Manny Pacquiao, a National Hero

It was billed "The Battle" and staged at the 15,000 seater Thomas Mack Arena located inside the University of Nevada-Las Vegas campus. The Philippines' Manny Pacquiao was a slight favorite on the betting odds to defeat Mexico's Erik Morales in their rematch, the latter won their initial contest via a decision. Expectations were high on both camps prior to the match and the arena was filled with Mexican and Filipino fans of both protagonists. Their first meeting was a non-stop, slam bang affair and the rematch was expected to be equally entertaining.

From the start of the match, the Mexican slightly dominated and was in fact ahead of the judges'  score card up to the fifth round as he was able to effectively counter punch his way to avoid Pacquiao's offensive onslaughts. However, as the sixth round commenced, the tide swayed to the Filipino's side as it was obvious that Morales was feeling the effects of Pacquiao's punches to the head and body. The Mexican's legs had become rubbery and his punches seemed to have no effect to the Filipino. His seconds had to constantly massage his legs at intermissions and you can see desperation at the eyes of Morales. Meanwhile, Pacquiao's confidence grew more as the match wore on. He won every round thereafter and in the tenth, the referee mercifully ended the match after Morales went down the second time.

It was a masterful performance by Pacquiao and he truly deserves to be a national hero. In times when the nation continues to suffer from economic and political hardship, his victory has lifted the hopes and spirit of every Filipino that somehow there will be a light at the end of the rainbow.

Never back down from all the hassles of life. God rewards those who help themselves.