Pacquiao hails Pinoy athletes’ exploits

"There's more to Philippine sports than Manny Pacquiao." The statement came from no less than the eight-division world boxing champion himself during Saturday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel. The fighting Congressman from Sarangani considered as the No.1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world hailed national amateur pug Rey Saludar, cue artists Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Dennis Orcullo, and bowler Biboy Rivera, who were all feted by the PSA. Saludar, Bustamante, Orcullo and Rivera were named Athletes of the Year by the oldest media organization in the country for their notable performances last year. Saludar, Orcullo and Rivera were gold medalists in the 2010 Asian Games while Bustamante won his first-ever world championship – the World 9-Ball crown. "Isang patunay ito na maraming magagaling na atletang Pinoy. They are not afraid to take on the challenges," said Pacquiao in his speech. Now that he’s in the political arena, Pacquiao also assured those in attendance of continuous support for Philippine sports. Among the notable individuals present were Sen. Tito Sotto, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia. "We have advocates in Congress, the Senate, and local government units who will be there to fight for your rights," said Pacquiao. Pacquiao also commended the PSA for its efforts in honoring Filipino athletes. "We have an association that gives recognition to the athletes when it is due," said Pacquiao. Pacquiao also challenged other Filipino athletes to become the best in their chosen field, just as he did. "Stand proud to be a Filipino. Sana marami pang karangalan ang maibigay ng iba nating mga atleta," said Pacquiao. The men's football team known as the Azkals were given the PSA Presidential Award for their surprising semifinal campaign in last year's AFF Suzuki Cup. Azkals team manager Dan Palami was also named the Executive of the Year, while the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines was chosen as the National Sports Association of the Year. Also given recognition were the national men’s poomsae team, national women’s basketball team, national men’s chess team, Warren Kiamco, Miguel Tabuena, Annie Albania, Nonito Donaire Jr, Ana Julaton, Donnie Nietes, Angelo Que, James Yap, RR Garcia, Yes Pogi, Jesse Guce and Maico Buncio. Kiefer Ravena, Malvinne Alcala, Andie Unson, John Keithley Chan and Jerrick Mitra were given the Tony Siddayao Awards for young sports achievers. The Philippine Patriots, the Philippine Davis Cup team, Ateneo Blue Eagles, Ateneo Blue Eaglets, San Beda Red Lions, Kenneth San Andres, Marlon Stockinger, Ronald Salvador, Artemio Murakami, Cyna Rodriguez, Mia Piccio, SMART Sports, ICTSI, Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA), Milo Marathon, Araw ng Kagitingan Ultra Marathon and Jerick Ternida were also given citations. Billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes and the late Florencio Campomanes, honorary president of FIDE, were elevated to the PSA Hall of Fame. Sports achievers and media colleagues who passed away last year were also remembered. They were Campomanes, golfer Celestino Tugot, cagers Ric Ric Marata, Cesar Jota and Valerio Delos Santos, Lydia De Vega's father and coach Francisco "Tatang" De Vega, car racer Jose-Andre Bernard Ramirez, sports editors Dina Marie Villena, Willie Caballes and Emmanuel Perez de Tagle, and photographer John Paulino. Pacquiao, renowned boxing referee Padilla reunited World-renowned referee Carlos "Sonny'" Padilla, who officiated the "Thrilla in Manila," and legendary basketball coach Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan were given Lifetime Achievement Awards. Incidentally, Padilla's last official match was the fight between Pacquiao and Nedal Hussein of Australia at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City in 2000. Pacquiao had vivid recollections of the match as he suffered a knockdown in that fight. "Noong natumba ako, matagal ang bilang niya. Pilipino kasi siya," said Pacquiao in jest, draw laughter from Padilla, who is also known for his commercials with a leading alcohol brand. Padilla was serenaded by the singing artist, his granddaughter Karylle, with her mother Zsa Zsa Padilla also in attendance. - KY, RCJ, GMA News