By Michelle Castillo
It was four weeks since boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao became the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. But for Christ Ifill, Jonathan Villota and Kevin de la Cruz, the victory was still the main topic of conversation.
The three teenagers were grabbing a bite to eat at the Roosevelt Avenue and 62nd Street corner spot of Jollibee, the one and only New York City location for the Philippines’ leading fast food chain. Between bites of crispy fried chicken, steaming white rice and oil-drenched fries, Ifill bragged that one of his school friends said he looked like Pacquiao.
“He did!” said Ifill, who bears no resemblance to the champion boxer other than being Filipino himself. “He called me Pacquiao!”
Though all three youths were born and raised in America, they stated that Pacquiao has become a thread that connects them with their parents’ home country, the Philippines. Woodside’s large Filipino population embraces him as a local hero.
Above: Ifill and his friends discuss the successful boxer.
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