The twin events celebrating Manny Pacquiao’s 30th anniversary in boxing stirred excitement among the people of Sablayan. The first was Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-by-Blow, featuring a lineup of the country’s best professional boxers competing for glory. Headlining the card was the Philippine Boxing Federation Super Lightweight Championship bout between Alvin Lagumbay and Pepito. The second event was a dinner date with Pacquiao, which doubled as a town hall meeting with religious leaders and government officials, led by Mayor Walter “Bong” B. Marquez of Sablayan, Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, and Congressman Leody “Odie” F. Tarriela.
This historic milestone not only commemorates the beginning of a legendary career but also rekindles the fervor of Pacquiao Fever in the region. For three decades, Pacquiao has been an inspiration—a symbol of resilience and a testament to the power of dreams. His influence on the people of Occidental Mindoro remains as strong as ever.
Little did the world know that a young boxer from General Santos City would rise to become one of the greatest fighters in history. His journey from poverty to boxing superstardom has inspired millions, resonating deeply with Filipinos—especially in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, where passion for boxing runs deep.
Pacquiao, accompanied by fellow motorcycle riders, toured the entire island of Mindoro before arriving in Sablayan to meet its people and pay homage to the town. From San Jose, he and his team rode directly to the Sablayan Astrodome to witness the ongoing bouts and participate in a meet-and-greet. Afterward, he proceeded to Siburan Hall at the Municipal Hall for the town hall meeting.
In his speech, the Pambansang Kamao reminisced about the hardships of traveling to Sablayan in the early days of his career—how he once rode a passenger jeepney along muddy roads, crossed raging rivers, and endured countless struggles just to fight. He acknowledged that part of his fame and glory is owed to this developing town, and he pledged to support Sablayan’s progress, even promising to push for cityhood if elected to the Senate in May.
The local officials of Sablayan, led by Mayor Walter “Bong” B. Marquez, Vice Mayor Edwin N. Mintu, the Sangguniang Bayan members, Governor Gadiano, and Congressman Odie Tarriela, honored Pacquiao by declaring him an adopted son of Sablayan through Resolution No. 2025-GGM490.
As a boxing fan and hobbyist boxing historian, I was thrilled to shake hands and rub elbows with local boxing personalities I had previously only known from afar. Meeting figures such as Ford Rafa, Inoncian, and WBO observer Daniel Sandoval was an unforgettable experience. Special mention goes to Madam Marife C. Barrera, CEO of Blow-by-Blow, and her friendly husband, Mr. Dan Barrera, a retired Philippine Congress employee, whose hospitality made the occasion even more memorable.
Meeting an online friend in person can be both heartwarming and surreal. The familiarity built over time makes it feel like a reunion with someone you’ve known forever, yet there’s an added thrill in finally bridging the digital and physical worlds.
Seeing Manny Pacquiao in the flesh and meeting online friends in person both reaffirm a fundamental truth: real connections transcend screens, and true bonds flourish in the physical world.
Try it—there is no substitute for real presence and face-to-face encounters.
Sana po ay sumablay kayong muli sa Sablayan sa ibang pagkakataon.
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