Robert Arum: Manny comes from the Philippines. What does that mean? When we think of the Philippines, we think of a number of things. I know, growing up, as a young boy, I remember the Philippines for their graciousness and kindness. When the doors of most countries of the world were closed to those fleeing from the holocaust, including this country, the doors of the Philippines were not only open, but welcoming. We, only, have to visit a hospital in California or Nevada. Eighty percent of the nurses are Filipino because they are gracious people and kind people. When the American troops, because of lack of supplies, were forced to surrender, the Philippine troops took to the mountains and the jungles and became guerrillas and fought tooth and nail against the Japanese for three long years, so we know the graciousness and kindness of the Filipinos, exemplified by this man, Manny Pacquiao, who gives fortunes away supporting charities in the Philippines. He is legendary for graciousness and kindness, but, like those Philippine warriors, he has a fierceness about him that most Filipinos have. He is a fierce fighter who doesn’t quit, who gives his all, and will give his best.
