Izenberg: Manny Pacquiao a national hero to Filipinos here and
in homeland  on November 12, 2009 at 8:00 AM, updated November
12, 2009 at 1:30 PM Manny PacquiaoManny Pacquiao says of his
immense popularity in the Phillipines: 'The people suffer so
much. They have so little hope. So maybe it’s because I bring
them good news.' "He is the bringer of a joyful occasion. His
life has been a renewal of our aspirations. He is a rare
person.” Maria Altamirino, bank vice-president, on the
passionate link between Manny Pacquiao and the Philippine
community in Las Vegas  “When Manny fights, an entire country on
the other side of the world goes to church and prays for him.”
Nonito Donaire, the interim WBA super flyweight champion and a
Filipino, on what Pacquiao means to his homeland  LAS VEGAS —
There are 65,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans living and
working in greater Las Vegas. They were small in number until
2000, when a variety of reasons set off an unexpected migration
from California. It began in cities such a