Bacoleños in grief after a fire destroyed their homes and killed 17, yesterday jumped and shouted with joy as they watched their hero Manny Pacquiao defeat Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto via live telecast on a widescreen at the Barangay 19 gym in Bacolod City .

Parents and children waved their hands in the air and shouted at the top of their voices as Pacquiao scored points and finally won, while others on top of the houses they are rebuilding played a victory beat on their galvanized roofs.

They were brimming with pride as they spoke of their idol's latest feat.

“Manny eased the pain of the people here and for a brief time they forgot their problems,” Barangay 19 Captain Jocelyn Uychiat said.

The live feed of the fight at the barangay gym, fronting the boarding house where 17 died in the November 2 blaze, was provided by the Bacolod City government on orders of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Uychiat said.

The mayor, who is part of Pacquiao's official team in Las Vegas , yesterday said he personally asked the boxing champ for help for the victims of the Nov. 2 fire and he said yes.

Pacquiao, who was unaware of the fire that hit Barangay 19 until he brought it up with him, assured him that they will discuss what help he can extend to the victims upon his return to the Philippines, Leonardia said.

Leonardia said some members of the Filipino community in California also promised to give assistance to the Barangay 19 victims.

Among those who cheered for Pacquiao in Barangay 19 were jeepney driver Ruel Chavez, 45, his wife, Annadella, 42, and son, Jojo.

The couple lost their sons Novie, 11, and BeeG, 6, in the fire.

“We have been in so much grief, but today we are so happy because our idol won,” Ruel said.

“I am so thankful my idol is world champion again. I will be even more thankful if he visits us and helps Barangay 19,” he added.

“Manny's victory has made my heart lighter after all the crying we have gone through,” Annadella said.

“We are so happy and thankful he won, he might donate some of his winnings to help us here,” Jojo Chavez, 15, said.

“Thank you Manny Pacquiao for living up to the expectations of the Filipino people,” Junjun Apila of Barangay 19 said, as other residents shouted “Pacquiao, Pacquiao, Pacquiao” in the background.*CPG

back to top