Pacquiao's Baguio training turns into blessing in disguise

After much debate and discussion regarding Pacquiao choosing Baguio as his training location and overruling his trainer Freddie Roach's suggestion of training in Mexico, as it turns out, the decision was a blessing in disguise.

Because of Pacquiao's decision of staying in the Philippines, the widely followed boxing superstar has also drawn a lot of attention to the current state of his nation.

Just a few days ago, Typhoon "Ondoy" (known as Ketsana internationally) devastated the country leaving hundreds dead and thousands of lives more in danger. The damage of the calamity has reached millions of dollars in damages and left thousands of people homeless and without food.

Allow me to post a video to give you an idea how bad things are back in the Philippines right now.



I'll allow you to pause and reflect on that video for a second. That video was taken in the metropolitan area of Manila. Imagine what else happened in the areas closer to large bodies of water.

Pacquiao has already donated 1 million pesos to help aid his countrymen on top of other projects he directly and indirectly participates in to help relief efforts. Thanks to his popularity, his influence has attracted media men and people from around the world to write about the tragic story the Philippines is now suffering from and have really helped out in getting the message across. Top Rank chief Bob Arum who is visiting the country in a few days to check on Pacquiao's training camp also donated 1 million pesos after hearing about the disaster.

Also, with HBO's expert video team in the Philippines shooting the 24/7 documentary of Pacquiao and his opponent Miguel Cotto's training, the world will have a closer look straight from their living rooms on prime time TV as the show will surely feature that calamity as it is a big concern of the Filipino icon.

With that said, I encourage everyone, and I know I sound like a broken record, but please, don't procrastinate and underestimate the value of any help you can give to help the victims of this unforgiving typhoon. I strongly recommend donating through the Philippine National Red Cross. I will post more links to reputable organizations that are helping out once they become available.

As if Pacquiao wasn't motivated enough, now more than any time ever before, his country needs him. They need him to lift their spirits as he has always done. No, not just through a victory over Cotto. Win or lose, as long as Pacquiao shows that warrior spirit he always comes in the ring with- never giving up- perhaps would be more than enough to remind his people to do the same.

As a proud Filipino myself, I think I can speak in behalf of many Filipinos when I say that the difference between us and some people is that, we have been here before. We have been dealt bad cards since birth. Most of us were born with hardly anything to eat, just like Pacquiao. But it's not about just winning like how some fighters pride themselves to be undefeated- yeah, winning is nice, but to us, it's about never giving up. And just as we always do, come hail or high water, WE WON'T LET THIS INCIDENT KEEP US DOWN.

Thank you to all those who have helped victims of "Ondoy". The Philippines will never give up and we appreciate you not giving up on the Philippines either.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10947-Indianapolis-Fight-Sports-Examiner~y2009m9d30-Pacquiaos-Baguio-training-turns-into-blessing-in-disguise