Team Lakay members used to watch Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao win world boxing titles from the comforts of their own homes. But on National Heroes Day on 26 August, the biggest names of Philippine mixed martial arts finally shared the stage with their long-time idol.
ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, Philippine mixed martial arts icon Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, and coach Mark Sangiao represented ONE Championship as they made a surprise appearance alongside the Philippine Senator for Grab’s Ka-Grab Rewards presentation at The Mall Of Asia Arena.
It only goes to show how far Team Lakay has come.
“It’s not impossible,” Folayang said. “We were just watching him before and now we’re with him. It just shows that if we work on our dreams, we’ll have a good chance of reaching them.”
Still, they could not help but feel a bit starstruck when they shared the spotlight with the only eight-division boxing World Champion.
“I would love to apply as a bodyguard, that way I’ll be with him everywhere,” Folayang said.
“It’s such a huge honor that we were joined by a legend and a hero in Philippine sports. That’s a huge boost for us to do our part even with our small following.”
They might be superstars in their own rights, but to this day, Pacquiao never ceases to push them to strive for new heights.
That is the same kind of effect that Team Lakay athletes hope to have on people.
“I watched every documentary of his, and you know it’s inspiring to see where he came from. He really worked for his dreams, that’s why he’s here now,” Sangiao said.
“I know he wasn’t expecting to be here, but because of his character, his perseverance, he reached unprecedented heights. I hope that more athletes will get to emulate Manny’s path.”
Watch ONE Championship’s next event, ONE: IMMORTAL TRIUMPH, on 6 September in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It will be the organization’s first ever all-Super Series event.
To catch all the action, download the ONE Super App.