adminTACLOBAN, Philippines. — Filipinos in the storm-ravaged city of Tacloban joined the nation in celebration yesterday after watching boxing hero Manny Pacquiao defeat American Brandon Rios in a comeback fight he dedicated to victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.For a brief moment, those who lost their homes, their livelihoods and even loved ones in the storm forgot their misery as they watched a free, live broadcast of Pacquiao’s overwhelming points victory over Rios in Macau.
“I’m so happy that he won. This is a win for all Filipinos. It will surely uplift our spirits, especially the victims of typhoon (Haiyan),” said Mario Penaflor (41) amid the joyful crowds in Tacloban.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) International welterweight title clash was broadcast in four public areas in Tacloban to lift the spirits of residents who suffered the brunt of Super Typhoon Haiyan’s fury. The super typhoon has left almost 7 000 dead and missing after its rampage through the central Philippines earlier this month.
Whole families, including children and the elderly, had trooped into Tacloban’s main sports stadium — which served as a major evacuation centre during the storm — in a festive mood, ushered in by police and military. — AFP.
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