VLOG: Pacquiao still a winner to folks at Palaro

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – The sun in Tagum City was as blinding as the bright lights of Las Vegas before the highly anticipated mega-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

But after Pacquiao loses by unanimous decision, it’s as if nature is grieving too as the sky darkens and rain pours over this year’s venue for Palarong Pambansa, which was temporarily halted for the fight.

Student-athletes, coaches, officials, organizers and guests leave the live viewing dejected and disappointed, believing Pacquiao was robbed of the win.

GRIN, CALABARZON CHESS COACH: Very disappointed kasi makikita ninyo naman, though may counter si Mayweather, mas lamang pa din si Pacman. So Pacman pa din kami. Si Pacman ang number one. Kailangan ng rematch pero tingin ko ang isyu na ‘yan ay hindi tatanggapin ni Mayweather. Dapat sumali siya sa Track and Field dahil puro atras at takbo ang ginagawa niya. 

(Very disappointed because you can see that even though Mayweather has a counter, Pacman still has the edge. We’re still cheering for Pacman. He’s number one. There has to be a rematch but I don’t think Mayweather will allow it. He should join Track and Field because he keeps on backing up and running away.)

ARVIN GALINADA, SOCCSKSARGEN CONTIGENT: Hindi naman talaga si Mayweather ang sumusugod. Si Pacquiao ang sumusugod kay Mayweather so hindi kami satisfied sa result ng laro. 

(It’s not Mayweather who attacks, it’s Pacquiao who goes for Mayweather. We’re not satisfied with the result of the fight so we want a rematch. 

The crowd reacts as if they are at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, cheering Pacquiao on with every punch, and hurling boos at Mayweather. And even when the live feed gets cut off twice, they remain patient and determined to support Pacquiao.

JANE BRACHER: The world literally stopped once Pacquiao and Mayweather set foot inside the ring. And when the fight of the century came to a close, the common sentiment at Palaro is that local hero Pacquiao lost the fight, but he won the hearts of the world.

– Rappler.com