Doing it for the country? How?
By stuckonu
@stuckonu (726)
Philippines
September 25, 2011 8:11am CST
I am a Filipino but I don't get it when athletes (boxers mostly) say that they're fighting for the country. I can understand if they will say that they are doing it for their family, because they will definitely benefit out of their prize money, but how about the country? It doesn't give their country nor the common people anything. What do you think?
7 responses
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
26 Sep 11
The following are reasons I think why the country benefits from the triumphs of our boxers when they fight abroad.
1. The make the Philippines famous and that they shouldn't underestimate our boxers
2. It makes an impression that our boxers are world class.
3. They spend most of their prize in the Philippines which helps the economy
4. If they became champions and manage their wealth well, they come out of poverty. So that's one less poor family in this country.
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
26 Sep 11
When a Filipino fights in other countries, he doesn't fight for his name alone but he'll be representing the entire country as well. If he wins, that means in a way the Philippines is a winner too. He can keep the money but entire Philippines shares the glory.
@stuckonu (726)
• Philippines
26 Sep 11
I think you have a point that it affects the country's economy in a way but still it doesn't have that much of an effect to thousands of poor Filipinos. so, it's quite annoying to see these athletes being promoted as heroes whereas they haven't done a big deal to end the country's problems. Thanks for your insight anyway!
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
25 Sep 11
They give honor to the country because they carry the Philippine flag whenever they fight.And don't we all sing with them and bring our best singers whenever we sing the the National anthem before any fight, if that does not bring honor to the country, I wonder what will
Sure they earn for their families like all of us, but similar to OFW's, athletes also bring in dollars to the country. Are we not proud when people from other countries praise the way our athletes like "Pacman" conduct themselves in the ring? the humility? faith in God? sportsmanship, the tenacity to learn another language and get elected to public office despite humble beginnings. Does it not make us all proud when Filipino boxers like Nonito "the flash"Donaire or Brian " the Hawaiian Punch" Viloria carry the Philippine flag and proclaim to the world that they are Filipinos despite the fact that they are living and or citizens already of a foreign land. If that is not fighting for the country, I wonder what is
Sure they earn for their families like all of us, but similar to OFW's, athletes also bring in dollars to the country. Are we not proud when people from other countries praise the way our athletes like "Pacman" conduct themselves in the ring? the humility? faith in God? sportsmanship, the tenacity to learn another language and get elected to public office despite humble beginnings. Does it not make us all proud when Filipino boxers like Nonito "the flash"Donaire or Brian " the Hawaiian Punch" Viloria carry the Philippine flag and proclaim to the world that they are Filipinos despite the fact that they are living and or citizens already of a foreign land. If that is not fighting for the country, I wonder what is
@m4ndr4ke (219)
• Philippines
25 Sep 11
I'm also confused with Donaire and Viloria. Viloria I think is a US Citizen and he even competed under the USA in his amateur days. I don't know about Donaire maybe he has dual citizenship or something. I think filipinos will just accept everybody as countryman as long as there is filipino blood in their system.
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
25 Sep 11
@m4ndr4ke, I think that is one way that makes us unique as a people, same way we will accept people as "kamaganak"(relative)no matter how distant, like if he is a cousin of a third degree cousin etc...
,we always find a way to connect, root wise or blood wise. Yeah Villoria and Donaire carry the colors, so with the Azkcal players, and a lot of Basketball players, most Filipinos do not forget their roots because of our close family ties, they have ties to the country even if they are growing up elsewhere
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,we always find a way to connect, root wise or blood wise. Yeah Villoria and Donaire carry the colors, so with the Azkcal players, and a lot of Basketball players, most Filipinos do not forget their roots because of our close family ties, they have ties to the country even if they are growing up elsewhere.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
26 Sep 11
oh that is of course what people say. I agree that it is totally not for the country, i mean it is really for themselves and their families. bringing the country's name with their fame would be secondary and it is not for the main reason. I think that all those saying this is for the country.. they should then give 100% of their earnings to the "country" to prove their sincerity.
@tholitz (1127)
• Philippines
26 Sep 11
Hi stuckonu!
In amateur boxing, I really believe that these quotes still hold true since you're representing and really fighting for your country. Besides there's less money involved (probably allowances) and you will really depend on your determination and love for the sports.
In professional, since boxers are also being tagged from what country they came from so whatever they achieved inside the ring will also be reflected to their country, whether it is fame or shame. But I think you have a point, whenever a boxer fight the big factor would be their own causes and family too.
Have a nice day!
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
6 Oct 11
Actually, they are trained to be athletes with the help of our government. Hence, when they fight of course they will say it's for our country, because it's what they really represent.
As for the family, it is already given that they also do it in order to have money for their family.
@raijem (335)
• Philippines
25 Sep 11
I think what they mean by that is that they are giving honor to the country - nothing more, nothing less. They are bringing recognition and honor to their homeland. Other than that, I guess there is nothing more to it. Some may say that these guys rake in dollars which helps on the remittances, some say these guys pay big taxes which the government uses for public service. But then bottomline is other than giving honor for their country, we get nothing more out of them. Just my two cents.
@m4ndr4ke (219)
• Philippines
25 Sep 11
I think they mean that by every time they win, they bring "honor" to the country just like other sports and beauty pageants. A single victory means a victory for the Philippines. What they will do with the prize money is up to them whether they will keep it all for themselves/family or donate some of it to their countrymen.
