The great Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has experienced countless boxing combinations throughout his colorful boxing career.
But the most enviable combination that he is trying to achieve while at the peak of his career is how to combine his college studies with his boxing career. Upon his return to the Philippines from Las Vegas, Nevada where he fought and win over the great Oscar de la Hoya, he announced that he will lay-off from boxing for about six months to attend to his family and business. This time he did not mention politics which he tried to enter during the last local election in his province in Southern Philippines.
In his first shot at politics, he lost to the incumbent, a lady who is also a family friend- and he lost miserably. It was indeed a sad experience for Manny Pacquiao to have lost a fight outside of his boxing career. But the loss gave him the motivation to pursue his dream to obtain a college degree or diploma. He knows that one of the reasons why he lost was his lack of educational preparation.
One of his priorities while waiting for his boxing promoters to finalize his next match is to pursue his studies. Early last year, he took a qualifying exam for a high school diploma from the Department of Education and Culture which he passed. Later he enrolled at Notre Dame Collage for his college degree. He said he has a lot of catching up to do. It was rumored that he is getting help from private academic tutors to help him fast track his studies.
In one of his statement to media upon his return, he emphasized the importance of education in the life of a person and this is why he is giving top priority his studies.For serving as an inspiration to the youth, the Philippine Department of Education, Culture and Sports decided to appoint him as the department’s ambassador for alternative learning in order to inspire the youth in their pursuit of higher education.
Early this year it was rumored that Pacquiao will once more run for public office either as congressman or Senator. Politics seems to be in his agenda. He once confided that he will be in a better position to help his countrymen if he becomes an elected official of the country. His secret political plan could be the primary reason why he is giving serious thought and priority to his studies and perhaps also the reason why he will or has taken political science for his major college subject.
In the meantime, Manny Pacquiao is busy preparing for his grand birthday celebration to be held in his province in Southern Philippines. For this special occasion, he has invited his former boxing opponents to attend his birthday bash. Some of those who were invited are Marco Antonio Barrera, David Diaz, Edwin Valero, Erik Morales, among others. Diaz and Valero have confirmed their arrival so far. It did not say if Oscar de la Hoya was invited for the occasion. Definitely, Bob Arum, Freddie Roach and his senior staff are coming to join the celebrations.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is his guest of honor.
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