Time magazine called Manny Pacquiao as “The Great Hope”—at least in the realms of sports. His evolution from a street-slugger to a smart-sportsman inspires people, not just Filipinos. But what does “the Great Hope” means?
Sure Manny is the world’s #1 Pound for Pound boxer. Sure Filipinos are desperate to see a hero stand in behalf of their disgraced nation. Like Manny, he is someone who found himself in the limelight, driven by his desire to feed his poor family, fighting for survival. But his hardships and discipline paid off. He is now one of the richest athletes in the world!
Success, in prestige and finances, makes Manny a great model to local boxers. They want to emulate what he did—or maybe use boxing to exit from poverty. (Is boxing a poor man’s game? Most boxers came from poor stratum though.)
Nonetheless, in this life journey, people tend to admire heroes. They don’t follow losers. Within the psyche of Filipinos rests an adamant spirit striving to survive. This courage within is like wildfire, when unleashed, it breaks down all barriers.
Sure there is only one Manny Pacquio, but the determined spirit to win is pervasive. Winning the game of life is a basic human desire. Because of “desire” humans succeed. It takes the first step of desire to will and survive—then overcome and succeed.
In reality, the great hope is in every Filipino—the desire for change, the courage to say “enough is enough.” Fight against corruption, injustice; overcome lack of leadership insight and vision; strive for excellence in education, entrepreneurship, and work ethics. Above all, cling to the Ultimate Hope, the source and finisher of our faith.
What can one man do? Thus, the real great hope, indeed, is the awakening Filipinos. Us!
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