Pacquiao: ‘Publishers Man of the Year’ awardee

Manny Pacquiao’s unprecedented, record-breaking triumph in the punishing sports of world boxing is as rare as history itself.

No other pugilist has ever accomplished such scintillating feat. That a Filipino beat the world’s best in the race for pride, honor and glory in the annals of boxing exemplifies the competitive spirit of Filipinos.

As a fitting tribute, the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) will honor "Pacman" as the "Man of the Year" awardee during the 14th National Press Congress at Subic Bay Freeport come Dec. 10-12.

For a rags-to-riches man whose every fight clears the streets of traffic, brings down crime rates to near zero and silences the guns in war-torn areas, the award symbolizes the heartfelt gratitude of a nation wanting to break free from the misery spawned by devastating effects of the typhoons.

PAPI, the country’s largest organization of community press publishers, editors and journalists, rarely confers its most prestigious award, but when it does, the choice epitomizes heroism, patriotism and nationalism. No one else can meet such expectations as Pacquiao.

The significance of what Pacman has achieved goes beyond physical, emotional and psychological demands of boxing. Once in the ring, he brings with him the heart and soul of his countrymen. It puts to a litmus test whether he personifies the core values of Filipinos in trying times.

And indeed, Pacquiao proved to the world that by dint of hard work, courage and determination, the Filipino can excel in any field of challenges and emerge as the best. Like Pacquiao, countless Filipinos too, both here and abroad, have reaped such enviable accolade in information technology, engineering, medical science and other areas.

No doubt, Pacquiao has earned a distinct and unique place in the global history of Filipinos. Other than his iconic stature as a national treasure, Pacquiao has certainly redefined the Filipino identity as reflective of the diverse, resilient and rich cultural heritage of a nation.

It will be an opportunity to interact with community press practitioners who, like him, also come from the provinces. In more ways than one, these mass media communicators act as Pacquiao’s link to the people waiting for a blow-by-blow account of his fight for a share of greatness.

Source: tempo.com.ph