An Article I just read about Manny...

[Mandirigama]

Filipino Pride: The Main Reason Pacquiao Refuses Random Testing
by
Lorne Scoggins



My wife is from the Philippines. She made her best and most passionate attempt to explain to me why Manny Pacquiao and his Filipino fans are against the random drug testing that was demanded by the hypocritical De La Hoya and the cowardly Floyd Mayweather. She tried to convince me that the LAST thing Manny needed to do was to “bow down” (her words) to Floyd’s idiotic demands.

I wrote the article anyway. I’m speaking of my last article entitled “Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Manny Just Submit to the Testing”. I must admit that between the comments made on the article and the inbox full of emails I’ve received all day, I have a better grasp on the concept of Filipino “honor”, “pride”, and “dignity”.

Most were cordial in their attempts to give me a better insight on the issue at hand. Others were more passionate. The F-word was used a few times by some who found my article particularly offensive. It was a rough day. I got schooled, owned, and burned.

My wife had apparently glanced at the comments on my article a few times while she was at work because she came home singing a little ditty she wrote that goes something like “You got in trouble, You got in trouble…” After her performance she started with her “I told you so” speech.

It’s a culture thing that loses something in the translation between the Filipino and American fans of Manny Pacquiao.

I had done a lot of thinking about it, and I finally decided that the best possible solution was for Manny to give in enough to find some middle ground pertaining to the Mayweather camp’s ridiculous requests. I thought, if only Manny would give in to the testing, he could clear his name then give Floyd Mayweather the beating he deserves. This, you see, is the American way of viewing a possible solution to the whole mess. However, to Filipino fans, it’s not that simple.

My new friend, Daniel, said it best:

“You are married to a Filipina, but you are not a Filipino. There is an ocean of difference between the latter and the former. You can't understand the feeling that Manny has in this matter because no Filipino blood flows in you. To most of us Filipinos, money is not everything! Being true to one's self and others that matter to us is more important than a huge amount of money and what doubters say. Our principles are not for sale, not even for $40M. Maybe we Filipinos have different principles from many other peoples, but for us, being right per se is much more important than acceding to ill-willed people’s demand to prove that we tell the truth.”

I have always maintained that Manny is innocent. Let me make that point crystal clear.

To my fellow American boxing fans; Manny Pacquiao is not guilty of using steroids, HGH, or any other form of performance enhancing drugs. The fact that he chooses not to submit to random tests should not be interpreted as an indication of guilt, even though it’s how we’re programmed to think.

An additional factor is that Manny Pacquiao truly believes that blood withdrawals that take place too close to the fight will weaken him. This is not some new thing that he just dreamed up to avoid the testing. Today I was directed to a YouTube video that shows Manny being interviewed following his loss to Morales in March of 2005. In this interview he sincerely expresses his heart-felt belief that a blood withdrawal a few days before that fight weakened him and contributed to his loss.

In addition to this, Manny made an official statement today in which he further explains his issue with random testing.

“My concern as a fighter is that there should be some limitations and agreements on how much blood they can take from someone prior to a fight. My other concern is how close to the actual fight itself can they take the blood. It is my opinion taking blood from a person can weaken you. I do not want to be in a weakened state when I enter the ring against any fighter.”

Note that he didn’t say he’s against blood testing. He said he believes there should be “…LIMITATIONS AND AGREEMENTS”. Is that so unreasonable? Asafa Powell wouldn’t call it unreasonable.

“I got pretty upset two days ago because since I have been here, they have tested me four times. They’ve taken so much blood from us we’re going to be very weak before the final.”- Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell complained he was tested excessively during the 2008 Olympics



A matter of principle:

Filipinos see it like this; why should Manny agree to a fight to put $40 million in the pocket of a boxer who has smeared his honorable name through the mud? At this point, why should he feel that Floyd “Money” Mayweather deserves the opportunity to get inside the same ring with him?

What about a fight with Malignaggi? Americans may view this as a great opportunity to decapitate another fighter who has also implied that Manny is using PEDs. Again, why should he honor Malignaggi with the privilege of fighting him for a huge check?

Americans are thinking about revenge. Filipinos are thinking about principle.

Oscar “The Hypocrite” De La Hoya, Tricky **** Schaefer, and Floyd “The Duckman” Mayweather will live to regret their silly little PED accusations (you know, the accusations that were repeated by virtually every boxing writer even though the three stooges now vehemently deny ever having said them).

They are the ones who have exposed their true colors, cute little devils. They have disgraced and embarrassed themselves and the worst is yet to come. I’m not feeling very sympathetic toward them right now so frankly, who cares?

Manny will emerge from this travesty with his honor and pride intact. His true fans will continue to love and support him.

-Lorne Scoggins

first post it won't let me put up the link put just google it.

[Mandirigama]

Filipino Pride : Pacquiao Refuses Random Testing: Part 2

Lorne Scoggins


've learned a lot about Filipino pride and culture in the 16 years that I've been married to my Filipino wife, but it was still difficult for me to grasp the concept of why most Filipinos believe that Manny shouldn't submit to more frequent blood testing.

I did understand Manny's hesitance in relation to his belief that blood withdrawals close to the fight weaken him, but when the false accusations escalated the issue to the point that it ultimately reached, I felt that the importance of Manny clearing his name would finally take precedence. I was missing the point.

There is a huge cultural gap that makes this issue difficult for Americans to understand. It is equally difficult for Filipinos to understand the way Americans view the issue. It makes me cringe to think that Manny's boxing accomplishments may always be questioned by some American boxing fans because they look at his refusal to submit to random testing as evidence of guilt. Many Filipinos cringe at the thought of seeing their national hero stoop to giving in to Mayweather's irrational demands.

To the typical American, pride would force an accused individual to comply to prove his innocence. To the typical Filipino, pride would force an individual to non-compliance. The culture of the Philippines is one in which insulting and individual’s honor can swiftly get you killed. That’s just how it is.

While an American who knows he’s telling the truth feels compelled to prove it, a Filipino who knows he’s telling the truth is resolved and satisfied to leave it at that, and is likely to vehemently refuse to prove anything to anyone.

Here is a perfect illustration of the case in point. It is quoted directly from an email I received.

“I would like to share with you an anecdote about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal because this is illustrative of Filipino pride.

When Dr. Jose Rizal was a kid of about 8 or 10, it is said that his mother sent him to bring some dish to his aunt who lives close by (an aunt or uncle, i'm not sure of the details now). When he got to her house his aunt suspected him of eating some of the dish while on the way. She asked him to open his mouth to see if he has eaten some of the dish. Rizal was indignant. He never took a bite. But instead of opening his mouth to clear himself, he refused to give that satisfaction to his aunt.

This kind of reaction is not surprising. In fact, most Filipinos would react this way if you accuse them wrongly.” -Ebedadonai[/B]

Unfortunately there will always be some Americans who will discredit Manny’s accomplishments due to fact that he wouldn’t jump through all of Mayweather’s hoops.

That said; don't let me give the impression that Manny doesn't have loyal American supporters. The vast majority of Americans feel that Manny isn't guilty of any wrong-doing. I've come to the realization that many Filipinos don’t accept this fact. Don’t just listen to the very loud minority of Americans who have expressed doubt toward Manny’s innocence.

It would be unfair to say all Filipinos are corrupt and dishonest like some of the high-profile politicians in the country's past. Filipinos, please don't be unfair to us and think that all Americans are loud-mouthed, egotistical liars like Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The truth is that most Americans can't stand Floyd Mayweather Jr., who said in an interview on "Joe Buck Live" that he's and American and he wants Americans to stand beside him "...like and American soldier". His early attempt to make the now defunct fight an "America vs. The Philippines" spectacle is one of the most detestable things he's done recently, and that's saying a lot. Keep dreaming Floyd, few people bought it.

Many high profile, journalists, writers, commentators, and athletes have openly expressed their support to Manny.

Larry Merchant has spoken for the majority of American boxing fans. USA Today quoted Merchant saying:

“I see no indications that Pacquiao is anything but an exceptional, elite fighter. There are many precedents in boxing of smaller fighters to move up in weight division and be successful later in their careers. Oscar De La Hoya himself started out as a 130-pound titleholder and wound up fighting middleweights which is 30 pounds north of that.”

He also added "I thought it was just some gamesmanship by Mayweather who has a certain talent for mind games with opponents, creating conflict to help promote events. It appears that it has spiraled out of control."

I’m an American. A proud American. But Floyd Mayweather Jr. does not represent me, nor does he represent this country. To compare himself to the proud men and women who risk their lives for their country is an absolute travesty.

Floyd is no American soldier. He’s a buffoon. He’s proven it. He’s the one who should be ashamed, not Manny. Floyd and De La Hoya are to blame for not giving the boxing world the fight it wanted to see. (More on the antics of De La Hoya in a future article)

Floyd will reap what he has sown. He deserves what he has coming. Manny’s lawsuit has been filed. Floyd has now degraded his already questionable reputation beyond repair, and frankly, who cares?

-Lorne Scoggins

[Mandirigama]

Please no ******* or ***** comments

[sandyvahra]

This is exactly what ive been saying. Bingo. But clearly theres too many ignorant people onthis forum who only see things the way it fits their lifestyle and the culture they've been brought up in.

[talip bin osman]

This is exactly what ive been saying. Bingo. But clearly theres too many ignorant people onthis forum who only see things the way it fits their lifestyle and the culture they've been brought up in.

sandy! happy new year man...

[Paul_Magno]

This is like the 50th time I see this garbage, veiled racist crap...

I, for one, resent being told that us Americans are for sale and would sell out our principles for cash...that we come from a culture that is bought and sold and the Philippines, in contrast, are these benevolent beings...enough.

Most Americans who come out against Pacquiao aren't doing so because of the money involved...They're angry because the Fight of the Millennium is being called off due to what would end up being a minor inconvenience to Manny...

Per USADA rules (from their own quarterly newsletter), only about a half tablespoon would be taken, total and there would likely be only 2 blood tests within 30 days of the fight...Manny would likely shed more blood in a sparring session than what would be asked of him.

You used the example of Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell....

Why would a Jamaican be tested by the UNITED STATES Anti-doping agency?

Actually, in Powell's case, he agreed to voluntarily take part in an anti-doping project sponsored by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) so he was tested double the normal amount by the IOC and the IAAF...

You can write what you like and believe what you want, but could the Pacquiao fans stop insulting American culture in their defense of a man who has already proven himself to be an untrustworthy husband and business partner (just ask his wife and Golden Boy, respectively)?.

[hammerhiem]

Americans are for sale and would sell out our principles for cash...that we come from a culture that is bought and sold and the Philippines, in contrast, are these benevolent beings...enough.

in principle and as a gross stereotype, that pretty much true.

Americans (and Nothern europeans for that matter) are materialistic and wealth driven, bigger better faster more, be it to show you are better than the rest or to prove to ourselves we are a sucsess.

eastern culture is not materialistly driven, not even japan where gadgets are all the rage, to them it's like a hobby not a way of life, honour and family are everything.

[Mandirigama]

All the article speaks about is Manny's point of view and where he is coming from. Not all Americans will sell their principles for cash. I'm Filipino but grew up in So.Cal since the age of 2 I'm Fil-American and I'm no sell out for no one. The article talks about the differences of both cultures and just to let us be in Pac's shoes and what he's feeling and thinking. There is no racism in the article or any attacks of another country, and not all Pac fans are attacking American culture.

[abdiel2k3]

no
this is not a matter of pride
if he had come out and flat out said no because i dont want to
then ***
theres his answer
it is what it is
we can all understand that
we all have our pride n values and we can all understand just not wanting/willing to do something no matter how much money
THE FACTTTT THAT HE LIED
he tried to come up with other reasons to not take the test is what makes it odd
the shabby afriad of needles, ahhhh wait no it makes me weak, ahhhhh no i dont trust the olympic testing becuz their affiliated with golden boy, ahhhhh no what i meant was i got too much pride
ohhh ull believe that one
ok lets go with that
ITS MY FILPINO PRIDEEE!!!!

[damned1974]

Filipino Pride: The Main Reason Pacquiao Refuses Random Testing
by
Lorne Scoggins



My wife is from the Philippines. She made her best and most passionate attempt to explain to me why Manny Pacquiao and his Filipino fans are against the random drug testing that was demanded by the hypocritical De La Hoya and the cowardly Floyd Mayweather. She tried to convince me that the LAST thing Manny needed to do was to “bow down” (her words) to Floyd’s idiotic demands.

I wrote the article anyway. I’m speaking of my last article entitled “Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Manny Just Submit to the Testing”. I must admit that between the comments made on the article and the inbox full of emails I’ve received all day, I have a better grasp on the concept of Filipino “honor”, “pride”, and “dignity”.

Most were cordial in their attempts to give me a better insight on the issue at hand. Others were more passionate. The F-word was used a few times by some who found my article particularly offensive. It was a rough day. I got schooled, owned, and burned.

My wife had apparently glanced at the comments on my article a few times while she was at work because she came home singing a little ditty she wrote that goes something like “You got in trouble, You got in trouble…” After her performance she started with her “I told you so” speech.

It’s a culture thing that loses something in the translation between the Filipino and American fans of Manny Pacquiao.

I had done a lot of thinking about it, and I finally decided that the best possible solution was for Manny to give in enough to find some middle ground pertaining to the Mayweather camp’s ridiculous requests. I thought, if only Manny would give in to the testing, he could clear his name then give Floyd Mayweather the beating he deserves. This, you see, is the American way of viewing a possible solution to the whole mess. However, to Filipino fans, it’s not that simple.

My new friend, Daniel, said it best:

“You are married to a Filipina, but you are not a Filipino. There is an ocean of difference between the latter and the former. You can't understand the feeling that Manny has in this matter because no Filipino blood flows in you. To most of us Filipinos, money is not everything! Being true to one's self and others that matter to us is more important than a huge amount of money and what doubters say. Our principles are not for sale, not even for $40M. Maybe we Filipinos have different principles from many other peoples, but for us, being right per se is much more important than acceding to ill-willed people’s demand to prove that we tell the truth.”

I have always maintained that Manny is innocent. Let me make that point crystal clear.

To my fellow American boxing fans; Manny Pacquiao is not guilty of using steroids, HGH, or any other form of performance enhancing drugs. The fact that he chooses not to submit to random tests should not be interpreted as an indication of guilt, even though it’s how we’re programmed to think.

An additional factor is that Manny Pacquiao truly believes that blood withdrawals that take place too close to the fight will weaken him. This is not some new thing that he just dreamed up to avoid the testing. Today I was directed to a YouTube video that shows Manny being interviewed following his loss to Morales in March of 2005. In this interview he sincerely expresses his heart-felt belief that a blood withdrawal a few days before that fight weakened him and contributed to his loss.

In addition to this, Manny made an official statement today in which he further explains his issue with random testing.

“My concern as a fighter is that there should be some limitations and agreements on how much blood they can take from someone prior to a fight. My other concern is how close to the actual fight itself can they take the blood. It is my opinion taking blood from a person can weaken you. I do not want to be in a weakened state when I enter the ring against any fighter.”

Note that he didn’t say he’s against blood testing. He said he believes there should be “…LIMITATIONS AND AGREEMENTS”. Is that so unreasonable? Asafa Powell wouldn’t call it unreasonable.

“I got pretty upset two days ago because since I have been here, they have tested me four times. They’ve taken so much blood from us we’re going to be very weak before the final.”- Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell complained he was tested excessively during the 2008 Olympics



A matter of principle:

Filipinos see it like this; why should Manny agree to a fight to put $40 million in the pocket of a boxer who has smeared his honorable name through the mud? At this point, why should he feel that Floyd “Money” Mayweather deserves the opportunity to get inside the same ring with him?

What about a fight with Malignaggi? Americans may view this as a great opportunity to decapitate another fighter who has also implied that Manny is using PEDs. Again, why should he honor Malignaggi with the privilege of fighting him for a huge check?

Americans are thinking about revenge. Filipinos are thinking about principle.

Oscar “The Hypocrite” De La Hoya, Tricky **** Schaefer, and Floyd “The Duckman” Mayweather will live to regret their silly little PED accusations (you know, the accusations that were repeated by virtually every boxing writer even though the three stooges now vehemently deny ever having said them).

They are the ones who have exposed their true colors, cute little devils. They have disgraced and embarrassed themselves and the worst is yet to come. I’m not feeling very sympathetic toward them right now so frankly, who cares?

Manny will emerge from this travesty with his honor and pride intact. His true fans will continue to love and support him.

-Lorne Scoggins

first post it won't let me put up the link put just google it.

LMAO-as if it is "Filipino pride" that he is sueing for.If money doesn't mean much to Manny,why does he always want the bigger part of the purse in most fights and why the $10,000,000 penalty.GTFOH!
Money is important no matter what nationality you are....