IN their desperate need to find a hero, the Filipino people have so identified with Manny Pacquiao, the world?s greatest boxer pound for pound today, that it seems fitting he should wear the Philippine flag.

Nike has exclusively designed for him a coat with the flag motif (whatever the constitutional ramifications). He was seen wearing it while signing autographs for fans and playing chess to relax himself before the fight with Oscar de la Hoya.

Nike also designed for wife Jinkee a white jacket with her name inscribed on it.

After the fateful fight, the coosome twosome spent the wee hours with friends and kin watching the replay on TV. Always, after a fight, Pacquiao is not allowed to sleep until early morning, so the doctor, or close associates, at least can watch and monitor him for signs of internal injury, particularly brain hemorrhage.

As for De la Hoya, he has now been relegated to being redubbed ?Silver Boy,? as the new Golden Boy is relishing his victory over his erstwhile idol. And what damage the Mexican boxer could not inflict on the Filipino champ, the fans surely did as they mobbed him during the victory party in Rum Jungle at Mandalay, in Vegas. In the crush, Pacquaio was pushed to a steel post, resulting in ankle injury.

As his close associate told the Philippine Daily Inquirer: ?You can say he suffered the injury?after the fight. His ankle remains swollen.?

Pacquiao would return to the States with his kids to join the eight-month-pregnant Jinkee for Christmas in their new house in Hollywood. Asked what he would like to name his forthcoming daughter, he answered straightaway: ?Queen Elizabeth.? (Oo nga naman. He already has a Princess.)

On these pages are his private moments before and after the fight, taken by Eric Pineda.