Dear Manny (Pacquiao)

I am very proud of Manny Pacquiao.

He has won so much Boxing titles (7 in all in different weight divisions) worthy of the Guiness Book of World Records and he has truly changed Philippine and even the World Boxing history.


He has made every Filipino proud.

I also admire his wanting to help his own country.

But.....

I am very against his wanting to help by using politics as a stepping stone.

Thank you to Mr. F. Sionil Jose for putting into words all the things I hope Manny will listen to and do.

Mabuhay ka Manny! Wala akong hangad para sa iyo kundi ang ikabubuti mo.

Mr. Sionil Jose, maraming maraming salamat at Mabuhay rin po kayo!


Dear Manny
HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose (The Philippine Star) Updated November 22, 2009 12:00 AM


You do not know me and I have yet to meet you and shake your hand, not so much for your having won all those fights, but for letting the world know about us, our prowess, our determination. This country is now known not only for its corrupt politicians, its housemaids all over the world, but for the brilliant athlete that you are.

Now, here is my unsolicited advice: Retire now, do not look for another fight although the temptation to do so is very great. You don’t have to prove yourself again. There is more than enough glory you have already earned for yourself and your country. And with that glory, a fortune as well.

I saw this TV documentary showing you distributing so much money and goodies in General Santos. You are very generous, Manny, and thank God you are. But be careful with your charity because you will be taken advantage of. Better to “teach a man how to fish, so you will be feeding him all his life” than giving him a fish today.

See to it that your charity is given where it will do the most good. For this, you may have to ask the help of an NGO, or the Secretary of Social Welfare, Esperanza Cabral; she is hardworking and very honest — you can learn from her and, in the process, institutionalize your charity. Remember: to be useful, money must be spread around properly.

I can see that there are so many politicians clinging to your shirt tail. They need to bask in your shadow. How will you shake them off? Ask them to help you by supporting your charity projects

.

Do not run for public office, for congressman, even as mayor of your hometown. Politics will sap your energy, the goodwill that you have amassed nationwide

. You will then become cynical and you will lose your humanity.

If the call of politics is such that you cannot deny it, then during each election season, select a candidate who you may not know personally but who is honest, well intentioned, and has the interest of the masa like us. Go with him on his campaign tour. Just be seen with him — you don’t have to say anything.

You must, however, leave a legacy for which you will always be remembered.

I suggest two:
1). A foundation that will provide assistance for disabled athletes, boxers, provide them with medical care, livelihood.
2). Start a college for athletic training and for future physical education instructors for our colleges and universities. You must establish this in a region where there is enough space for a gym, a track field, basketball courts, etc.

As you very well know, we have performed badly in the Olympics. China has a national program for training its athletes, gymnasts from childhood onwards. We need this kind of school, to instill in our athletes the hard work and the discipline such as you possess.

As superbly illustrated by you, Filipinos are such individualists, they are tailor-made for solo sports, shooting, tennis, swimming, archery, gymnastics. But we must also develop skills in teamwork, which is essential for so many other sports. Teamwork is very important not only in sports but in almost all social and business enterprises.

You know, too, that there is a lot of corruption in the official athletic program of the government. Try and wean the program away from corruption.

And now, as for the politicians who always want to be seen with you: ask them for help in setting up these two institutions. If they are sincere fans of yours, they will help.

Regarding your own social and cultural background, don’t mind those people who criticize your English — they have not gotten to where you are. Let your Mama enjoy your wealth — she deserves it and so do you.

Don’t let middle-class conventions stifle you — you dictate your terms and do not be afraid. Express your thoughts the way you want to. You have earned the right to be what you are, to speak your mind because now you are truly free. You have independent means, Manny; you are not beholden to any high government official, or to our irresponsible elites.

We, the people, owe you our pride.

No writer in this country is rich, but just the same, let me donate a little to those two institutions if and when you set them up. They will be your true and lasting legacy — this old hack can assure you of that.