JEDDAH/RIYADH, 23 January 2006 — National pride and joy gripped thousands of Filipinos across the Kingdom as they celebrated the victory of their boxing idol Manny Pacquiao, who scored a 10th round technical knockout victory over Mexican Erik Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada.

More than 4,400 OFWs watched the match live by The Filipino Channel (TFC) on a pay-per-view feed from Las Vegas.

Some of those who watched the fight had to wake up early and report late for work.

Others unable to watch the live telecast heard the good news from friends.

“We were jumping with joy when Manny finally stopped Morales. For a moment we were proud to be Filipinos again,” said Abigail Felix, from Jeddah.

“He is very good. I think he really prepared hard for this fight. When Morales was hitting Manny in the early rounds, I was nervous, but when I saw Manny fight back, I had a hunch that he will win,” Elsa Mirabel said.

“The problems of the Filipinos momentarily banished in the air when Manny won,” said Gig Lucenara.

Paolo Bisnar said: “We needed this victory of Pacquiao. I hope we learn from him who dedicated himself in the pursuit of the country’s pride and not just for himself.”

For the Sid De Vera, Pacquiao won because he is a good man. “As long as you are good and kind you will be blessed. I’m overjoyed to know that Pacquiao won in style.”

Riyadh OFWs were equally proud and overjoyed with Pacquiao’s spectactular triumph.

Ver Reformado said: “I have not seen the fight, but knowing Pacman won was more than enough for me to feel great and be proud of him and the whole Filipino race.

Nelson Doyogan, an engineer from Riyadh, said: “Sulit na sulit lang po at talagang nakapagbigay ng karangalan ang ating kabayan na si Manny Pacquiao. Mabuhay ang Pinoy! Mabuhay si Pacquiao!” (It was worth it that Manny Pacquiao gave the Filipino nation an honor. Long live the Pinoy. Long live Pacquiao.)

A worker from Jubail, Marvin Quinsay, said Pacquiao is a national treasure and just hope he invests his prize money wisely.

Rene G. Caldeo, an architect from Dammam, regretted not having seen the fight live, saying: “I wish I could have watched the fight live. But am on my way to Jubail for a business meeting. So I called my sister in the US to get an update on the ongoing fight. I received a text message every end of the round till I got the message “Pacman TKO’s El-Terrible” so I called up to get more info.”

Fernando Lopez, from Dhahran, had this observation: “The feed was pay-per-view. Why did we have to be bombarded by advertisements from Western Union and Mama Sita. As pay-per-view TV goes, it is without commercials. I think subscribers have been had by TFC.”