Palaro opening and the Megafight

By Neil Bravo
The host province Davao del Norte should start thinking what to do on opening day of the Palarong Pambansa on May 3, which is also the day Manny Pacquiao fights Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.
Depending on the results of the undercard, the Megafight should happen on real time between 12 o’clock noon to 1 o’clock in the afternoon. About that time too, the 17 regional delegations of the Palarong Pambansa should be starting to converge elsewhere in Tagum City for the opening parade.
Judging from past fights, a Manny Pacquiao Sunday leaves the streets all over the country empty as everyone stay indoors to watch the fight or gather around the barangay gymnasium for a free public viewing. Everything, including our heartbeat, practically stops during a Pacquiao fight.
This time on May 3 (Philippine Time), the Manny Pacquao Sunday is no ordinary Sunday. This is megafight Sunday and the country’s boxing superstar is fighting the most important fight of his life and the biggest fight in boxing history.
On that day too, Davao del Norte is hosting the biggest sports conclave in the country—the first ever for the Davao Region since 1953.
Having said that, if I were in the shoes of Davao del Norte, I would start thinking how the Palarong Pambansa opening can complement the colossal boxing event instead of rivaling it in terms of audience. For sure, no one will be out in the streets until after the megafight.
The Palarong Pambansa opening could be the biggest venue for a Pacquiao viewing. That is, if the organizers wish to bring in the crowd early to the sports complex. With free public viewing in the stadium while people await the parade, the Palarong Pambansa could cash in on the megafight for a blockbuster opening day.
Depending on the result, it could also be the venue for what could be the biggest sports celebration if Manny successfully defeats Mayweather. I can just imagine the frenzy and the wild celebration in Tagum City once our very own champ conquers the undefeated American.
Perhaps, Congressman Anthony del Rosario can also ask his colleague Cong. Pacquiao to deliver a recorded message for the Palarong Pambansa opening.
I’ll push it further. How about somebody telling Manny (if he wins) to greet all the delegates of the Palarong Pambansa straight from Las Vegas?
Can it be done?
I think so.
That is if the people running the Palarong Pambansa can start thinking creatively.