Pacquiao salutes Tebow for Philippines hospital

Tebow Mania strikes the Philippines as boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, left, salutes U.S. football star Tim Tebow for his efforts to build a hospital in Davao City. Tebow was born in the Philippines to missionary parents. [Reuters]

MANILA -- Philippine boxing champion and Sarangani Province Congressman Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao said Thursday [January 19] that he salutes fellow athlete and Philippine-born NFL superstar Tim Tebow.

“I haven’t met him but I’ve heard what he’s been doing. I salute him,” said Pacquiao, an Army Reserve member who was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December. Pacquiao said he admires Tebow for his faith and humility. “I know that he is also close to the Lord, that he also helps people while being humble.”

When asked how is it like being compared to Tebow, who is known for helping the poor, Pacquiao said, “That he is being compared to me, well I hope there would be more like us.”

Last year, Pacquiao became a member of Philippines Special Forces Regiment. He received the honor after defeating Sugar Shane Mosley to maintain his WBO welterweight championship.

Army officials gave the special honor to Pacquiao for his accomplishments in the ring and his efforts on behalf of the military. He said he will continue to inspire his fellow soldiers, support the military in whatever way he can and bring glory to the country.

Pacquiao sees greatness in Tebow.

“I salute him that even though he is already very famous and very rich, he still seeks guidance and strength from the Lord,” said Pacquiao, the first and only boxer in history to win eight world titles in as many weight divisions.

Tebow, the 24-year old starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, is noted for his unabashed declaration and practice of Christian values, on and off the field. The Denver Broncos first-round draft choice from the University of Florida led his team to the playoffs in his second season. Tebow and the Broncos thrilled Denver fans with come-from-behind victories throughout the season and a first-round playoff upset of perennial power Pittsburgh.

Both men are quick to show their faith to others. Tebow’s pose on one knee with his head bowed in prayer during games has been copied by athletes and others throughout the world.

Pacquiao, who wears a Rosary around his neck each time he climbs the ring, has been recognized for his generosity toward the poor.

Pacquiao is a devout Catholic and just as pious.

The last couple of months, Pacquaio has been deep into Bible studies, so deep that he has declared himself as a changed man. “I am just human and to err is human. But now, I feel closer to the Lord and I feel so lucky that the Lord is now using me to help the people,” he said.

Pacquaio is a giver, and once, his promoter, Bob Arum, said, “If there is a Social Welfare System in the Philippines, it is called Manny Pacquiao. He brings children to school and is building a hospital for his constituents. He’s one of the very few persons on earth that on his birthdays, he’s the one giving away gifts.”

Once, Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, told him, “You’re giving away too much.” And Pacquiao replied, “All our money, you can’t bring them with you when you go to heaven.”

Tebow was born in the Philippines to American parents Robert and Pamela Tebow, Baptist missionaries in Mindanao.

Last November, Tebow announced that he is partnering with CURE International to build the Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City. A third of the patients of the 30-bed hospital will serve charity cases, according to the foundation.

Tebow is expected to lead the hospital’s groundbreaking this month. It is slated to open in mid-2013.

“I was born in the Philippines and my parents have been missionaries to that area since 1985,” Tebow has said in a statement.

“The Philippines has always had a special place in my heart. I’m excited to be a part of this hospital that will bring healing to thousands of children who would not otherwise have access to care,” he added.

The children’s hospital is estimated to cost around $3 million, and both the Tim Tebow Foundation and Cure International will share the cost.

Dr. Scott Harrison, founder and president of CURE International, said throughout the world, 80 million children suffer every day from crippling conditions such as clubfoot and spine deformities, conditions that are correctable with surgery.

“We feel blessed that the Tim Tebow Foundation has chosen to partner with us to bring first-world quality care and spiritual healing to the children of the Philippines,” Harrison said.

The Tebow Cure Hospital is not the first project of the foundation in the country. Uncle Dick’s Home, an orphanage founded by the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association, also receives support. Located in Lamsugod, Surallah, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines, the orphanage is currently the home to 49 orphans, according to the Tim Tebow Foundation.

The world is lucky to have Tebow and Pacquaio around. For these are the true, great superstars – off the field and outside the ring.