GUIUAN, Eastern Samar—Cheers and applause erupted from a group of people in this devastated town who chose to wait for boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s post-fight interview on television on Sunday afternoon.
Their faces lightened up as Pacquiao addressed victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda and said, “I will see you there.”
Weary residents, survivors of the onslaught of Yolanda, said to be the world’s strongest typhoon this year, were hoping that Pacquiao would fulfill his promise of visiting their ravaged town and helping them in any way he can.
Councilor Manuel Velasco expressed hope that Pacquiao’s victory would help them heal their emotional wounds from the destruction. Velasco, his wife and four children survived the wrath of the typhoon by hiding in the toilet in their house. He, however, lost his elder brother, Benjamin.
Residents of this fishing town, who for the past two weeks were trying to rise from the devastation, momentarily stopped their activities to watch Pacquiao fight Mexican-American Brandon Rios. The live telecast was shown at two locations—one at the plaza and another in front of the badly damaged town hall.
People at the plaza, even those watching from as far as 20 meters, patiently watched the fight on two 32-inch flatscreen television sets mounted on a stage.
Others tried to get a better view by climbing on top of a truck, a tricycle and even the collapsed basketball goal posts.
The plaza’s basketball court was filled with spectators, bicycles and motorcycles, engulfing the water purifying facility that was set up by a team of French volunteers.
Amid the rubble and debris, they erupted in jubilation when Pacquiao was declared winner, with many expressing thanks that he dedicated his victory to them.
“This win is very timely, enough to give us inspiration and hope in this time of tragedy,” said Ricardo Docena, a teacher at the Ngolos Elementary School here.
“Thank you, Manny!” other men shouted.
A woman in her 30s was on the phone, tearfully relaying in the dialect the events unfolding at the plaza, surrounded by the ruins of the Immaculate Conception Church, the flattened public market and the shattered commercial establishments in the background.
“Wala, walang bagyo (No more Supertyphoon)!” shouted Victor Bantilan, 29, a fisherman, waving his hand. The crowd erupted in laughter, as if in agreement.
Many in the crowd were so convinced by Pacquiao’s performance that scores of them started to leave the plaza after the final bell sounded.
People went back to their activities, mostly doing repairs on their houses and clearing the debris. “At least, Pacquiao’s win boosted our morale,” said Dioscoro Alday, 44, a tricycle driver.
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