With a flurry of camera strobes and berserk punches, Manny Pacquiao—gray temples, muscles no longer what they once were—has stunned the boxing world with a comeback-for-the-ages. Sparing his creaky frame, the graciousness of wearing gloves again may not be kind to it, but it is the exact remedy that the sport so badly requires to cleanse itself of taint and doldrums. Leave him to box, and not fool around in politics, sing in concerts, or parade on the basketball court—boxers’ canvas is his altar, and there he is fitted to stay.

Something poignant in a man’s going back to where he started as a hero. This is the squared circle where a small-town nobody was battered into a world icon. But time, that merciless referee, keeps on ticking. A return at mid-forties is not only a gamble—it’s a disregard for all that biology dictates. And yet, here he is, taking blows instead of voting legislation into being, doing what he does best as the sport wracks itself for sincerity. It’s a world in which it seems like most fights are tainted by lucrative choices, hype, pomp, and mysterious match-fixing plots that Pacquiao’s comeback could be boxing’s final raw punch.
The sport requires him more now, not so much his name, but his heart. Those were the days of true rivalries and clean fights; now, too many fighters are sidestepping legitimate opponents or padding records like a politician padding his resume. Pacquiao, with all his shortcomings, never took the easy route. He climbed through divisions like a madman, leaving his blood in every fight, not only his gloves. His comeback will not cure all that ails boxing, but it is a pleasant reminder of what true grit is. And grit, as opposed to talent, does not get worse with age—it gets better.

We had all gritted our teeth through him dabbling in politics, music, and basketball—all forays more humiliating than the previous one. Politics left him infuriatingly over his head. In music, out of tune. On the canvas, bless his heart, he was almost like a mascot who would not remain on the bench. None of those coliseums unraveled his magic. They only suppressed the legend. But with boxing, all of his jabs, even at his ripe age, still resound like poetry in motion. Filipinos do not just respect him there—they believe in him. That faith shatters when he is at the podium of the Senate or gripping the microphone.

And it’s not just us who feel this way. Globally, Pacquiao is respected not for his speeches or soundtracks, but for being that rare fighter who unified belts without unifying bullshit. He fought giants with no excuses. He absorbed losses like a man, never blaming judges or injuries. That humility, that warrior spirit—that’s what elevated him from athlete to legend. His return, if questionable in terms of his medical fitness, reintroduces at least a touch of that innocence to a sport that’s become reliant on flash but lost some of its flair.

They’re right to be concerned about his health. He’s not 25 anymore. His punches have more bite now, and the comeback gets harder. But something must also be said about a man who knows who he is and what turns him on. Some languish at their best. Pacquiao, interestingly, flourishes in combat. Let us not pretend that this has to do with titles or finances. This is about dignity. The boxer is reclaiming his soul from a string of misadventures and providing fans—namely those that were let down by the recent circus acts of pugilism—a reason to return once more.

Naturally, his return won’t rewrite the sport’s problematic scripts overnight. But it will refocus attention away from celebrity matches and YouTuber fight clubs and onto actual matches. It will set the conversation back onto footwork and endurance, not odds and trending politicking. More significant is that it might remind young brawlers that greatness is not everything about going viral. It’s about fighting twelve rounds when your legs are as weak as noodles and your lungs are burning. Pacquiao’s is not a tale of stardom. It’s about staying true to one’s calling at all costs.

Let him fight. Not for always—just long enough for the fire to go out. He doesn’t have to prove anything anymore. But if getting back in the ring brings order to the sport, reassurance to his people, and closure to his own legend, then ring the bell. Just please, no more records, no more Senate hearings, and for goodness’ sake, no more half-court baskets. Leave the other rings in the past—this was the only one that ever fit.

Of all the issues raised against the former and now detained president, it is the bank records of his family that irks and cause him to turn berserk. He portrayed himself to be poor and without riches despite his being a lawyer and a mayor for decades. He ruled with an iron fist wielding power with guns and goons who enforced his bloody war on drugs in his city.

Those tagged as users and pushers were reportedly warned to stop their lifestyle of being in the drug trade. Those who do not follow the stern admonition are reportedly advised to leave the city, else, they would be shoot and thrown elsewhere. That was his way of cleaning his city from the evils of illegal drugs.

Over the years of his reign as mayor, he was able to build an image of a purported drug-free city where peace and public safety were the seal of his governance. People lauded and supported his bloody anti-illegal drugs program. It was a program that puts every suspected drug-user and drug pusher as unworthy to live.

It is reportedly difficult for suspects to evade the ruthless means as the informers are reportedly just among the people in the community and are not identified as agents of the law. Once targets are identified, a different group would carry-out the elimination of the suspects. The perpetrators could not be caught as the police are part of the entire system. The culprits appear beyond the arms of the law as the police and law enforcers were often looking the other way as the executioners perform their mission.

It was only when the justice department under then justice secretary Leila De Lima conducted an investigation into the operations of a reported Davao Death Squad that untold information regarding the bloody drug war in the city caused alarm and concern to many people across the country. It also encouraged people who were part of the bloody drug was to come out and tell their stories about the ways surrounding the operations.
The investigation was ignited by the growing deaths not just of suspected drug users and pushers. People who openly criticize and oppose the bloody drug was were made targets for elimination according to reports from concerned observers in the communities. Even media people and journalists were subjected to threats for their life merely due to their opposition or non-conformance with the bloody drug war. Those who could not bear the threats preferred silence. The fearless media reporters and commentators were unfortunately sent to kingdom come.

In the period when the then mayor became president, the bloody drug war of his city were replicated and made nationwide. It was after the expiration of his term as president and the presidential immunity from suit that issues over his unexplained bank accounts as well as his children that were brought to the limelight. This time, the goons could no longer brag on the president whose unexplained riches, power and influence are no longer a thing they could bank on.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

THE obvious lesson we can immediately gather from the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10,25,37) is that we should have true empathy and compassion with everyone, irrespective of how those involved are, whether they are friendly or not, of our type or kind or not, likeable and lovable or not, etc. We should try to have a universal heart, quick to serve anyone, irrespective of who or how one is.

The more subtle lesson we should draw from it, however, is that we should be wary of our tendency to rely mainly on our titles, status or whatever privileges and entitlements we have. This reliance may not be openly seen, and that’s the problem to face and resolve.
Very often, even if we profess ourselves to be truly and entirely Christian, in reality there are some hidden things that would belie such claim. We may talk a lot about charity and show in some external acts that we are living it, but very often if not always, we can always find ourselves in some inconsistent condition, because there are times when we fail to live charity truly.

We can be choosy as to whom to be compassionate as well as to the kind of conditions that would prevail in a certain occasion. We expect that all the conditions be favorable for us to show charity. When sacrifices are involved, especially the extraordinary ones, we tend to turn a blind eye, just like what the priest and the Levite did in the parable.

This is not to mention that we all have certain biases and preferences that would prevent us from having a heart that would show and give love at all times, irrespective of the circumstances around.

We truly need to address this problem realistically. And the first thing to consider is to acknowledge our deficiencies with respect to the charity expected of us as true children of God. This may take a lifetime, but it is worthwhile to keep doing something to make our heart resemble more and more like that of the Good Samaritan, or to put it bluntly, a heart like that of Christ.

In our prayers, examinations of conscience and other spiritual and ascetical exercises, let us identify those items or aspects of charity where we are failing or lagging behind. It could be that we are still dominated by what and whom we like and dislike, or by the fear of more sacrifices especially if they are occasioned by surprises.

Definitely, we need to ask for grace, but we also need to develop a certain discipline that would enable us to truly have a charity, empathy and compassion that have a universal scope.

It is also helpful that we avail ourselves of some help from someone who can truly give us guidance in our pursuit for personal conversion. Obviously, in this regard, we need to be open, sincere and transparent, putting all the cards on the table without hiding anything.
We have to learn how to discipline our feelings and passions, teaching them to go along the true spirit of charity as Christ himself has shown, commanded and enabled us to have. This can mean that we learn, for example, how to convert difficult and humbling moments into moments of graciousness and magnanimity.

In our pursuit to have this kind of charity, we should have the sensation that we are becoming “all things to all men” as St. Paul once said (1 Cor 9,22), willing to “bear one another’s burdens.” (Gal 6,2) This is when we can truly be a Good Samaritan to anyone, whatever may be the circumstance.

Curiosity, that innate human desire to explore the unknown, is more than just a fleeting interest; it’s a powerful engine driving personal growth and, surprisingly, confidence. While confidence is often associated with outward displays of self-assuredness, its roots lie in a deep understanding of oneself and the world around us. Curiosity, in its relentless pursuit of knowledge and experience, provides the fertile ground for this understanding to blossom, ultimately nurturing a robust and resilient sense of self-belief.

The connection between curiosity and confidence begins with the simple act of asking questions. A curious mind is not afraid to admit what it doesn’t know. Vulnerability, often mistaken for weakness, is paradoxically a source of strength. Embracing vulnerability fosters authenticity and deeper connections. It allows for genuine self-expression, fostering empathy and understanding in relationships. By acknowledging our imperfections and uncertainties, we create space for growth, learning, and resilience. This openness invites support and collaboration, ultimately strengthening our capacity for resilience and fostering stronger bonds. Vulnerability is not a flaw, but a pathway to genuine connection and personal development. It allows for a more honest self-assessment, acknowledging limitations without judgment. This self-awareness is the first crucial step towards building confidence. Instead of feeling inadequate for lacking certain knowledge or skills, a curious individual embraces the opportunity to learn and grow, transforming a perceived deficiency into a path towards mastery.

Furthermore, curiosity fosters a growth mindset. Individuals driven by curiosity see challenges not as obstacles to overcome, but as opportunities to expand their knowledge and abilities. They understand that intelligence and talent are not fixed traits, but rather malleable capacities that can be developed through persistent effort and learning. This belief in their capacity for growth fuels their confidence, empowering them to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm rather than fear. They view setbacks not as failures, but as valuable learning experiences, providing insights and refining their approach.

The process of learning itself is intrinsically rewarding. The process of learning, mastering new skills, and acquiring knowledge is deeply satisfying and profoundly boosts confidence. Each new skill learned expands our capabilities and sense of self-efficacy. This sense of accomplishment fosters a positive feedback loop: success breeds further motivation to learn and grow. The resulting self-assurance extends beyond the specific skill acquired, permeating various aspects of life, leading to increased self-esteem and a more positive outlook. This continuous cycle of learning and growth fuels personal and professional development, creating a resilient and confident individual. Each new piece of information, each mastered skill, contributes to a growing sense of competence and self-efficacy. This positive feedback loop reinforces the belief in one’s abilities, fostering a more positive self-image and increasing self-assurance in various aspects of life. This is not merely about accumulating facts; it’s about the active engagement with the learning process, the struggle, the breakthroughs, and the ultimate sense of accomplishment that follows.

Beyond intellectual pursuits, curiosity extends to interpersonal relationships. A curious individual is genuinely interested in others, actively listening and seeking to understand diverse perspectives. This empathetic approach not only strengthens connections but also builds confidence in social interactions. By engaging with others authentically, curious individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves within the context of human relationships, further enhancing their self-awareness and self-acceptance. This contributes to a more secure and confident social presence.

Moreover, curiosity encourages exploration and experimentation. It pushes individuals beyond their comfort zones, prompting them to try new things, embrace new experiences, and step outside of their pre-conceived notions. These experiences, even if not always successful, contribute to a broader understanding of oneself and one’s capabilities. The willingness to take risks and learn from both successes and failures is a hallmark of a confident individual. Curiosity fuels this willingness, fostering resilience and adaptability, two essential components of self-assuredness.

In conclusion, curiosity is not merely a personality trait; it’s a catalyst for personal growth and a cornerstone of confidence. By embracing the unknown, asking questions, fostering a growth mindset, and engaging actively with the world, individuals cultivate a deep understanding of themselves and their capabilities. This self-awareness, coupled with the intrinsic rewards of learning and the resilience gained through exploration, ultimately builds a strong and enduring sense of confidence, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with assurance and grace. The journey of curiosity is, in essence, a journey of self-discovery, leading to a more confident and fulfilling life.
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