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.
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