Eye Opener
Pacquiao vs. Darlene
Another sensational fight is brewing in the first district of South Cotabato and General Santos City. This time Pacman will wrestle with a lady champion, Rep. Darlene Antonio- Custodio of the hometown of the recent conqueror of Mexico's world class ring fighter Jorge Solis. As boxing enthusiasts the world over know, Manny Pacquiao dropped to the canvass Mexico's undefeated boxing champion twice in the 8th round of the scheduled 12 rounds match last Sunday, April 15 at the San Antonio Alamodome, Texas, U.S.A.
Congressman Darlene Antonio-Custodio was at the city's Lagao Gym last Sunday morning cheering up for Manny Pacquiao's ringside fight. She was smiling and clapping her hands, the reports said, every round of the game. She is really a sports-minded lady solon with no rancor in her heart when along with hundreds of Pacman fans, she cheered happily for Manny's victory.
Rep. Darlene is the daughter of General Santos City Mayor Custodio, a veteran and undisputed kingpin in the first district of the South Cotabato. Pacquiao will not be using his hard punch against the lady opponent but his popularity and fame as the World Boxing Council International Super Featherweight crown and political pundits predict victory for the wonder boy of South Cotabato.
Arlene Custodio will take advantage of her many public works projects and assistance given to the poor of South Cotabato residents for so many years. She is also very popular in her district with a good record in Congress. Her father, a well- known political figure in General Santos City, has a well-oiled political machinery. She might surprise Pacquiao with her oratory in winning votes for her candidacy.
On the other hand, Pacquiao's fans will give him the much needed majority votes to win the congressional seat. Arlene may challenge Manny into a debate over radio and television in Gen. Santos City as to what her opponent can do in Congress. Pacman is ready to face Darlene in an impending debate as Manny has even excelled in world television interviews after his many boxing victories.
When Pacman motors to Gen. Santos City in a day or two, Arlene told newspaper reporters that she will be there to cheer for the Filipino hero. Pacman has all the advantages behind him, money and popularity. Darlene's accomplishments are her sponsored bills in Congress and the many projects she gave to her constituents in South Cotabato and General Santos City. Will the popularity of her 3-termer city mayor father help?
The fight of Manny and Darlene is another event to watch come May 14. There will be no knock out but only orchids for the victor!