By Helen Castaño | 09:28 PM March 23, 2025
Boxing champ and former Senator Manny Pacquiao urged athletes to dream hard and pray harder during the opening of the Saulog Tagbilaran Sportsfest 2025 on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
At least 2,000 athletes joined this year’s city Olympics.
“This day is about sports. The strength of community, the power of dreams and the heart of a champion,” Pacquiao said.
He said when he was a student he had dreams and aspirations.
” I had no money, no connection, but I have one thing: may isa lang nga pangandoy: pangandoy for myself and family. Tungod sa pangandoy nagpadayon si Manny Pacquiao ug wala mo-surrender,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao was accompanied by Milka Romero, first nominee of 1-Pacman partylist, who is also an athlete.
He said a true champion doesn’t quit.
“I dreamed hard, pray harder and believed that nothing is imposisble for a man who never gave up. Tinuod jud, with God all things are possible. Ang tinuod nga kampeon dili mo-surrender sa hagit sa kinabuhi. A true champion doesn’t quit even if it is hard, even life gives challenges,” Pacquiao said.
Also present during the event were Mayor Jane Yap, former Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap, city councilors and village chiefs, athletes and coaches from different schools in the city.
