Aside from what can be read in dailies, is it just me, or is the hype for this Sunday’s Pacquiao-Diaz tiff non existent? If anything, the country is currently taking a serious beating, and there are just a lot of more important things to worry about.

I still remember in 2006 when we had to stalk Manny at ABS-CBN for the cover photo of Men’s Health’s July issue. Whereas, a normal cover shoot would take around 3-4 hours. He gave us literally 45-60 seconds to do our thing. If Mommy Rose Flaminiano (Yes, the movie producer who produced his life story) hadn’t intervened, we wouldn’t have been able to take his photo at all.

Like any modern day hero, Manny’s influence is felt even outside the boxing ring.

He is able to pick up the ladies at clubs with relative ease.

He makes 30-minute end-to-end drives of Edsa possible.

Kidding aside, Manny’s fists have the capability to uplift the spirits of the Filipino people. We’ve seen this time and again, and I don’t think people will ever grow tired of it. Though he still has a lot of good years ahead of him, I can only wish that no Filipino ever has to see him kiss the canvas.

All I know is once Manny steps inside the ring on Sunday morning, I will be cheering with the millions of Filipinos around the world. Despite all the distractions, let’s all hope and pray that our beloved Pacman is able to unleash a flurry stronger than a thousand Franks.

The timing of this bout couldn’t have been more perfect.