Filipinos hail Donaire’s win

MANILA, Philippines – Public officials lauded the victory of Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire on Sunday, December 16 over Mexican boxer Jorge Arce.

Donaire knocked out Arce in the 3rd round, held on to his World Boxing Organization bantamweight belt, and celebrated his 4th win this 2012.

Related content: 
LIVE BLOG: DONAIRE VS ARCE
ANALYSIS: Nonito Donaire, Fighter of the Year? 

Palace spokeswoman Abigail Valte said Donaire’s win may help bring joy to Filipinos who could be suffering now from low morale. 

“It’s a welcome victory not just for Filipino sports fans but for all Filipinos,” she said. 

“At least sana po mapasaya po nitong panalong ito ‘yung ating mga kababayan na sinasabi nyong nagkaroon daw po ng ‘low morale’ (This victory may make our fellowmen – who have low morale – happy). ” 

Sen. Francisco “Kiko” Pangilinan had the same sentiments and tweeted that Donaire lifted the spirits of his fellowmen through his win.

“Sumasaludo tayo sa ating kababayang si Nonito Donaire sa kanyang pag-ahon sa damdamin ng bawat Pilipino dahil sa kanyang pagkapanalo, (We salute our fellowman Nonito Donaire for lifting the spirits of every Filipino through his victory,” he said. 

“Patunay ang tagumpay na ito na sa bawat Pilipino na bumabagsak ay mayroong Pilipinong babangon at mag-aahon sa bayan. (This victory shows that for every Filipino who stumbles, another Filipino will rise and pull the country up.”

Vice President Jejomar Binay said Donaire will “bring pride to Filipinos and to the nation for many years to come”.

“Nonito once again displayed admirable skill, discipline, strength and courage,” Binay said.

Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also congratulated Donaire. “Mabuhay ka Nonito at lahat ng atletang Pilipino! (Long live Nonito and other Filipino athletes!)” he posted on his Facebook account.

Former Commission on Elections commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said though that Donaire should not be compared to boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who recently lost to Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez through a knockout.

“I don’t think Donaire should be labeled the “Next” Pacquiao. Donaire is Donaire. He’s a great boxer, and has a GREAT future ahead of him,” he tweeted.

Here are other messages of Filipinos proud of the “Filipino Flash’s” win:

– Rappler.com