“Who would have thought that a poor boy from Mindanao, who could hardly eat a decent meal and did not finish school, can rise above the difficult circumstances and be a recipient of this unique award? “
This was how Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao’s opening statement in his keynote speech during Saturday’s 11th Elorde Awards Night where he was recipient of the Quintessential Athlete award.
Pacquiao’s message was centred on how one should make a choice in everything he does to become a member of a strong, healthy and responsible citizen.
“In this ever changing world, we need to be grounded on principles so we can make wise choices,” Pacquiao, an elected member of Congress representing the Province of Sarangani, said. “With values based on principles, we can make wise choices.”
“Look at us. We made a choice to believe in victories in the midst of battles. We are living testimonies of how we can rise in the midst of pain,” the eight-division world champion and pound-for-pound king said.
Pacquiao recalled how he fought to survive to rise from the quagmire of his past station in life to reach where he is now.
“In my journey, I realized that there is so much more to life than poverty and misery, he explained. “As an athlete, I decided to move out of my comfort zone. As a Filipino, I decided to dream big and conquer the world. As I developed my skills and stretched my abilities, I expanded my territory so that, in the process, my circle of influence was enlarged.”
Like Elorde, who he said is his idol and inspiration, Pacquiao reminded his audience and those who care to listen not to forget God, the source, he added, of all the things people enjoy.
“Let me declare that this award, and our celebration tonight, are reminders that with God, all things are possible. We have been given so much that we overflow with thanksgiving. But in the midst of all our achievements, let us believe there is more,” the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight belt-holder, a devout Catholic whose prayers before and after a fight is a trademark, emphasized.
“There is more to dream, more to accomplish. There is more to explore, more to discover, he said rather philosophically. “There is more for every boxer, more for every Filipino. There is more for us who believe in the magnet of dreams and the power of God.”
“God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, far above we can ever ask or imagine. Together, let us choose to bring back all the glory and honour to him,” he averred.
Pacquiao thanked his countrymen for continuously supporting him in his every fight. “Thank you for believing in me and the potentials of Filipino boxers. Your love and support are the wind beneath our wings.”
He also gave credit to wife Jinkee, children Michael, Jimwell, Princes and Queen Elizabeth, parents and siblings for helping him realize the value of family, trainer Freddie Roach for challenging him to stretch his muscles, imagination and faith.
The Pacman also had good words for Top Rank’s Bob Arum, his promoter, who he said inspired him to see beyond his dreams, and Team Pacquiao for reminding him that one is too small a number to achieve greatness.
Source: PhilBoxing.com
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