Anyone who’s spent time in a State University would have been exposed to the ideals of serving the people, and of living a life of integrity and honesty. The institution calls us to use our education to become bayani–not in the put-your-face-in-the-country’s-peso-bills sort of way, but in the archaic sense of being the champion of those who cannot champion themselves. The State University calls on its students to become heroes.
But the realities of capitalist society will often put the idealist in place. The Filipino may be worth fighting, or dying, for, but you won’t always find yourself in a position of defending the people. The truth is, defending yourself will occur more often. You will have to find a job. You will need to feed your family, or to pay for your younger siblings’ tuition fees. You could get repeatedly abducted by a crazy cult hell-bent on turning you into a zombie. It’s all relatable!
This is perhaps why RG becoming a part of Gus Global doubly stings, if you’re one of the fans who came from UP. Yes, what he did was an extreme 180, and he’s completely given up the UP identity for the corporate identity. It’s all deplorable, but it’s doubly hurtful because, if we’re being true to ourselves, we too have given up part of our souls because we like to drink milk tea with pearls.
Will Gigz Stryker be able to punch some sense into corporate RG? History says no. But wrestling isn’t history, so there may be hope for RG’s dugong UP yet.
Religious Concessions
Nevertheless, Gus is in search of allies to secure his hold on the MWF, and of all the factions that have formed, the cult of Liwanag is the one that has been around since day one. But why is Moises the #1 contender, though? While he is the leader of the faction and has always been a good talker, it’s Jomar who has superior wrestling skills. And if it’s spectacle we’re after, Jorelle would have been the choice that gets everyone talking.
Also, why didn’t Gus favor his manok, Rex Lawin? Democracy doesn’t necessarily place the most qualified person in appointed positions–even the Romans eventually became a decadent empire.
On the other hand, the rest of the Bahay ng Liwanag are set to face Kanto “Kilabot” Terror and Luchadonna in a tag team match. Luchadonna lost last time to Jorelle in a less than stellar match–will veteran support from the Kilabot? Or will he just drink himself into a stupor?
The Perils of Youth
How will they bounce back and regain their focus? Will Morgan Vaughn continue to be subservient to Frankie? Remember, it’s Morgan and not the King of Manila who got to the semifinals of the MWF Championship Tournament. Also, will Ashura make her presence known this time?
Now I am the Master
Other Storylines
- Despite being fired, this author believes that we haven’t seen the last of former commissioner Mike Shannon. How will she find her way back into the #ManilaVerse?
- Robin Sane has yet to secure a solid title defense, and it makes him less appealing as a champion. Hopefully, he gets an impressive win sooner rather than later.
- If there’s anything the WWE has taught me, it’s that undefeated streaks are followed by long losing streaks. Will the once unbeatable Fabio Makisig get his groove back? Will he try to bite into big fish yet again as he continues to snipe at management, regardless of who the management is?
What are you most looking forward to at MWF 9: Oras ng Liwanag? Will we see a new MWF Champion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Disclosure: Smark Henry is independently managed and operated by a group of local wrestling fans, but includes members affiliated with the Philippine Wrestling Revolution.
