Filipino Pride and the Art of Hero Worship
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 21 Jul 2025
The boxing judges in Nevada called it a majority draw. Most of us saw it quite differently. Manny Pacquiao, 46 years old, stepped back into the squared circle because part of him still needed to be in there. Mario Barrios, who barely and undeservedly held onto his WBC welterweight belt, might’ve been younger, taller, and fresher, but Manny reminded us that experience can indeed compete with youth and vitality.
He’s always had that connection with the crowd. That has not changed. He came back to give us something magical, not just to be remembered.
And he did.
He pressed the fight all night long, slipped Barrios’ spears, and landed heavier shots. His footwork may be a tad slower now, but still brilliant— grounded and on point. His rhythm? Still his. He didn’t look like someone chasing the past. He looked like a man who still belonged.
And yeah, that matters.
For Filipinos, boxing has always been a source of pride. It’s our flag raised without words.
From Pancho Villa’s rise as the first Filipino world champ to Ceferino Garcia’s reign at middleweight, the fight game has been dotted with Filipino names— great names.
Pancho Villa. Small Montana. Pablo Dano. Flash Elorde. Rolando Bohol. Luisito Espinosa. Morris East…they gave us pride and identity through their gloved fists.
Digital Art by ManoyTKO.
Then came Manny Pacquiao— eight divisions. One torch. Still lit.
No matter how we analyze last night’s fight, Pacquiao’s return wasn’t just about him.
It was also about us— the young boxing fans eager to know what made Filipino boxers great. And so too with the older ones, like me. The ones still moving. Still trying. Still wondering if there are more good rounds left in us.
There’s this quiet thing that comes with getting older. You don’t always say it out loud— but you feel it. That need to still be seen. To still matter in some way.
Pacquiao made us feel like we do.
He didn’t have to be flawless. He just had to show up. And he did.
He reminded us that slowing down isn’t the same as giving up. That staying in the fight— whatever that looks like for each of us— is still something to be proud of.
You could feel it in every round. This wasn’t some farewell tour. And it wasn’t about chasing the past either. It was something else. A stand.
(L-R) Mrs. dela Vega, Dr. Ed dela Vega, Jason and Aiko Otamias .
This is what hero worship means in our culture. It’s not about hype or blind praise. It’s something earned. We didn’t just watch a fight. We saw someone hold the line. Not just for himself— but for all of us still trying. Still showing up. Still figuring it out.
And that hit home.
(L-R) Helena Buscema and Robert Lyons.
Sometimes, all it takes is one Manny Pacquiao stepping back into the ring— to remind the rest of us that we still can.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
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