Manny Pacquiao still a hero in defeat at home

Sadness and disappointment gripped Filipinos after Manny Pacquiao’s defeat in his much-anticipated fight against American Floyd Mayweather Jr. but they still considered the boxing icon a national hero.

Gymnasiums and other public venues where the 12-round fight was shown for free on Sunday lunchtime local time were quickly vacated after it was announced Pacquiao lost by a unanimous decision.

Herminio Coloma, a spokesman for President Benigno Aquino III, said ‘’the country still holds its head high in the admirable fight of our National Fist.’” He said Aquino thanked Pacquiao, who is also a congressman, for being ‘’an inspiration to every Filipino who is struggling with life’s challenges to achieve a bright future.’’