chance to air or explain his side, egged me on to throw all my Nike sneakers to the trash bin.
Yesterday, I bought two Adidas shoes despite a tight budget.
I?ve been patronizing Adidas during my high school and college days.
I just shifted to Nike because of Manny Pacquiao. Now, I?m back to my old yet reliable brand.
Maybe, Nike was not aware that Pacquiao?s income from commercial endorsements goes to his foundation.
So, Nike dumped not just Pacquiao but also the poor and the needy.
I?m sure, Nike was not aware that Pacquiao for several times bought Nike sneakers in bulk as a gift to young and aspiring athletes who can hardly afford to buy such an expensive brand on their own.
As the saying goes, ?Misfortune can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.?
News came out that other leading brands like Adidas and Under Armor are currently negotiating with the Team Pacquiao for an endorsement deal.
You see? What a blessing! Indeed, if God is with us who can be against us?
For loving God more than politics or anything mundane and for being firm on his faith and belief, Pacquiao was rewarded in the end.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Aquiles Z. Zonio.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OSCAR "LA MIGRAÑA" DUARTE STUNS HOMETOWN FAVORITE KENNETH “BOSSMAN” SIMS JR. WITH MAJORITY DECISION VICTORY
Sun, 03 Aug 2025JERWIN ANCAJAS DEFEATS RUBEN CASERO IN CALIFORNIA
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 03 Aug 2025The Bout Outside The Ring: Boxing and the Filipino Struggle for Legitimacy
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sun, 03 Aug 2025Filipino FIDE Master Roel Abelgas finishes second in Hongkong rapid chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 03 Aug 2025Cañizales defeats Pradabsri and wins WBC title in Venezuela
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 02 Aug 2025PH's Nouri snags blitz gold in Asian Amateur Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Boxer
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Duarte vs. Sims Jr. Title Eliminator Official: All Fighters Make Weight in Chicago
Sat, 02 Aug 2025ALLEN v MAKHMUDOV, SUGAR NUNEZ IN MEXICO AND MORE AS MATCHROOM BOXING CONFIRMS HUGE AUTUMN LINE-UP – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 02 Aug 2025Undaloc Jr. leads BBG 300 Ultra Marathon
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Round One: Dr. Bernard Remollino Brings Pancho Villa Back Into the Ring
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Panya Pradabsri, Carlos Cañizales Make Weight for WBC 108 World Title Rematch in Venezuela
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 01 Aug 2025“NOWHERE TO RUN” OSCAR “LA MIGRAÑA” DUARTE VS. KENNETH “BOSSMAN” SIMS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 01 Aug 2025Pabular to make 1st title defense on Aug. 12
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Tacurong excited to play in Buhangin slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 01 Aug 2025