When you think of boxing fans, you might picture a bunch of guys with beer paunches shouting and punching the air. The reality: a gaggle of nannies by day and squealing boxing nuts by night hoping for a knockout.
Manny Pacquiao is a national hero with an unlikely following. Considering there are more than 172,000 Filipinos living in Toronto alone, according to the 2006 Census, Manny or "Pac-Man" as he's affectionately known, is a big export and source of pride to many expats from the Philippines.
The boxer's third match against Mexico's Juan Manual Marquez was cause for a party this past weekend.
"Everyone loves him, even the little children," 24-year-old nanny Maurenn Sardina told the Star. For Pac's female entourage, it's not so much about the gore (although Sardina claims to "like the punching") but the victory of a good man.
Not only is Pac-Man the source of nose bleeds, he also happens to be a congressman in the Philippines.
"He helps a lot of people back home," claimed another caregiver, Susan Destura, who has called Canada home for the past four years. "He's very humble."
It must also be a great way to let your hair down after a day spent contending with runny noses and meltdowns. The nannies weren't disappointed; Pac came out on top against Marquez.
Are you a devout follower of a national sport? While I'm no fan, I think hockey, to Canucks -- and boxing to Filipinos -- is as much about the game as it is about national pride and fostering a sense of community.
Go, Pac, go!
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She isn't the usual elementary school guest, for sure. Even parents in the largely liberal state of California were miffed to find a porn star visited their kids' classroom.
As part of the Read Across America programme, porn "legend" Sasha Grey attended Emerson Elementary School in Compton, California where she read to first and third graders.
Though Grey relished the experience, parents of the students weren't quite so thrilled. Initially Emerson officials denied Grey's visit -- a silly move, as Grey had openly tweeted about it and photos taken at the event proved that she was, indeed, there in the flesh.
Grey stressed that she has retired from the porn industry and has since added many notches to her career belt -- including published author, mainstream actress (she has a part in the film "I Melt With You" starring, ironically, Rob Lowe), PETA activist and Occupy Wall Street supporter.
"I am an actor. I am an artist. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a partner. I have a past that some people may not agree with, but it does not define who I am..." she told TMZ. "I believe in the future of our children, and I will remain an active supporter and participant in education-focused initiatives."
Was her attendance at the elementary school appropriate, or is her background irrelevant? Should her past life as a porn star preclude her from participating in education programmes?
Image Credit: The Superficial
If you listen closely right now, you can probably hear the sobs of women all over the world mourning the news of Brad Pitt's impending retirement from the silver screen.
The actor, heartthrob and hero announced during an interview with Australia's 60 Minutes his plan to give up acting in three years, as it conflicts with his role as family man and hubby to Angelina Jolie.
"If I'm choosing a film now," said Pitt, "I want it to be maybe less immature than things I have done in the past. I'm very conscious, when they're adults I want it to mean something to them. I want them to think, 'Dad’s alright.' It changes everything. Everything. And it's so damn interesting."
You're right that becoming a parent changes everything, Brad. And your commitment to being a great dad is possibly the only thing that will help your legions of female fans forgive you for ending your career prematurely!
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