But after collecting themselves, Filipino fans inside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and even around the globe exploded with cheers for witnessing history as it unfolded before their eyes.
Filipino fans present at the fight venue proudly waved the Philippine flag as Pacquiao claimed his fourth title, the WBC lightweight belt, as he became the first Asian with four titles listed under his name.
Various banners hailing Pacquiao were proudly displayed, as many Pinoy fans had the words “I told you so” written on their happy faces.
Among the notable personalities present at the fight venue were First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, singer-composer Lito Camo and former world champion Mike Tyson.
Cheers heard from home
In the Philippines, local fans also cheered watching their hero win as they celebrated Pacquiao’s victory like it was their own personal triumph.
People in his native General Santos City are now making plans to give their "kababayan" a grand welcome as soon as he arrives back home.
More than 6,000 people watched the fight live at the General Santos Gym, with the local government shouldering P350,000 pay-per-view expenses to accommodate the fans.
Mayor Pedro Acharon was present at the gym to watch the fight.
When Pacquiao floored Diaz, the gym thundered with cheers.
At Pacquiao’s mansion, Pacquiao’s mother, Dionesia, fainted after learning that her son won by knockout.
She urged the boxer to help the victims of the calamity brought by Typhoon Frank.
“Manny will help the flood victims,” she said in Filipino.
Pacquiao’s father, Rosario, said he is happy with his son’s victory. He added that he is already satisfied with what he has and asked nothing from the champion.
In Manila, streets and major thoroughfares were virtually deserted during the fight as more than 6,000 jeepney, tricycle and pedicab drivers trooped to the Tondo Sports Complex to watch the Pacquiao-Diaz match for free.
Despite not earning anything for the day, jeepney driver Bong Reyes said he is happy to see Pacquiao win. The same was said by pedicab driver Lito Navarro, who said he will try asking money from Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim so that he can bring something home to his family.
Greetings from officials
Despite being a Sunday, government officials still issued statements in honor of the boxing champ.
President Arroyo congratulated Pacquiao for winning the WBC lightweight title, describing the fight at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in Las Vegas as a "masterpiece."
"What a masterpiece," Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement sent by Press Secretary Jesus Dureza from San Francisco, California.
"Manny once again showed the sterling quality of excellence of a Filipino at his best," she said after watching the fight on TV while awaiting her flight back to Manila.
Senate President Manuel Villar also joined those who are congratulating Pacquiao.
“His latest historic feat makes Manny not only a pride of the Philippines but a pride of this part of the world, being the first Asian ever to hold four world titles in four different weight classes,” he said.
Presidential deputy spokesman Anthony Golez also praised Pacquiao on his win and for uniting the Filipinos. He said the Filipino boxer’s triumph as given the country hope and pride.
“With our country experiencing tough times brought about by the recent disaster, Manny has given the country hope and pride once again by reminding us that we can be triumphant over any adversary we are facing,” said Golez. (With reports from abs-cbnNEWS.com, ABS-CBN News and Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN General Santos City)
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