There?ll never be another Storm like him
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 10 Dec 2012
IT will henceforth be called and celebrated as the Golden Era of Manny Pacquiao.
Once upon a time, there ruled a warrior fondly called the Pacific Storm. He established a noble dynasty by capturing world boxing crowns in a total of eight exacting divisions.
The greatness of this warrior was vast and vivid as his kindness and generosity were boundless.
He fought and won his biggest, fiercest battles with the love of God and genuine concern for countrymen at heart.
**
He provided inspiration, mainly for the hungry and the homeless.
The son of a run-away father, he knew keenly how it was to be hungry.
He spent boyhood in extreme poverty, and had to sleep on the cold, bare floor, a tragedy suffered by countless countrymen today.
The social analyst was right: there was no denying Filipino faith in Pacquiao grew stronger by the day because they saw in him their own resilience and ability to move up from the dirt floor.
**
Unlike movie stars and entertainment icons, (as noted in a first book written about him locally), he emerged from real blood-and-guts battles.
He was one genuine hero, not a product of fantasy?no borrowed courage, no artificial toughness, no rented heroics, etc.
He did not have to steal the adulation of gullible Filipinos by starring in shallow block-buster movies.
He did not usher in abundance.
But his heroism, inscribed in Truth and Time, was noble, very rich in relevance.
**
He was hailed, adored and has become the receptacle of his people?s hope.
Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, 33, was secure in his legend when he was stopped by a grim Mexican rival.
Juan Manuel Marquez, 39, blasted Pacquiao to the canvas with one bludgeon swing to the uncovered chin.
The tragedy happened on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, capital of Pacquiao?s reign for nearly a decade, during which he also carried boxing on his shoulders.
**
Pain and shock was general all over his country when Pacquiao lost to Marquez by shocking knockout.
There was gloom and crying bereavement among his countrymen.
The tragedy felt as dreadful as on the day Ninoy Aquino was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983.
Just like Ninoy, Pacquiao refused to yield and grimly stood his ground until the final moment.
Pacquiao got hit hard but, in the end, he was conquered by Father Time after it turned out he could no longer take a solid punch.
It was noted the national treasure, the Kamao ng Bayan, no longer had his rosary with him on the final day of his reign.
The Pacquiao era ended but his he saga lives on.
Pray that the Blessed Virgin Mary reward us with another of his noble kind.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 16 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 16 Feb 2026Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026