Lessons from Pacman

Senator Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's final boxing match teaches us all a valuable lesson, not just for him. However, certain teachings are taken for granted, while others are entirely ignored. But what are these teachings that we absorb or consider to be a natural part of our lives?

Some of Manny's friends and family members have convinced him to retire from boxing. It's best to end on a high note than to end on a low note. Victories are more likely to stick in people's minds than losses. Many people remember victories from their childhood. Because they are part of a painful past, defeats are generally forgotten.

And Pacman's recent setback could be a hint that he's ready to say goodbye to the career that he truly loves and that no one can ever question. The career that shaped him into the person he is today. The career that changed his life and that of his family.

Manny has a long political career ahead of him, which is both a major challenge and a huge duty. While some may dispute his role and performance in politics, no one can doubt his desire to serve his citizens. Despite defeats in politics, he was voted and served as a congressman, and now as a senator. His desire to aid the less fortunate may come naturally to him, as he has already experienced.

Following his previous defeat, he returns to face a new task, one that involves the lives of his people. There is a distinct barometer for accountability and success whether he considers running for the highest office in the country or for any post in politics, but there are some components that are transferable. One is determination; despite the unfavorable remarks and feedback, he persists in pursuing his goal, not for personal gain but for the benefit of others. Another is sincerity of purpose. Although this is a debatable issue, it can be countered by being consistent in one's conduct.

There are those who never try, who are left behind, who sit on the sidelines while criticizing, hiding, and scrutinizing; and then there are those who are tough enough, who are willing to risk their wrongs in order to ascend in this life and therefore fight right through the lies.

The finest teacher is experience. And once we've gone through adversity in life, we do everything we can to ensure that future generation does not go through the same. Even if we lose, it's still worth it if we keep a fighter's heart and treat every experience as though it's worth fighting for. It's worth it even if we know we're going to lose. True courage is when we know we're going to be beaten before we even start, yet we go ahead and do it anyway. We don't always win, but we do occasionally. Setbacks and tough times will transform us into indestructible superstars.

Politicians aren't all in it for the money, power, or fame. Some folks are truly fighting for the people and communities they live in. Find those people, and then we'll fight with and for them.