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By Jefferson Antiporda, Reporter
With success comes great responsibility to
fans—and Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao is no exception.
On Sunday, he visited the military headquarters
at Camp Aguinaldo and told the military to maintain discipline and
determination so that they can realize their aspirations.
He thanked the military, especially Armed Forces
Chief of Staff Alexander Yano, who have supported him since the
early days of his boxing career.
Pacquiao recently returned from Las Vegas, where
he defeated David Diaz for the World Boxing Council lightweight
title. The win put Pacquiao in the history books, having won four
world titles in as many weight divisions.
In his speech Sunday, the boxer said he is proud
to be to be a member of the military as a reservist with a rank of a
master sergeant, confessing that being a soldier was a childhood
dream of his.
“I am very proud to be an Army reservist. I
have been bragging about it even in America,” he told the troops.
Pacquiao also lauded the military for its
non-stop work in extending assistance to the victims of the Typhoon
Frank.
“I saw in the media how you helped the typhoon
victims in Iloilo and in other places like Romblon. Our soldiers
really helped, and I am proud of you,” he added.
Yano said he hoped that the boxing champ will
continue to serve as a good example for the public, particularly the
youth and soldiers.
“We have witnessed his determination, his
courage and sacrifices, even when he was just starting as a young
boxer up to the time he became a world champion,” the general
said.
Since joining the reserves, Pacquiao has been
promoted each time he won a fight. But this time, Yano said the
champion can’t be promoted anymore as he has reached the highest
rank for an enlisted personnel.
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