MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL

A question that could spark a debate, an endless one, even perhaps, an argument.

- ABAC CORDERO

Who’s the greatest of them all?

But in this small nation with a huge appetite for sports, more than politics and religion, one had to ask.

Is it Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer on this planet to win world titles in eight weight divisions? Is it Hidilyn Diaz, who lifted the country’s spirits with its breakthrough gold medal in the Olympics? Is it Paeng Nepomuceno, the four-time.

Bowling World Cup champion who was so good they put up his statue in front of the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum in Arlington, Texas? Is it Efren Reyes, the pool magician with the famous toothless smile, and perhaps the most loved Filipino athlete? Is it Caloy Loyzaga, a two-time Olympian once ranked among the finest basketball players in the world?

Or is it Carlos Yulo, that little boy from Leveriza St. in Manila, who dreamed big and, flying like he had coil springs in his legs, won two gold medals in gymnastics in the Paris Olympics?