Pacman fight is bonding night for US Pinoys

DALLAS, Texas - Like their kababayans back home, Filipinos living and working in Texas would rather stay at home and witness the historic battle of Manny Pacquiao against Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto in their television sets than go anywhere else. For most Filipino families in this south central state, the Pacquiao-Cotto fight is an opportunity to bond and share the Filipino pride. “It will be one great night of cheering and bonding, especially when Pacquiao wins," said teacher Edgar Calado. Edgar, along with his fellow teachers, agreed to shell out $10 each to pay for the pay-per-view in one of his friend's home. Meanwhile, schedules were already made among friends and family members for a Saturday night gathering in a designated Filipino home who can offer space, food and drinks and a wide flat screen television. Weeks before the highly-anticipated fight, Filipinos working in afternoon and night shifts have already made special arrangements with their employment schedules, while the others would not show up for work. Ira Cawis, who hails from Baguio City, has scheduled his birthday party to coincide with the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, paying $64.95 for the pay per view in his high definition television. Joseph Roasa, a US Navy retiree now working as a medical clerk in Dallas, invited his friends from the Filipino protestant church for a fellowship in his house. Filipinos near Las Vegas or those who can travel at least not over a day already organized car pools to the MGM Grand Garden Arena to be at the midst of the boxing battle. Ring side view cost as much as $9,000 (roughly P450,000) while the last seats in the six decks arena cost around $200 (P10,000). The US State Department estimated over 4 million Filipinos in America, most of whom are employed in the medical, electronics and education. During a Pacquiao fight, the crime rate in the Philippines is almost zero and traffic in all major thoroughfares is light. - GMANews.TV