The arena was set, gloves were laced, cameras primed—yet one of the central figures of the anticipated bout was missing. Acting Davao Mayor Baste Duterte’s conspicuous no-show from the boxing match against PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre was more than just a broken bout—it was a metaphorical dodge of accountability. It was a case of no -show and we see beyond the default, we say the problematic reality that optics in times of trouble are not dependable.
From where we sit , the now no-show event was more than just a let-down it is a study of quitting. In Waray waray words na-irit, in Eastern Samar words Nabuwit/Nabuyet, which means running away from the task at hand or better, yet the ultimate Waray is Nanalaw ( naduwag in Filipino). The eagerly anticipated boxing match was waited on by Filipinos, most of them hoping that the fight will take place, and someone can defeat another . But it was sad to say that the duel never happened because the Acting Mayor Baste Duterte had other things to do, perhaps better than defending the honor and refusing to face the challenge he even called.
It was problematic for the Duterte camp because it shows a clear example of how the clan falters on matters that are vital, like the fact that public service entails sacrifice and that honors of constituents including their needs must be defended and fought for. How can people expect the delivery of promise when it can just be deflected by an excuse or a deflection?
This was not just a spectacle of fists and footwork. It was a stage where principles were to be tested, not in bravado, but in service. And in that light, Gen. Torre stepped forward, alone but unshaken, embodying a quiet strength that true leadership requires. He understood the crowd was not there for punches alone—they were there to witness commitment, courage, and care. With the absence of his opponent, Torre’s decision to fight anyway—and raise over P20 million for calamity-stricken Filipinos—became the actual victory.
And that for us Waraynon, we saw the clear opposites, one who is willing to heckle and run or someone who is willing to be bloodied and even manhandled because of the defense of one’s honor. According to noted Film Director Woody Allen, 80 percent of success is showing up. Today, we are given a throwback of that Filipino saying Ang Umaayaw ay hindi nagwawagi!!
