2010 OBLATION RUN THEME by ETA CHAPTER (Dec.15, 2010)

On its 33rd staging, the Oblation Run remains the iconic ideal of the
University of the Philippines – offering oneself to others. Since its
inception in 1977, the Oblation Run has sought to bring to the fore the
burning issues of the day – be it for the benefit of the studentry and the
university, or of society as a whole. However, this year’s Oblation Run will
focus on a direct affront on the honor and dignity of the Alpha Phi Omega as
this ramifies to particular individuals and ultimately to the society at
large.

The tragedy that was the 2010 Bar Exams Bombing spawned another tragedy
which directly affected Alpha Phi Omega as an organization: the tragedy of a
Secretary of Justice pinpointing APO as the perpetrator of the dastardly
deed even before all angles of the incident has been exhaustively
investigated and intelligently discarded. It was, after all, Sherlock Holmes
who said, in the “Sign of the Four” that “when you have eliminated the
impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” To
further cast calumny on Alpha Phi Omega, the Secretary of Justice
questionably blamed Alpha Phi Omega as the perpetrator of two other grenade
attacks in Metro Manila and, thereafter, directed the NBI to find the
evidence to sustain her determination. This is not justice nor even a parody
of justice but a clear case of pseudo-bill of attainder where membership to
APO automatically makes one a suspect. The Secretary of Justice makes a
mockery of the Blackstonian formulation that “better that ten guilty persons
escape than that one innocent suffer.” This is the reason for the call:

JUSTICE FOR ALPHA PHI OMEGA

The tragedy of blaming Alpha Phi Omega for the incident has spawned a much
greater tragedy: that the true perpetrators of the 2010 Bar Exams Grenade
Attack will go scot-free, never to face the bar of justice. As the State’s
resources are expended on a clearly unjust prosecution, the trail leading to
the true architects of the crime becomes obfuscated while the memories of
the witnesses, defective as these naturally are, become even more defective
as these are diluted by misidentifications of the clearly innocent. And as
the trail grows cold and memories fade, the offenders escape unscathed even
by the vexations of accusation and prosecution. In the end, therefore, the
victims are the true losers which is the reason for the cry:

JUSTICE TO THE BAR BLAST VICTIMS

The greatest injustice of all is that the agency which is tasked by law to
determine probable cause makes an accusation before gathering evidence to
support the indictment. To make matters worse, the Secretary of Justice
publicly denounces Alpha Phi Omega, forgetting her duties, both as THE
Secretary of Justice, a FORMER Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, and,
most importantly, as a lawyer trained in the intricacies of the law, that
the pantheon upon which all rights proceed is that: “No person shall be
deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall
any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.” Equally forgotten is
the premier legal presumption of all, which applies in all instances and in
all cases that “a person is presumed to be innocent of crime or wrong.” When
these rights and presumption are forsaken for the sake of expediency, then
we revert to the tyranny of old where the fate of all persons are
determined, not by law, but by the will of the individual who rules over his
fellowmen. Thus, we plead for –

JUSTICE FOR ALL

As our brothers “streak through storied history,” never before has an issue
directly affected the Fraternity as the present witch hunt. Never before has
the spirit of defiance and freedom been more apropos than at present where
the strong arm of the State has once more been heavily laid.

Miscellaneous thoughts

Two wrongs don't make a right

The Judge asked the Chinaman why he should be granted a divorce. Showing the Judge a picture of their son, he said " Your honor, two Wongs cannot make a White! "

Did you see that movie about a Black kung Fu guy named "Bruce Leroy" ?
Nobody believes me but it is true.

(What do we have the DOJ for?)
Ask Ms. Leila De Lima-hong!

Tonight we are expecting freezing rain in Hornylulu. Temperature is expected to go down a low
70 Degrees. A flash flood warning is in effect for the weekend. Alpha Phi Omega AA of Hawaii will have the entire Ala Moana Beach Park for our annual Christmas and Anniversary picnic.
In Hornylulu when it rains, everybody goes to the Mall and the Beaches would be empty..

I just came from the Dentist today after a two hour pre-capping preparation on 4 teeth.
He must have used 6 syringes of Novocain just to minimize the pain. With all that stuff, even if the entire VS runway show flashed before me It would not elicit any response. I hope this condition does not last more than a couple of days.

Now I remember part of a skit we did during the finals. The punch line was "Down, boy, Down".
And the other one was (In a masculine voice): "Ewan ko Doc". I think that is why they beat the heck out of us.

-------------------------------------------

This is not for the dilettante of the law, but let me take a shot on the FIVE FATAL FLAWS of EO1 per Justice Brion

1. It is violative of due process requirements
(Presumed Innocence)

2. It is violative of the Constitutional role of separation of powers
(It's Congress' job! Why aren't they part of the act? Address EO1 to Congress!)

3. It has an unconstitutional impact on the established legal framework of the criminal justice system
(What do we have the DOJ for?)

4. It violates the personal rights of the accused and their Constitutional rights to a fair trial
(Perpetrating bias and coloring the opinion of the public against the "accused" ie thru media etc)

5. It violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution.
(The Truth Commission would be a precedent we'd wish we didn't have!)

Justice Brion discussed extensively the doctrine of separation of powers, reminding . . . that only Congress has the authority to create an office. << ( Amen )

Funny, that the same fatal flaws had been abused arrogantly and splashed all over the media by those who're supposed to uphold the rights of citizens and the rule of law in enforcing the law.

APO plans to block De Lima appointment to DOJ

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:07:00 11/28/2010

MANILA, Philippines—The influential Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is planning to turn the tables on Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, who implicated the group in three grenade attacks in Manila.

Saying authorities produced no hard evidence to back the accusations, senior APO official Ferdie Ramos on Friday said the fraternity would go after De Lima before the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA).

Ramos said the group was banking on the supposed support of at least seven members of the body, including Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who is a purported member.

Ramos admitted that such a tact would place APO in a “no-win situation.”

“But we will do it if only to make a point,” he told the Inquirer in a phone interview.

“We want to send the message that she cannot just go around town accusing us of a wrongdoing without presenting any evidence.”

Ramos, who was a senior campaigner for former President Joseph Estrada in the May 2010 elections, was also relying on his fraternity's supposed affiliation with the political opposition to nail De Lima at the CA.

“We have more than seven supporters or sympathizers in the CA,” he said.

“Remember that the opposition outnumbers the administration
in the CA.”

Citing findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), De Lima
earlier tagged APO members in the Sept. 27 bar examination

blast that wounded 47 people in Manila.

The NBI later informed De Lima that the group was also behind similar
grenade attacks at La Consolacion College in

2008 and at the University of Perpetual Help this year.

“The authors of these incidents, of these grenade-throwing incidents, are
connected,” she had told reporters.

But more than two weeks after the disclosure, De Lima and the NBI were yet
to produce any evidence against APO or arrest a member of the fraternity,
according to Ramos.

Only Anthony Nepomuceno, 27, had been officially identified as the one who
had lobbed a grenade in front of the De La Salle University

on Taft Avenue in September.

A Simple, Inexpensive Trick to Cure a Cold - Part 2

Dietary Strategies to Kick a Cold

If you feel yourself coming down with a cold or flu, this is NOT the time to be eating ANY sugar, artificial sweeteners or processed foods. Sugar is particularly damaging to your immune system -- which needs to be ramped up, not suppressed, in order to combat an emerging infection. So if you are fighting a cold, you'll want to avoid all sugar like the plague, and this includes sugar in the form of fruit juice and even grains (which break down as sugar in your body).

Ideally, you must address nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress issues the moment you first feel yourself getting a bug. This is when immune-enhancing strategies will be most effective. So when you're coming down with a cold, it's time to address ALL of the contributing factors immediately, which includes tweaking your diet in favor of foods that will strengthen your immune response. Good
choices include:

Raw, grass-fed organic milk, and/or high-quality whey protein Fermented foods such as raw kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, etc, which are rich in probiotics, or good bacteria. Scientific research shows that 80 percent of your immune system resides inside your digestive tract, so eating probiotic-rich
foods, or taking a high-quality probiotic, will help support your immune
system health. Raw, organic eggs from free-ranging, preferably local, chickens Grass-fed beef Coconuts and coconut oil Animal-based omega-3 fats, such as krill oil Locally grown fruits and vegetables, appropriate for your nutritional type
Mushrooms, especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake, which contain beta glucans (which have immune-enhancing properties) Garlic, a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ideally this should be in fresh form, eaten raw and crushed with a spoon just before eating. Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores: Turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves (for more on ORAC, visit www.oracvalues.com) Make sure you are drinking plenty of fresh, pure water. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body and will help with nose stuffiness and loosening secretions. You should drink enough water so that your urine is a light, pale yellow. And what about the old wives' tale of chicken soup for your cold?

Chicken soup can help reduce your symptoms. Chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily.

Processed, canned soups won't work as well as the homemade version, however.
For best results, make up a fresh batch yourself (or ask a friend or family member to do so) and make the soup hot and spicy with plenty of pepper. The spices will trigger a sudden release of watery fluids in your mouth, throat, and lungs, which will help thin down the respiratory mucus so it's easier to cough up and expel.

Three Cold-Busting Lifestyle Strategies

Vitamin D, check! Hydrogen peroxide, check! Healthy diet, check!
We've covered several of the primary "weapons" you should have in your
cold-fighting arsenal, but there are others, too.
High-Quality Sleep, and Plenty of It

Pay attention to how you are sleeping. If you aren't getting enough sleep, or enough restorative sleep, you'll be at increased risk for a hostile viral takeover. Your immune system is also the most effective when you're not sleep-deprived, so the more rested you are the quicker you'll recover. You can find 33 secrets for a good night's sleep here.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is a crucial strategy for increasing your resistance to illness. There is evidence that regular, moderate exercise can reduce your risk for respiratory illness by boosting your immune system. In fact, one study found that people who exercised regularly (five or more days a week) cut their risk of having a cold by close to 50 percent. And, in the event they did catch a cold, their symptoms were much less severe than among those who did not exercise.

Exercise likely cuts your risk of colds so significantly because it triggers a rise in immune system cells that can attack any potential invaders. Each time you exercise you can benefit from this boost to your immune system.
Ideally, establish a regular fitness program, such as Peak Fitness, now, to help you ward off colds and other illness.

However, if you're already feeling sick don't overdo it.
Over-exercising can actually place more stress on your body, which can suppress your immune system -- and you don't want that either. You might just go for a walk if you are coming down with a cold, or simply tone down your regular workout.
Any rise in body temperature will be an unwelcome climate for a viral invader, though, so some exercise is likely to be beneficial.

Address Your Emotional Stress

Emotional stressors can also predispose you to an infection while making cold symptoms worse.
Finding ways to manage daily stress as well as your reactions to circumstances beyond your control will contribute to a strong and resilient immune system.
My favorite tool for this is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a system that helps balance your body's subtle energies and repair emotional "short-circuits." EFT may even help you overcome cold symptoms.

Supplements That Send Pathogens Packin'

Supplements can be beneficial for colds, but they should be used only as an adjunct to the lifestyle measures already discussed.
Some of the more helpful options for cold (and flu) -- above and beyond vitamin D -- are:
Vitamin C: A very potent antioxidant; use a natural form such as acerola, which contains associated micronutrients. You can take several grams every hour till you are better unless you start developing loose stools Oregano Oil: The higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Carvacrol is the most active
antimicrobial agent in oregano oil. Propolis: A bee resin and one of the most
broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world; propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response and even fight cancer. A tea made from a combination of elderflower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system. Olive leaf extract: Ancient Egyptians and
Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health-promoting uses
and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.

Remember This Tip: Wash Your Hands Sensibly

Washing your hands frequently is one of the easiest ways to wipe out germs and viruses and reduce your chances of becoming sickened by them. Thorough hand-washing truly is an important step, as you are at far greater risk of passing on an infection by shaking someone's hand than even by sharing a kiss.
One report even found that regular hand washing may be more effective than drugs in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza.

When you wash up, plain soap and water will do. Do not make the mistake of using antibacterial cleansers, as their widespread use is leading to strains of resistant bacteria, or "superbugs," which cause the ingredients to lose effectiveness for the times when they really are needed, such as for surgeons prior to surgery.

Further, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth. But not only does triclosan kill bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells.

Antibacterial soaps are also no more effective than regular soaps. One study found people who used antibacterial soaps and cleansers developed a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms just as often as people who used products that did not contain antibacterial ingredients. So please avoid making the mistake of using antibacterial liquids and soaps.

Too Much Hand-Washing Can Backfire …

There is another important caveat to remember, and that is your skin is actually your primary defense against bacteria -- not the soap. So resist the urge to become obsessive about washing your hands. If you wash them too frequently you can actually extract many of the protective oils in your skin, which can cause your skin to crack and bleed.

It is rare for a germ on your skin to cause a problem -- it is typically only an issue when you transfer that to your nose, mouth or an open wound like cracked skin. So obsessive-compulsive washing can actually increase your risk of getting sick by providing an entryway for potentially dangerous pathogens.
So mild to moderate washing is wise, but excessive washing, especially with harsh soaps, will actually be highly counterproductive.

Avoid the Antibiotics!

More than 300 different viruses can cause colds, so each time you have a cold it is caused by a distinct virus (i.e. adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus). A virus is much smaller than a bacteria; it is a tiny cluster of genetic material surrounded by a protein wrapper.

There are currently NO drugs available that can kill these viruses. Antibiotics, including penicillin, do not have any effect on viruses, but unfortunately have been vastly over-prescribed for this very (useless) purpose. That, coupled with the excessive use of antibiotics in agriculture, has contributed to a steep rise in antibiotic-resistant diseases.

Antibiotic-resistant infections now claim more lives each year than the "modern plague" of AIDS, and cost the American health care system some $20 billion a year!

Further, according to one meta-analysis, the health risk from over-use of antibiotics is also a very personal one, as opposed to simply raising the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in the general population over time.

Whenever you use an antibiotic, you're increasing your susceptibility to developing infections with resistance to that antibiotic -- and you can become the carrier of this resistant bug, and spread it to others.

So please, if you have a simple cold remember that an antibiotic will do far more harm than good.

When Should You Call Your Physician?

Sinus, ear and lung infections (bronchitis and pneumonia) are examples of bacterial
infections that do respond to antibiotics. If you develop any of the following symptoms, these are signs you may be suffering from a bacterial infection rather than a cold virus, and you should call your physician's office:

Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) Ear pain Pain around your eyes, especially with a green nasal discharge Shortness of breath or a persistent uncontrollable cough Persistently coughing up green and yellow sputum Generally speaking, however, if you have a cold medical care is not necessary. Rest and attention to the lifestyle factors noted above will help you to recover quickly and, if you stick to them, will significantly reduce your chances of catching another one anytime soon.

A Simple, Inexpensive Trick to Cure a Cold - Part 1

Posted By
Dr. Mercola
November 22 2010

Each year Americans catch more than one billion colds, making the cold virus
the most common infectious disease in the United States. It accounts for more school absences and missed work than any other illness, and it's the number one reason people visit their physicians -- even though most physicians have little to offer in the form of treatment.

It's a widespread misconception that colds are caused by bacteria. Colds are actually triggered by a virus, which means if your physician prescribes you an antibiotic, it will be absolutely useless. More on this shortly, but before I delve into simple prevention and treatment strategies it's important you know how colds are contracted in the first place.

How Do You Catch a Cold?

The most common way cold viruses are spread is not from being around coughing or sneezing, or walking barefoot in the rain, but rather from hand-to-hand contact. For instance, someone with a cold blows their nose then shakes your hand or touches surfaces that you also touch. Cold viruses can live on pens, computer keyboards, coffee mugs and other objects for hours, so it's easy to come into contact with such
viruses during daily life.

However, the key to remember is that just being exposed to a cold virus does not have to mean that you'll catch a cold. If your immune system is operating at its peak, it should actually be quite easy for you to fend off the virus without ever getting sick.

If your immune system is impaired, on the other hand, it's akin to having an open-door policy for viruses; they'll easily take hold in your body. So the simple and short answer is, you catch a cold due to impairment in your immune system. There are many ways this can result, but the more common contributing factors are:
Eating too much sugar and too many grains Not getting enough rest Using insufficient strategies to address emotional stressors in your life Vitamin D deficiency, as discussed below

Any combination of the above

Vitamin D Deficiency: Another Reason You May "Catch" a Cold

It's estimated that the average U.S. adult typically has two to four colds each year, while children may have up to 12! One reason for the widespread prevalence may be that vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common in the United States, especially during the winter months when cold (and flu) viruses are at their peak.
Research has confirmed that "catching" colds and flu may actually be a symptom of an underlying vitamin D deficiency. Less than optimal vitamin D levels will significantly impair your immune response and make you far more susceptible to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections.

In the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date, involving about 19,000 Americans, people with the lowest vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu -- and the risk was even greater for those with chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.

At least five additional studies also show an inverse association between lower respiratory tract infections and vitamin D levels, and you can read about them in detail here. But the research is very clear, the higher your vitamin D level, the
lower your risk of contracting colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections.
It's not surprising, then, that the average American gets so many colds each year, as current guidelines for optimal intake and normal vitamin D levels are far too low -- and since most people do not get adequate sun exposure on a daily basis (which is what produces vitamin D in your skin) many are deficient. I strongly believe you could avoid colds and influenza entirely by maintaining your vitamin D level in the optimal range.

How Long Do Colds Last … and How Can You Make Your Cold Go Away Faster?

Most uncomplicated colds last between eight and nine days, but about 25 percent last two weeks, and 5-10 percent last three weeks. Even the most stubborn colds will typically resolve in a few weeks' time; this is actually one of the ways you can distinguish a cold from allergies. A cold will last, at most, a few weeks, but allergy symptoms can last all season. How quickly you bounce back is typically defined by you and your collective lifestyle habits -- and this does not mean popping over-the-counter cough and cold remedies or fever reducers. In fact, as long as your temperature remains below 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) there is no need to lower it.
Cold viruses do not reproduce at higher body temperatures, so a slight fever should help you get rid of the virus quicker and help you to feel better much sooner.
You should avoid taking over-the-counter pain-relief medications as well, as a study showed that people who take aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) suppress their body's ability to produce antibodies to destroy the cold virus. Aspirin has even been linked to lung complications including pulmonary edema, an abnormal build up of fluid in your lungs, when taken in excess.

You should only use these medications when absolutely necessary, such as if you have a temperature greater than 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C), severe muscle aches or weakness.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Simple Trick to Beat a Cold

I don't advise over-the-counter medications, but one simple treatment you can try that is surprisingly effective against upper respiratory infections is hydrogen peroxide.

Many patients at my Natural Health Center have had remarkable results in curing colds and flu within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation.

Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide in 3 percent solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars or less. It is simply amazing how many people respond to this simple, inexpensive treatment.

So What Else Can You do to Recover From a Cold, Quicker … and Prevent One in the First Place?

As I said above, the number one way to conquer a cold (or flu) is vitamin D. Vitamin D is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. So optimizing your levels will not only help send a cold virus packing … it will help ward off cold viruses in the first place.

The best source for vitamin D is direct sun exposure. But for many of us, this just isn't practical during the winter. The next best option to sunlight is the use of a safe indoor tanning device. If neither natural nor artificial sunlight is an option, then using oral vitamin D3 supplements is your best bet.

Based on the latest research, many experts now agree you need about 35 IU's of vitamin D per pound of body weight. This recommendation also includes children, the elderly and pregnant women. However, keep in mind that vitamin D requirements are highly individual, as your vitamin D status is dependent on numerous factors, such as the color of your skin, your location, and how much sunshine you're exposed to on a regular basis. So, although these recommendations may put you closer to the ballpark of what most people likely need, it is simply impossible to make a blanket recommendation that will cover everyone's needs.

The only way to determine your optimal dose is to get your blood tested. Ideally, you'll want to maintain a vitamin D level of 50-65 ng/ml year-round.
For an in-depth explanation of everything you need to know before you get tested, please read my latest updates in Test Values and Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency.

Reducing the Deficit

As an armchair critic from Canada (it's like having a ringside seat watching the Reps and the Dems duke it out), tax cuts are nothing compared to defense spending. Do you really think the US need to have all these troops worldwide?

(66,418 troops in Germany? for what? ... 53,360 troops in Japan? ... and where in the world is Diego Garcia? ... see the breakdown below). If the US bring home the troops, that would take care of the deficit.) And you think there are more US military personnel in Afghanistan?

source: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/deploy.htm

And not even one US military personnel in the Philippines after making their
presence there since the beginning of time ... well, after Aguinaldo.

(Of course, this list doesn't count the covert moles operating worldwide which would balloon the count to twice or more as listed here).


United States
133,000 ~370,000

Iraq-OIF (CENTCOM)
66,418

Germany (EUCOM)
53,360

Japan (PACOM)
30,983

South Korea (PACOM)
25,250

Kuwait-OIF (CENTCOM)
19,500

Afghanistan-OEF (CENTCOM)
11,841

Italy (EUCOM)
10,346


United Kingdom (EUCOM)
3,018

Guam (PACOM)
1,942

Spain (EUCOM)
1,801

Serbia (EUCOM)
1,866

Iceland (NORTHCOM)
1,763

Turkey (EUCOM)
1,641

Bahrain (CENTCOM)
1,366

Belgium (EUCOM)
1,200

Djibouti (CENTCOM)
962

Portugal (EUCOM)
773

Diego Garcia (PACOM)
701

Cuba (NORTHCOM)
583

Netherlands (EUCOM)
463

Qatar (CENTCOM)
436

Honduras (SOUTHCOM)
428

Greece (EUCOM)
254

Thailand (PACOM)
196

Australia (PACOM)
179

Puerto Rico (USNORTHCOM)
163

Singapore (PACOM)
71

Norway (EUCOM)
53

Pakistan-OEF (CENTCOM)
45

UAE (CENTCOM)
24

Oman (CENTCOM)
4

Wake Island (PACOM)
1

American Samoa (PACOM)
1

Northern Marianas Islands(PACOM)
1

US Virgin Islands(USNORTHCOM)
Me

Educating the world about atrocities against Filipinos one reader at a time" -Me

Better to light a candle than curse the darkness - ancient Chinese proverb

Pacquiao-Margarito: What We Can Learn

Pacquiao-Margarito: What We Can Learn From The Humility, Empathy, and Grace of
Manny Pacquiao these qualities could make the future president of the Philippines
Posted by michaeldsellers on November 14th, 2010


Another Pacquiao fight — another drubbing of a much larger opponent, and Pacquaio’s legend as a boxer grows. But the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito produced not just a memorable pay-per-view experience worth every penny of the $64.95 it cost — it produced, for this observer at least, some moments of clarity that helped me better understand what makes the Filipino “National Fist” so much more than just a great athlete.

The True Tale of How the Fight Unfolded, and How Pacquaio Had to Fight Through Early Adversity to Gain Control

First, if you didn’t see the fight but have read about it, you probably have read that Pacquiao dominated; that he won every round or almost every round; that he cut Margarito to shreds so much so that everyone, including Pacquaio, had legitimate concerns about Margarito’s health and whether the fight should continuing the later rounds. That rendition of the fight is accurate up to a point — but it fails to capture the genuine peril that Pacquaio faced in the early rounds, the genuine threat that Margarito represented, and thus the challenge that Pacquiao overcame to prevail against Margarito–a fighter who was in the best shape of his life and weighed 165 to Pacquiao’s 148 on fight night–an advantage of not just 17 lbs but 12% of of body weight–a Goliath to Pacquiao’s David and a disgraced Mexican warrior on an epic quest for redemption Could Margarito have been more prepared or more motivated? I don’t see how. That’s what Pacquiao was up against.

Think it was easy for Pacquiao? Think again. As the fight began, Emmanuel Steward, hall of fame trainer and normally shrewd commentator for HBO said: “I see the size difference — it’s a big factor right now. I see he’s not used to punching at a man as big as this one who seems to be absorbing his blows pretty easily.” Then there was Margarito’s jab — a new weapon — that was touching Pacquiao up in the first round. Steward: “What I’m surprised about is Margarito’s jab, which is a very good move, and that seems at this stage to be the most dominant punch in the fight.” A few moments later, with a minute to go in the first round, Steward said of Pacquaio: “He may have a problem tonight — the physical size seems to be a big factor.” By the time the first round ended Pacquiao had thrown enough punches to win the round — but just barely, and the sense was that he could be in trouble, that he finally might have bitten off more than he could chew. The jab was a problem, the size difference was a problem, and Margarito–a notoriously slow starter–might get stronger as the fight wore on.

In the early part of the second round Max Kellerman — another normally astute boxing analyst and commentator, had this to say: “Margarito has landed not only some shots but a head butt followed by a right hand — these are hard shots from a big man.” This prompted Steward to repeat: “The size is being a big factor as I see it right here.” Then, after Pacquiao mounted a flurry that didn’t seem to hurt Margarito, Jim Lampley said: “The loss of power from punching up could be a factor in the fight” – meaning that Margarito’s height advantage was causing Pacquiao to punch skyward and this was taking power out of the punches. Then with 10 seconds to go in round 2, Steward said: “Looking at the eyes, Pacquiao is much more uncomfortable than Margarito is at this stage even though he may
be winning the fight.” Lampley: “Brand new experience for Pacquiao.”

Easy fight?

And that was how it felt after the first two rounds. But as he has so often in the past, Pacquiao — guided by the man he calls his “master” Freddie Roach — gradually began to solve the Margarito puzzle and find ways to use his astonishing hand speed, footwork, head movement, and ring savvy to start slicing his opponent, most notably opening a cut under Margarito’s right eye that almost immediately began to swell, causing the eye to almost close. [[Comment: Margarito went straight to the hospital after the fight and it was determined is orbital bone was broken.]] From there Manny gained the upper hand but even after the cut had begun a problem, there were some nerve wracking moments, notably in the 6th round when Margarito got Pacquaio against the ropes and hit him with a huge left to the liver that
buckled Pacquiao’s knees. Later, and more than once, he rocked Manny with uppercuts, most notably one in the 8th round that clearly hurt.

Yet in spite of being hurt more than once, Pacquaio dominated; he repeatedly landed power punches that soon had Margarto’s entire face swollen and bleeding and yet Margarito — to his credit as a warrior if not a sensible human — refused to go down and refused to stop.

By the 10th round there was ample reason to stop the fight–and Pacquaio glanced at the referee more than once as if to ask, “Shouldn’t you end this?”, and his look was one of concern, not bravado and dismissiveness. Steward at that point commented that while the referee had every reason to stop the fight–he wouldn’t because Margarito was still demonstrating his grit by throwing punches even though he could hardly see and his punches no longer had snap or power to them. To which Kellerman said, rightly: “It’s not about his eyes, it’s about his brain — how many power punches flush to the head can a man take?” And indeed, by the end, the compu-box figures that Pacquaio had landed a disturbing 401 power punches to Margarito’s head — and who knows when the damage from that kind of beating will present itself.
Margarito on his stool between the 11th and 12th rounds looked more like Rocky Balboa in the original “Rocky” than any real fight most of us have ever seen — both eyes almost swollen shut, punch drunk, but demanding that he be allowed to continue, to finish it. All that was missing was Margarito yelling “cut me” to make it a complete reprise of Hollywood’s epic and amped up vision of the outclassed warrior willing to risk everything to go the distance. There he was, insisting through his mangled features that he wanted to fight one more round, to make it to the end, and his corner let him do it–a decision that honored Margarito’s epic courage but placed him in epic danger.

And then it was the 12th round, with Margarito out on his feet and all but defenseless, game but beaten. There was every reason to believe that Pacquaio, hungry for the KO that would put the exclamation point on his performance, would swarm Margarito and either drop him at last, or mount a swarming, blistering final assault that would leave the referee with no choice but to stop it.
But that didn’t happen.

Grace in the 12th Round

The first sign that something special was about to happen came during the traditional touching of gloves before the last round. Pacquiao touched them up, but went a step further — giving a deep nod to Margarito – a salute — and then, as if to make sure the salute was understood, he touched his right glove one more time to Margarito’s — stepped back, crossed himself, and began to “fight” — but not quite. For the first 30 seconds of the round Pacquiao, who had been throwing power punches at a rate of one every five seconds of the entire fight, threw only two tentative punches that wouldn’t have hurt a fly, circling Margarito instead of engaging with him. Pacquiao threw his third punch – an inconsequential jab, 40 seconds into the round –thus three inconsequential punches 1/4 of the way through the final round, when by simple “average” punch count Pacquaio would by then have normally thrown at least 25 punches. Something was up.At 45 seconds into the round, Lampley was the first commentator to realize what was happening and comment on it: “Max, I honestly wonder whether Pacquiao has no more stomach for the punishment. He doesn’t seem eager to hit Margarito any more.” Kellerman: “It looks like he’s carrying Margarito right now.” Steward: “It’s much like Joe Calzaghe did…” Lampley: “Some of the greatest fighters in history have done this. There is no question Pacquiao is pulling his punches now. He is not following through and committing the way he does……it’s a nod to Margarito’s guts and courage…and Pacquaio is going to let him finish the fight.” And then Lampley capped it off — no doubt with some hyperbole — but then Pacquiao invites, and deserves, hyperbole: “This is not Manny Pacquaio the fighter, this is Manny Pacquiao the Congressman, Manny Pacquiao the cultural icon, Manny Pacquiao the citizen of the world. That’s the man who’s letting Margarito finish.”

Humility, Empathy, and Candor in the Post Fight Interviews

As the fight ended Pacquaio knelt in his corner in prayer as is his custom. I’ve watched Pacquiao do this and each time I’m struck by his body language as he prays – the intensity with which he clutches his gloves to his head, blocking out the crowd, the arena, the chaos around him creating what clearly must be a profound moment of heartfelt religious communion. And then, moments later as the championship belt was draped over his shoulders, a smiling Pacquiao immediately looked around for his crucifix – found it dangling from the hand of a handler, then immediately leaned forward, head bowed, placing it around his neck.

And then a gracious and amazingly (yet typically) humble post fight interview with Max Kellerman who started by saying: “Manny, that was a pretty big guy you just beat up – what was that like?” Pacquiao: “It’s hard, I really …I mean ….I did my best to win the fight….he’s strong….a very tough fighter. And I can’t believe it.” Kellerman: “What can’t you believe?” Pacquiao: “I mean, he’s very tough and strong and I never expect that.” Who ever heard a boxer be so candid and so humble after such a victory? What other boxer’s ego would allow such statements?

Then Kellerman drilled down a bit, noting that Pacquiao had gotten his back to the ropes and had a few tough moments in the fight, ending it with “Why was your back on the ropes.” Pacquiao: “Well, I’m trying to psyche him that I’m not hurt, but the truth is — he’s really strong and I got hurt.” Full stop — again, when did a winning boxer ever admit so openly to getting hurt? Kellerman: “When did you get hurt?” Pacquiao: “When I stayed on the rope.” Kellerman: “Where did you get hurt?” Pacquiao: “In the body and in the face. He got me in the uppercut, so … I am so lucky tonight.” And later, in his second interview: “I tell you the truth. I got hurt in the body shot, I tell you, I got ..I felt so weak in that round because I got really hurt in my stomach.”

[[Comment: Two days later, on Monday, there were media reports that Pacquiao had canceled a TMZ appearance due to rib and torso pain--and watching the replay of the shot in question, it was apparent that the blow almost dropped Pacquiao to the canvas, and that he struggled mightily to regain weather the storm it caused.]]
Kellerman then asked — what were you asking the referee to do when you looked toward him in the 11th round (presumably imploring him to stop the fight).

Pacquiao: “You know, I feel….pity to my opponent…his eyes, his bloody face, you know — take a look for that.” Later, in another interview, Pacquiao was more direct: ”Boxing is not about killing each other. It’s about entertainment.”
Kellerman: “In the 12th round it looked like maybe you were backing off, maybe not to hurt him”: “I’m not looking for a knockout. I want to finish the round. My trainer said take it easy, win the round, just be careful.” Now this is interesting because on the surface it sounds like Manny was just following Roach’s instructions–and indeed I have no doubt that Roach gave the instructions Manny describes. But I think there is something else going on here — he didn’t want to “dis” his opponent by saying that he intentionally let up. Instead, he just left it that his corner told him to win the round and be careful. But everything from the salute to Margarito at the beginning to Manny’s demeanor throughout the round confirms that he was, indeed, “carrying” Margarito to the finish line,
giving the warrior his due in the process.

The interview finished with Pacquiao saying: “That’s all I can give. I’m trying to make people happy.” For a boxer to say “I want to make people happy” seems overly simplistic on one level — but when you think of where Pacquiao comes from — not just the Philippines, but the mean streets of the Philippines, a place of grinding poverty where there is no escape and where hope is often all but extinguished — the power to “make people happy” is a power that means more than producing a transitory moment of enjoyment. It’s an ability to fundamentally alter that state of mind and heart for people – to lift them up and make them feel that there’s hope, and good things are possible in a tough unfriendly world. For Manny Pacquiao, to “make people happy” is something far more profound and meaningful than it would be if the same statement were coming from an American boxer.

Asked about his next moves, Pacquaio replied: “That’s why …. I have another job after this, I’m going back to the Philippines and do my job as a public servant — and I want to help people.” Honestly — much of the time when Pacquiao speaks English you have the feeling that he’s groping for words, that he could be much more articulate in Tagalog — and yet there is a simple clarity to his choice of words — ‘do my job as a public servant’ and ‘I want to help people’. How can you not believe he is sincere — and humble. He’s not just a “public servant” – he’s a congressman, and rightly proud of that. But he always chooses to refer to himself by the term “public servant”, not “Congressman”. There’ is genuine humility–and perhaps a touch of political genius– in that.

The Last Word

Those of us who are connected to the Philippines have followed Manny Pacquiao for many years and we’ve heard him say things like this, and act in this humble, gentle manner — so this in itself is not news for us. But as his fame grows and the rest of the world gradually wakes up and takes notice of Pacquiao as a sportsman who transcends national boundaries and the niche of boxing, hearing him speak this way reminds us that while on the one hand what we see in Manny is unique, in another way it is not, because what is on display when Pacquiao speaks is essential Filipino values that typify the elusive best of a country whose people’s humble and gentle virtues are not particularly well understood abroad. This is, after all, a world where, for example, some cultures have adopted the term “filipina” to be slang for “housekeeper”. The truth is, it’s easy for ignorant westerners to underestimate and misinterpret the gentle, gracious nature of the Filipino character — yet somehow Manny Pacquiao is singlehandedly changing that, teaching the world and reminding the Philippine universe that humility, grace, compassion, and empathy can coexist with the heart of a warrior.

Yet even if Filipinos instinctively understand the meaning of Manny Pacquiao better than we foreigners — they have been traveling on a learning curve with Pacquiao as well. Remember that Pacquiao’s popularity in the Philippines, great as it is, did not automatically win him a berth in Congress. He ran previously, two years ago and lost badly. Some said the loss reflected what was in essence a cynical “no” vote from an electorate who wanted him to keep fighting; others interpreted the “no” as a desire keep Pacquiao from becoming tarnished by the dirty nature of Philippine politics. Pacquiao lost, and it wasn’t a split decision — it was much closer to a political knockout. But he didn’t give up, he showed patience and sincerity and above all perserverance, and throughout it all he continued to talk compellingly about his real reasons for doing it — and along the way many of the skeptics who saw in his first run for Congress a questionable act of celebrity ego began to gradually come to understand that it was another impulse, the impulse toward genuine and sincere public service, that was driving Pacquiao. And so now he has the position he sought — the position of “public servant”, and he has stated that his goal is to become a “champion of public service” as his life transitions toward a new phase. Boxing has been his vehicle to “make people happy” in one profound, “let me lift you up” way that Filipinos perhaps understand better than the rest of us. That phase will end. But now, today, he is an elected Congressman who through both his boxing and public service has truly has made millions of people happy in that transcendant way he seeks–so truly and so beautifully that the
skinny kid who grew up on the streets may well someday have the opportunity to lead not just an impoverished Saranggani province, but an entire resurgent nation that with Pacquiao as example-maker- in-chief–a long-suffering and self doubting country that under his inspired leadership may lift itself up as a country in ways that would be just as surprising, yet just as inevitable, as Pacquiao’s rise to the top in boxing. I for one believe in Manny Pacquiao–his heart, his sincerity, the sheer power of his will, and the true Filipino essence of his character. He makes me feel hope for the future of the Philippines, and proud to be part of a Fil-Am household that has plenty of Filipino blood flowing through our family’s veins.