MANILA – Rain or shine, boxing fans, enthusiasts, and supporters of the ’People’s Champ’ Manny Pacquiao trooped to watch parties to witness his comeback to the boxing ring.
Various watch parties are being held across the country for the much-awaited bout between Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios.
Two are being hosted by the Mandaluyong LGU in its City Hall and in the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gym.
As early as 7:00 a.m., people were filling up both venues to show support for Pacquiao.
Alvin Rodelas, a 55-year-old fan, went to the Mandaluyong City Hall as early as 6:30 a.m. to get a good seat.
"Baka magkaubusan ng upuan eh. Kasi baka dumagsa yung mga manonood," he said. "Oo [excited] makita ulit yung galing niya, yung lakas niya. Siyempre matagal siyang nabakante andun na yung excitement ng mga tao na makabalik siya sa ring at makita siyang lumaban para sa Pilipinas."
The Mandaluyong resident shared that he never missed a match of Pacquiao ever since he competed in Blow by Blow.
Melchor Buendia also came early to watch his idol get back in the ring.
"Mula noon hanggang ngayon. Lahat ng laban niya sa TV pinapanood ko kasi idol ko siya," he shared. "Kailangan lumaban siya ng maaga para manalo siya, mapabagsak niya. Sigurado yan [mananalo]."
Evangeline Dalisay brought her grandchildren and husband to watch the fight.
"Kahit noon pa nung nag-ppractice sa Mandaluyong, sinusubaybayan ko siya [Pacquiao]. Kung hindi ako makanood sa live, nanonood parin ako sa TV," she said. "Siyempre excited kasi ngayon lang ulit siya lalaban. Siyempre proud ako kasi Pilipino ako at Pilipino siya."
August Samonte and Bobby Adier also made sure to get a good spot in the Mandaluyong City College gym.
"Siyempre excited ako kasi matagal tagal ko nang hind siya napanood. Hindi ko mapapalagpas yung laban ni Manny kahit umulan," Samonte said.
"Mula umpisa palang [fan na ako] nung nagsimula siya sa Blow by Blow. Siyempre malay mo makasilat," Adier said.
Fans all have one wish for the Filipino boxing icon: winning his comeback fight.
"Sana tingin ko mananalo. Basta manalo, manalo andun parin tayo. Kasi andun na yung ano niya eh lakas niya," Rodelas said.
"Tingin ko mananalo pa siya. Mananalo pa siya eh," Samonte shared.
"Malaki tiyansa natin [manalo] kasi sa experience palang po," Adier said.
Win or lose, the fans say they will keep supporting Pacquiao in his illustrious boxing career.
"Manalo, matalo Pacquiao ako. Malaking karangalan siya sa ating bayan," Samonte said.
"Kahit matalo, matalo andun parin tayo. Siyempre proud tayo, importante sa atin pag Pinoy ang lumalaban," Adier added.