Sunday, October 07, 2007 Cabaero: Pacquiao show By Nini B. Cabaero Beyond 30
THOSE wishing to view the boxing match between the Philippines’s Manny Pacquiao and Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera now have several options.
Unlike some three Pacquiao fights ago when most viewers in the Philippines had to suffer the commercials-filled broadcast of free television, the coverage of the ring exploits of the country’s boxing icon has become more accessible.
And it is just right that those without the hundreds of American dollars to spare for a trip to the United States to be a ringside witness must have the chance to participate in this adventure.
Last year I wrote about the need for more options on where to watch the next Pacquiao fight. This was because only a few could afford the US trip or access to pay-per-view while majority had to either wait for the delayed broadcast of free television or use their imagination while listening to real-time audio reports of radio stations.
Pacquiao fights are usually the times when almost every other activity in the country stops as people gather before their television or radio sets to view the ring encounter.
But modern technology has allowed us to cross that divide with more pay-per-view connections available in homes, bars, restaurants, hotels and cinema houses.
The government’s gaming office is offering free admission (with side betting allowed), cinemas are charging a few hundred pesos and restaurants have buffet and raffles to make the viewing more interesting.
Pacquiao, aside from being the country’s boxing icon, is a public figure who has gone from being revered for his earlier ring exploits against Mexican fighters to being booed for his attempts to enter politics. Earlier this year, he was booed when he appeared in a boxing event here as those in the audience were displeased with his attempt to run for a congressional seat representing his hometown.
Now, as an election loser back to focusing on his being a professional boxer, Pacquiao has apparently regained the people’s interest.
It was in Cebu where he was booed at the start of the election season. It was in Cebu where people endeavored to get a glimpse of him while on training last month with the famed Freddie Roach.
The turnout of viewers today in these public places offering live coverage would be a gauge of whether or not his fans have forgiven Pacquiao for his temporary insanity with politics.
If interest in his fight today increased, then his fans must have forgiven him. If interest was less keen than in his previous fights, then Pacquiao only has himself to blame.
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Forgiven or not, the Sun.Star website at www.sunstar.com.ph joins in the coverage of the Pacquiao-Barrera fight with an online log or a blog on news and other updates on today’s event. Join the online audience and participate in the exchange of comments from people around the globe via the Sun.Star website.
