TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Survivors of super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) here raised their voices in triumph after boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao triumphed over Brandon Rios in Macau.
Many of the survivors here trooped to the city convention center where the bout was shown. The center is a short walk from a tent city housing many of the survivors.
They brought out Philippine flags that they raised when Pacquiao would score a punch on his younger opponent.
Pacquiao had dedicated his fight to the victims of Yolanda, which left 5,000 dead after battering Visayas and Southern Luzon last Nov. 8.
But some still want Pacquiao to personally visit them and bring help.
“Sana matulungan kami sa Tacloban … Sana pumunta siya rito sa Tacloban (We hope he can help us here, we hope he can come here),” said Jun Jun Mabini, who was nevertheless happy with the win.
Earlier, residents of this city went to City Hall and the RTR Plaza to watch the airing of the bout.
Many brought umbrellas to protect themselves from the heat, and patiently sat at the venue to wait for the telecast of the fight to start.
