By Noreen Jazul
Senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao exhorted the country’s athletes to compete well in the SEA Games, even as he told Filipinos to take a pause from discussing issues on the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and focus on supporting local athletes.
Senator Manny Pacquiao (Rio Leonelle Deluvio / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Pacquiao, who will be the official torch bearer in the SEA Games opening parade, said the issues concerning the multi-sports event would be better discussed after the games' closing.
"Panawagan ko sa taong bayan, wag muna nating pag usapan yung problema kung may problema man, patapusin muna natin itong SEA Games, para yung support natin sa mga athletes (ay) buo," Pacquiao told Unang Balita. (My appeal to the people is not to discuss the problems of the SEA Games now. After the event, we may do so, but for now, let us fully support our athletes.)
"Ako rin atleta so kung before the fight mag-uusap ng problema tapos maririnig ko, as athlete siguro makaka-apekto rin sa akin," the boxing champion added. (I am also an athlete and if I hear problems before the fight, it will affect me negatively, too.)
Pacquaio meanwhile advised Filipino athletes to have faith in God, and trust in themselves.
"Gawin ang lahat nang dapat gawin kung ano mang sports ka, kailangan magtiwala ka sa Panginoon, kahit anong galing mo kung wala kang pananalig sa Panginoon ay di ka magtatagumpay," he said. (Give your all in your sport, have faith in the Lord because if you don’t have that, you will not succeed.)
"Kailangan talaga tiwala sa Panginoon at tiwala sa sarili. Laban lang," he added. (You need to trust the Lord and yourself. Just fight.)